5 Best Supplements To Reduce Cortisol (2024) Reviewed and Compared

Cortisol, otherwise known as the “stress hormone,” is one of the most important hormones in the body. You can find it in almost every tissue, impacting many different areas of your daily life, from your stress, to your workouts and productivity, to your sleep.

For years, cortisol has been taken to court in the health and fitness world as public enemy #1. That’s because, correctly, thanks to increased stress levels, our cortisol levels are often too elevated too much of the time.

However, this isn’t the full story. Cortisol is neither good nor bad.

In reality, cortisol should follow along with our circadian rhythm.

While too much cortisol all of the time is bad, we need cortisol to keep us alert, awake, and performing our best. In fact, it’s one of the main “fight or flight” hormones.

Historically, without cortisol, we wouldn’t have been able to run away from an angry lion. Today, we wouldn’t be able to focus on our most important work or perform our best in the gym. It’s important to deal with necessary stressors, which things like work and exercise provide. The problem is when these stressors prolong indefinitely, which causes a consistent, elevated cortisol response.

So what we really want isn’t to get rid of cortisol, but to sync it back up into our ideal patterns, where it’s high when we need to be alert and focused (like during training or while working), and low as we ease our way into the evening and while we sleep.

In sum, we want cortisol elevated during the day and cortisol low in the evening.

The tried-and-true methods for this involve steps like improving your sleep, exercising during the day, avoiding stress at night. In addition to these basics, a cortisol-management supplement makes sense in some situations.

However, we are strangers on the internet, so talk to your healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement.

Today we’ll be reviewing the five all-natural, reputable, and often-recommended supplements to help manage and reduce cortisol. PrimeGENIX CortiSync came in at the top of our list due to its efficacy, popularity, and reliability.

But first, some more background.

What Is Cortisol?

Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone produced and released by the adrenal gland. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone, which is a type of steroid hormone. Glucocorticoid hormones are responsible for the suppression of inflammation in all your bodily tissues, controlling the metabolism, and affecting your sleep-wake cycle.

Practically all tissues in the body have glucocorticoid receptors; this means that cortisol plays a significant role in many different physical processes. The nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, reproductive system, musculoskeletal system, and integumentary system all rely on balanced cortisol levels.

Some specific functions of cortisol within the body include:

• Regulating the body’s stress response
• Regulating the metabolism
• Suppressing inflammation
• Regulating blood pressure
• Regulating blood sugar levels
• Controlling sleep-wake cycles

The hypothalamus and pituitary glands are responsible for the regulation of cortisol. Cortisol must be in a perfect balance to maintain many bodily functions.

What Imbalanced Levels Of Cortisol Can Do

Too much or too little cortisol can cause noticeable difficulties in your daily life. The imbalance of cortisol levels is often due to regulation problems by the hypothalamus, pituitary glands, or adrenal glands.

Weight gain, wide stretch marks on the stomach, muscle weakness in the arms and thighs, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, excessive hair growth, and weak bones are the common symptoms of high cortisol levels.

Fatigue, unnecessary weight loss, poor appetite, and low blood pressure are the common symptoms of low cortisol levels.

Definitely speak with your health care provider if you suspect high or low cortisol levels, and stop reading articles on the internet about it. If you’re in a rabbit hole, this is your invitation to leave. Often the solution may be as simple as a bit of lifestyle change, a daily supplement, or other medications.

How To Naturally Balance Your Cortisol Levels

High levels of cortisol may be a result of chronic disease. It may lead to an impaired immune system, lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, and concentration problems. More often, though, it’s just because you’re not taking care of yourself and covering the basics. Yes, we’re talking about sleep, exercise, nutrition, and other interventions you’ve heard 1000 times. Let’s go over some natural ways to increase cortisol levels.

• Get quality sleep. Studies show a direct correlation between sleep schedules and cortisol levels. Getting a decent night’s sleep may be effective in lowering cortisol. In particular, strategies like having a consistent sleep schedule, and other ideas we cover in this article on how to improve sleep quality.
• Exercise. Exercise can increase or decrease cortisol levels, depending on the intensity. Intense workouts are shown to increase cortisol levels immediately after working out while reducing cortisol levels in the long run. Regular exercise can also help improve sleep and balance stress.
• Eat healthy. High-added sugar food may increase cortisol, whereas food that supports a healthy gut encourages balanced cortisol levels and overall improvements in physical health.
• Reduce stress. There is a close connection between stress and cortisol. Practicing mindful thinking, working on breathing techniques, and avoiding unnecessary stressful situations may decrease cortisol levels. This was covered in a scientific yet accessible fashion in Dr. Robert Sapolsky’s book, Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers.

