Episode Details

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Everyone talks about high cortisol and belly fat. But what happens when cortisol goes the other direction — when your stress system has been running so hard, for so long, that it shuts down? That is HPA axis dysfunction. And the fat loss rules change completely.

In this episode of the Metabolism and Menopause Podcast, Stephanie Crassweller explains why low cortisol makes weight loss nearly impossible — and why the standard advice to eat less and train harder is the worst thing you can do in this state. From blood sugar crashes your body cannot rescue, to workouts that destroy you instead of building you, to a fat mobilization system that cannot access your own stored energy — this episode connects the dots on why you are doing everything right and gaining weight.

In this episode:

• How the HPA axis goes from high cortisol to low cortisol — and why it is a protective mechanism, not a failure

• Why low cortisol wrecks your blood sugar and creates the crash-crave-crash cycle

• Why intense exercise makes HPA axis dysfunction worse — and what to do instead

• How low cortisol blocks fat mobilization and forces your body to burn muscle for fuel

• The five-step order of operations to rebuild before you attempt fat loss

• Why perimenopause and menopause make women especially vulnerable to this pattern

📖 My Book, Conquering Menopause, Preorder Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/conquering-menopause-stephanie-crassweller/1151129377?ean=9798895741719

👉 Links mentioned in the episode:

• 2 Types of “High” Cortisol Causing Weight Gain | MMP Ep. 336: https://youtu.be/vskrWbdrH3U
• When More Protein Makes You Fat In Menopause (Gluconeogenesis) | MMP Ep. 301: https://youtu.be/WqmzEHghfGQ

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📲 Connect With Stephanie:

• Our Website: https://www.vitalityoet.com

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@metabolismandmenopausepodcast

• Email: stephanie@vitalityoet.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vitalityoet.stephanie

• Listen the Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-metabolism-and-menopause-podcast/id1683220450

• All Resources: https://stan.store/vitalityoetstephanie

Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should not be used as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare professional. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise, medications, supplements, or healthcare plan. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you heard on this podcast.

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© 2026 Stephanie Crassweller & VitalityOET