Although men are affected by stress and pro-inflammatory cortisol response, women undergo a double whammy – the pro-inflammatory cortisol-sugar-insulin connection and the effect of male-type horomones in their bodies. Men are not adversely affected by high levels of androgens in their systems in the same way that women are, as androgens are male hormones.

Women are susceptible to adrenal horomone stimulation because most of a women’s androgens are synthesized in the adrenal glands. The stimulation of the oil glands brought on by pro-inflammatory responses results in clogging of pores and increased secretion of pro-inflammatory fatty acids, which release the chemical messengers known as cytokines. Thus, the pro-inflammatory fire is fed.

You can incorporate these simple strategies into your daily life to guard against the cortisol roller coaster:

• Get enough sleep – at least six to eight hours
• Minimize stress
• Think green – substitute green tea for coffee
• Take time for yourself – set aside 15 to 20 minutes of quiet time
• Exercise