Wonder Woman Syndrome: The Hidden Stress Epidemic in Women
Somewhere along the way, women were sold the idea that our worth is tied to how much we can get done in a single day. Work a full-time job, raise the kids, keep the house spotless, get dinner on the table, hit the gym, maintain friendships—and smile while doing it. Sound familiar? This is what I call Wonder Woman Syndrome. And while society may applaud it, our bodies are waving the white flag.
What Really Happens When You’re “Superwoman”
When you’re constantly running from one task to the next, your body isn’t just “busy”—it’s living in survival mode. Cortisol (your stress hormone) goes into overdrive, and while it’s meant to save your life in a true emergency, living with chronically high cortisol does the opposite. We’re talking stubborn belly fat, sugar cravings, PMS, low libido, mood swings, digestive issues, insomnia—the whole frustrating package.
The Modern-Day Tiger Chase
Here’s the thing: your body doesn’t know the difference between being chased by a saber-toothed tiger and being overwhelmed by back-to-back meetings, teenage drama, or a never-ending to-do list. Stress is stress. And when it’s relentless, it chips away at your health, hormones, and happiness.
Breaking the Cycle
The antidote to Wonder Woman Syndrome isn’t found in hustling harder—it’s in giving yourself permission to slow down. That means asking for help (yes, it’s allowed), saying no without guilt, and carving out non-negotiable time for rest and joy. Whether it’s yoga, meditation, journaling, or simply sitting in silence with your coffee, these “small” acts have a massive impact on your hormones and your waistline.
If this hit home, you’ll want to read the full blog where I break down exactly how high cortisol sabotages your hormones and weight loss—and what you can do about it starting today.
Read the full post here: karenmartel.com
Find Karen Martel on Apply Podcast
Karen Martel is a Certified Hormone Specialist and Transformational Nutrition Coach dedicated to empowering women through their health journeys.
As the host of the popular podcast The Hormone Solution, Karen tackles the complexities of hormonal health, weight loss resistance, and the challenges that come with perimenopause and menopause.
Her mission is to disrupt outdated narratives surrounding women's health, providing reliable information and practical solutions that help women reclaim their vitality.
Tune in to discover how to embrace life's stages while enhancing overall well-being.
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