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Do cortisol levels rise as you age? Understanding the hormonal shifts of aging

According to scientific studies, mean 24-hour cortisol levels tend to increase with age due to changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This age-related hormonal shift doesn't just mean more cortisol in the body; it fundamentally alters the body's daily stress response. So, do cortisol levels rise as you age? The answer is a bit more complex, involving both higher average exposure and a disrupted daily pattern.