Ep 151: "Cortisol: The Misunderstood Stress Hormone" with Dr. Carla DiGirolamo

We hear so much about cortisol, the "stress hormone," on social media these days. Cortisol has become a buzz word in the health and fitness industry—part of a cautionary tale used to warn women away from intense bouts of exercise they age.

From fear-mongering posts about how it’s ruining your health to questionable advice from "hormone coaches" selling pricey supplements and restrictive diets—it can be hard to separate fact from fiction.

That’s why we brought in the expert, Dr. Carla DiGirolamo—a Board Certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and fitness enthusiast (not to mention a CrossFit trainer and certified nutrition coach). She’s spent her career helping active women—from puberty to menopause—optimize their mental and physical performance. Yep, she’s basically a rockstar when it comes to understanding hormones and coaching high-performing women.

This week’s episode of The Fit Bottomed Girls Podcast is all about cortisol—the misunderstood “stress hormone” everyone loves to hate. We’re cutting through the noise, debunking myths, and exploring how cortisol plays a critical role in your health, fitness, and overall resilience. Together, Dr. Carla and I tackle the conversation we all need to hear about cortisol, women’s health, and the truth behind those viral hormone claims.

Seriously, this week’s episode is one for the books. 

Here’s why we’re obsessed with this episode:

Dr. Carla’s analogy of cortisol as the trombone in a much larger orchestra will completely change the way you think about hormones, stress, and health. (Spoiler alert: it’s not all about cortisol!) She also dives into practical ways to dial down stress, recover better, and stay strong as you age.

Real Talk: Recovery Matters

Recovery isn’t just a checkbox after a workout—it’s where improvement actually happens. Whether it’s dialing in your nutrition, prioritizing sleep, or finally learning to love your cool-down routine, recovery helps you stay resilient and ready for your next challenge.

Don’t skip this one if…

✅ You’ve been freaked out by cortisol content on social media.

✅ You want to know how to be stronger (and healthier) as you age.

✅ You’re curious about how hormones impact your stress and performance.

Tune in now to hear Dr. Carla’s incredible insights and practical advice!

👉 Listen to the Full Episode Here<