• Try a hormone-balancing supplement. If you’ve checked all the basics, talked with your doctor, and still nee There are a lot of all-natural, hormone-balancing supplements available to help assist in the balance of cortisol levels within the body. These can be great tools to get your mind and body back on track.

Balancing cortisol levels may be a difficult task for most people.

It requires a lot of inner and outer focus because cortisol is closely connected with your mental and physical well-being.

*Note: We do have affiliate links throughout this article, which means we receive a commission if you purchase from any of our links. This supports our mission to bring complicated health and fitness info in an entertaining package. And it keeps us from putting up annoying things like banner ads. Those suck.

Also, every product on our list is 3rd-party tested. The supplement industry is notoriously scummy, so 3rd-party verification is a prerequisite for us.

Our Top Five Best Supplements For Cortisol Support

We have compared the top all-natural supplement for cortisol support to provide you with a comprehensive list of the most recommendable options. PrimeGENIX CortiSync earned the #1 spot on the list for many reasons, but there are a few other products worth considering.

1) PrimeGENIX CortiSync^™

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PrimeGENIX acknowledges that avoiding physical and mental stress is impossible in many situations. Because of this, their goal is to provide you with a safe and effective solution for balancing cortisol levels when stress cannot be prevented.

What Is PrimeGENIX CortiSync?

PrimeGENIX CortiSync is a mix of natural, well-known ingredients that aim to bring cortisol levels to a healthy and natural position. Balanced cortisol levels will result in various health benefits, from weight management to better sleep, mental clarity, and improvements in physical health.

This natural supplement was created by leading experts in the field and relies on science and clinical trials to support the results of CortiSync.

What To Expect From CortiSync

PrimeGENIX CortiSync targets those suffering from high cortisol levels, although it can also help those with low cortisol levels. In general, it’s just a solid supplement with lots of healthy, effective ingredients. Balanced cortisol levels will bring your body and mind to a much healthier and more sustainable starting point.

• Improve physical performance
• Gain strength
• Boost energy levels
• Improve metabolism
• Enhance focus, memory, and attention span

These are just a few positive changes you will notice after starting PrimeGENIX CortiSync. Balancing cortisol levels is incredibly important. The stress hormone is responsive to many bodily functions and could be the culprit of different physical and mental difficulties.

Why CortiSync Is #1

PrimeGENIX CortiSync earned the number one spot on the list for several reasons. These are the most notable features we have found while experimenting with this supplement:

1. The well-rounded formula is one of the reasons CortiSync made the top of the list. It uses safe, organic ingredients. The procedure is thoroughly researched. Scientific evidence and time support each ingredient.
2. It’s easy, fast, and effective. This supplement does not require any significant life adjustments from you. All you have to do is take two capsules a day and wait for results. Most people experience effects in as little as two or three weeks.
3. Respectable Brand. CortiSync comes from the well-known brand, PrimeGENIX. The supplement was created by leading experts that work closely with a team of experienced doctors to create the best product possible. Their products, including CortiSync, go beyond typically third-party testing and manufacture their products in an FDA-inspected facility. While third-party testing is a pre-requisite, we like that they go above and beyond.
4. They offer a no-risk money-back guarantee. The money-back guarantee makes this product risk-free to try. If you have doubts, you can still give it a go without any financial risk.

CortiSync Ingredients

PrimeGENIX CortiSync is a unique blend of seven different ingredients. Each ingredient was hand chosen due to its cortisol-balancing features. The best thing about PrimeGENIX is they thoroughly researched each ingredient individually. This means everything you are consuming is supported by scientific evidence.

• Sensoril is based on Ashwagandha, a common ingredient in cortisol-balancing supplements.
• Holy Basil is a sacred herb used throughout the centuries to promote a healthy mind and body.
• L-Theanine is an amino acid naturally occuring in green tea. In fact, it’s known for “taking the edge” off of caffeine. It promotes relaxation without drowsiness.
• Lemon Balm is a small plant shown to improve mood and cognitive function.
• Lichi is a sweet fruit with bioactive compounds that help optimize the metabolic system and cortisol levels.
• Magnolia is a plant that increases serotonin levels, improves mood, and decreases inflammation.
• Rhodiola is a root known to reduce stress to reduce cortisol levels. It’s often called an “adaptogen,” which is a bit of a buzzword these days, but it refers to herbs that may help with stress.

