Cortisol is more than just a stress hormone—it’s a major player in energy, metabolism, sleep, and mood. But it doesn’t affect everyone the same. In women, cortisol imbalances often drive fatigue, hormone disruption, belly fat, and sleep issues. In men, it can suppress testosterone, trigger mood changes, and stall recovery. Learn how stress shows up differently across genders—and what to do when your body stays stuck in survival mode.