Myths vs facts: Cortisol senken and Wechseljahre

The question of myths vs facts about lowering cortisol during menopause is nuanced. Fact: Menopause involves estrogen decline, which can affect the HPA axis and cortisol regulation. Some women experience increased stress sensitivity. Myth: Many commercial products (supplements like ashwagandha, rhodiola, or specific diets) claim to reliably lower cortisol. Evidence is weak to mixed—small effect sizes, short durations, and lack of rigorous controls. Another myth: DNA tests (e.g., rs25531 in the serotonin transporter gene) can predict who benefits from cortisol-lowering interventions. Clinical relevance is unclear, and effect sizes are small. Fact: Chronically elevated cortisol can harm sleep, metabolism, and mood, but lowering it should be guided by a healthcare professional. Lifestyle interventions (exercise, sleep hygiene, stress management) have the strongest evidence. Caveat: The provided context lacks direct studies on cortisol and menopause. This answer is based on general evidence. Evidence grade: mixed/unclear.