Ingredient by ingredient, each one plays an invaluable role in the reduction and maintenance of the stress hormone. The facts are all supported by scientific studies and years of use across a variety of different cultures.

Pros vs. Cons of CortiSync

PrimeGENIX CortiSync made the top of the list for a reason. Taking a close look at the advantages, the effective results, and the endless positive reviews make this a top product.

Pros

• All-natural ingredients supported by science
• Fast-acting (expect results in 2-3 weeks)
• High level of customer satisfaction
• Follows strict federal regulations (FDA-inspected, cGMP-certified facilities)
• No prescription necessary
• No reported side effects
• 67-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• More expensive than other supplements on the list

Unfortunately, CortiSync does come at a higher cost than most of the supplements on the list today. This is due to the high-quality ingredients and 67-day warranty that they offer on the product.

Purchasing Details

You can find PrimeGENIX CortiSync at their official website. Their website offers additional information, package deals, and excellent customer support.

A one-month supply is currently $59.95, but you can get a better deal if you buy more than a one-month package.

2) Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager

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Integrative Therapeutics is a well-established vitamin supplier in the realm of health supplements. They provide dozens of different vitamins and minerals to meet various needs.

Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager uses many key ingredients that effectively target cortisol levels to create a healthy balance within the body.

What Is Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager?

Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager markets itself as a stress hormone stabilizer. This supplement aims to balance cortisol levels to help you reach a less stressful mindset. It creates a robust support system for the adrenal and pituitary glands to keep production at healthy levels.

What To Expect From Cortisol Manager

This Cortisol Manager supplement targets a calm and relaxing mindset. Many people who have taken Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager in the long term noticed significant improvements in their sleep and stress levels. Below are other benefits people have experienced with this Cortisol Manager.

• Reduced stress levels
• Feelings of relaxation and calm
• Wake up feeling refreshed
• Improved sleep quality

Due to the focus on reduced stress levels, this supplement is ideal for anyone suffering from a spike in stress due to unbalanced hormones.

Cortisol Manager Ingredients

There are five main active ingredients found in Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager. This supplement utilizes all of the most popular stress-reducing ingredients that are sure to be effective and stable for anyone to take.

• Ashwagandha root and leaf extract are well-known stress-reducing ingredients. This is included to help manage cortisol levels and keep the body and mind calm throughout the day.
• L-Theanine is shown to decrease cortisol levels and lower internal stress on the mind.
• Magnolia Bark Extract reduces cortisol levels and effectively enhances the overall mood and sense of well-being.
• Epimedium Extract is a well-rounded ingredient that balances cortisol levels and increases energy, libido, and mental capacity.
• Phosphatidylserine supports the area of the brain that is involved in stress pathways. This ingredient is essential for overall cortisol reduction.

Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergy friendly. They keep their ingredients list to the bare minimum, meaning there will be no surprise chemicals or toxins found in your supplement.

Pros vs. Cons of Cortisol Manager

You cannot go wrong with the Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager. This supplement uses well-established ingredients for relaxation and stress relief. Here are some of the most notable characteristics we have experienced with Cortisol Manager:

Pros

• Best for sleep, relaxation, and stress-reduction
• Utilizes a simple, straight-forward formula
• Each ingredient is clinically tested
• High level of customer satisfaction
• Fast-acting supplement (expect results in about one month)

Cons

• Non-returnable
• The standard package is only a 15-day supply

Unfortunately, Cortisol Manager does not come with the same risk-free warranty, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of positive attributes with this supplement. The pros balance out the cons here.

Purchasing Details

Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager can be found across several online platforms and health supplement stores. We found Amazon an easy and reliable place to order this product.

A 15-day supply is $25.95, and a 45-day supply is around $68.50 plus shipping and handling. It is not the most affordable on the list, but it still stands at a reasonable price.

3) LES Labs Cortisol Health

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What Is LES Health Cortisol Health?

LES Health Cortisol Health is an all-natural cortisol supplement. Their formula uses 5 simple, quality ingredients.

What To Expect From Cortisol Health

Here is what you can expect with regular use of Cortisol Health:

• Balanced cortisol levels for stress reduction
• Supports healthy adrenal glands
• More efficient weight management
• Improved sleep quality
• Promotes relaxation

Cortisol Health Ingredients

LES Health Cortisol Health has five active ingredients. They include many widely-accepted cortisol balancing ingredients while adding a few extra for relaxation and stress reduction.

