CORTIS

Cortisol, long blamed for harming fertility, is being recast as a helpful hormone in reproduction. New research suggests the stress hormone plays a supportive role in reproductive processes rather than simply disrupting them, challenging the widespread assumption that elevated cortisol automatically undermines fertility and conception.

Health experts at UCLA Health are addressing the viral term 'cortisol face', explaining what elevated stress hormones can and cannot do to facial appearance. The guidance clarifies that while chronic stress can affect the body, the puffy look attributed to cortisol is often exaggerated online, and offers practical advice on managing stress and when to seek medical evaluation.

A new long read examines the paradox of leadership and stress. It cites a 2012 PNAS study finding that leaders had lower cortisol levels and less anxiety than non-leaders, largely because leadership brings a greater sense of control. The piece argues the picture reverses when responsibility outpaces actual control, and when isolation strips away social support, leaving leaders worn down despite their apparent power.

A fitness trend built around keeping cortisol levels low during exercise is gaining widespread attention online, with workouts marketed as gentler alternatives to high-intensity training. The approach claims that intense exercise can raise stress hormones and undermine health, prompting interest in walking, pilates and moderate routines. Experts point out that while chronic stress affects cortisol, the science on low-cortisol workouts remains limited and claims often outpace the evidence.