• Ashwagandha Root is absolutely essential for any product that balances cortisol levels. It lowers cortisol levels while reducing stress and improving sleep quality. You can learn more about it in this article on ashwagandha supplements.
• Magnesium helps improve sleep quality. (For more on magnesium, check out this article on magnesium supplements.
• Phosphatidylserine is shown to reduce cortisol levels that have spiked due to both stress and physical endurance.
• Magnolia Bark Extract is proven to reduce cortisol levels and lower fatigue.
• Rhodiola Root Extract is a crucial factor in the balancing of cortisol levels. Numerous studies point to this extract as effective in lowering and raising cortisol, depending on what is needed most.

This is a standard formula for overall cortisol health. It is supported by research to balance cortisol levels and reduce stress drastically.

Pros vs. Cons of Cortisol Health

LES Cortisol Health is a reliable and standard supplement for anyone looking to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Here are the benefits we have witnessed while working with Cortisol Health.

Pros

• Comes from a small business
• Uses safe and effective organic ingredients
• Gluten-free, dairy-free
• No reported adverse side effects
• High levels of customer satisfaction
• Good customer support
• Offers frequent discount packages on products
• Solid price

Cons

• Not as well-known of a company
• Does not have an easy-to-access warranty
• Not as comprehensive a formula as other products.

Overall, it’s a solid option.

Purchasing Details

You can buy LES Health Cortisol Health on their official website. They offer frequent discount packages when purchasing in bulk, good customer support, and extensive product information on their website.

4) Pure Encapsulations Cortisol Calm

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Pure Encapsulations Cortisol Calm is an all-natural health supplement that targets mild stress management and cortisol reduction.

What Is Pure Encapsulations Cortisol Calm?

Pure Encapsulations Cortisol Calm is another supplement that aims to balance cortisol levels and help you live a stress-free life. They include additional ingredients that promote a positive outlook to increase overall mood and happiness throughout the day.

What To Expect From Cortisol Calm

Pure Encapsulations Cortisol Calm is a classic cortisol-balancing supplement. You can expect many benefits associated with reduced or balanced cortisol levels. This includes weight management, strength gain, and lower stress levels.

• Reduced daily stress
• Assistance with weight management
• A more positive outlook on life
• Improved sleep quality
• Encourage high-performing cognitive function

With an improved outlook on life, you might notice that you can handle generally stressful situations with much more ease and comfort.

Cortisol Health Ingredients

Pure Encapsulations Cortisol Calm is unique with the inclusion of Vitamin D. This turns out to be a wildly beneficial ingredient because it can improve health and bodily functions in various ways. You will find five active ingredients in Cortisol Health, all of which are vegetarian-friendly and non-GMO.

• Sensoril Ashwagandha balances cortisol levels and reduces daily stress intake.
• Rhodiola moderates cortisol levels to keep your stress hormone at a healthy and sustainable point for success.
• Magnolia is shown to improve mood and lower stress levels. This keeps cortisol at an optimum level.
• L-Theanine is linked to lower stress and anxiety levels, since it has a relaxation effect.
• Vitamin D is included to improve mood and mindset.

The above standard ingredients can provide a powerful punch to the overall mood and stress levels. This full-proof formula delivers on its promise of balanced cortisol levels.

Pros vs. Cons of Cortisol Calm

Pure Encapsulations Cortisol Calm stands out above many traditional cortisol-supporting products. This is made by a reliable manufacturer that puts the customers’ needs and wants above all else. Below is a comprehensive list of the pros and cons we noted while working with Cortisol Calm.

Pros

• Inclusion of Vitamin D for improved mood
• Effectively stabilizes mood and stress levels
• Utilizes scientifically-supported, efficient formula
• Positive customer reviews
• Fast-acting formula

Cons

• Does not have a warranty
• Slightly more costly than other supplements on the list

While Cortisol Calm does not have a money-back guarantee, it is still a reliable option for those who want the extra kick from Vitamin D in their daily supplement.

Purchasing Details

You can purchase Pure Encapsulations Cortisol Calm from several different online platforms. A one-month supply of Cortisol Calm will cost about $60 plus possible shipping and handling.

5) Dr. Berg’s Adrenal & Cortisol Support

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What Is Dr. Berg’s Adrenal & Cortisol Support?

Dr. Berg’s Adrenal & Cortisol Support helps your body handle stress and anxiety-inducing situations more efficiently for long-term health. This is a health supplement designed to decrease cortisol levels and help manage energy levels.

Dr. Berg’s Adrenal & Cortisol Support includes an all-natural formula that makes this one of the best health supplements we have worked with.

What To Expect From Adrenal & Cortisol Support

Dr. Berg’s Adrenal & Cortisol Support is a practical choice for those seeking balanced cortisol with all the following benefits.

• Helps your body control adrenal fatigue
• Reduces chronic stress
• Improves concentration
• Increases daily energy levels
• Promotes calmness and relaxation
• Eases irritability

Keeping cortisol levels in check while providing adrenal support proves to be a beneficial approach for a variety of different ailments.

Adrenal & Cortisol Support Ingredients

You can find eleven active ingredients in Dr. Berg’s Adrenal & Cortisol Support. In this formula, you can find all the recommended ingredients, such as Ashwagandha root, Thiamine, and Rhodiola. They also include additional vitamins and minerals for a little extra boost to the body.

• Proprietary blend (Ashwagandha root powder, Rhodiola Rosea, Maca root dry extract, Bacopa monnieri extract, Schisandra Chinensis, Panax ginseng, citrus bioflavonoid) is a unique blend of all the vitamins and minerals that can balance cortisol.
• Vitamin C assists the body’s mental reaction to stressful situations.
• Thiamine assists the body’s production of blood sugar-regulating hormones.
• Niacin has been found to reduce cortisol levels post-workout.
• Vitamin B6 helps regulate the body’s serotonin and norepinephrine levels. This results in stabilized and lifted moods.
• Pantothenic Acid is shown to improve stress resiliency.
• Magnesium can improve sleep quality and reduce stress.
• Zinc can help stabilize serum cortisol levels over time.
• Selenium lowers cortisol and reduces induced stress.
• Manganese is shown to help maintain a healthy and efficient metabolism.
• Copper in the proper dosage can have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and organs.

This comprehensive formula is a unique set of health supplements. It is well-rounded, providing the body with all the tools it may need for proper maintenance and sustainability.

Pros vs. Cons of Adrenal & Cortisol Support

Below is a comprehensive list of advantages and disadvantages we have experienced with Adrenal & Cortisol Support.

Pros

• Comprehensive, all-natural formula
• Reliable stress-reducing supplement
• A popular product on shopping platforms
• Reliable manufacturer
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• More expensive than other related products
• Formula is a bit excessively complex without clear upside
• Proprietary blend, so you don’t know the exact dose of key ingredients

While Dr. Berg’s Adrenal & Cortisol Support is slightly more costly than other competitors, it stands as a reliable option.

Purchasing Details

You can find Dr. Berg’s Adrenal & Cortisol Support on Amazon and other online platforms. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

A one-month supply costs around $36.99 plus possible shipping and handling.

Other Supplements That May Reduce Cortisol

In this article, we have focused on comprehensive supplement products that focus on cortisol. There are also other popular supplements that may support healthy cortisol levels.

Omega-3 Fatty-Acids Supplements

Fish oil, chia seeds, flaxseed, algae, and more an abundant in “super fats” called omega-3 fatty acids. Ample omega-3s have been shown to support everything from heart health, to brain function, to joint health.

Some research even suggests omega-3s can help us manage stress. A 2021 study in the prestigious journal Nature suggested that omega-3 supplementation may help with stress. They write in the abstract, “Higher levels of omega-3 track with longer telomeres, lower inflammation, and blunted sympathetic and cardiovascular stress reactivity.”

For options on omega-3 supplements, check out our list of the best vegan omega 3 products.

If you prefer a marine option, check out our list of the best krill oil supplements.

Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Other “Gut Health” Supplements

Now, this category is still a lot more speculative. However, recent research has brought a conversation around gut health and the link to stress into the mainstream.

This 2015 study in Psychopharmacology, suggested the eating prebiotic and probiotics may support brain function and specifically manage our waking cortisol response.

For an all-in-one option that includes all of these, alongside antioxidant-packed fruits and vegetables, you may want to look into starting your day with a greens powder. 

Ginkgo

Again, this is another speculative supplement for reducing cortisol. However, one clinical trial with over 700 healthy volunteers showed that ginkgo biloba extract lowered blood pressure and cortisol during stress. 

Cordyceps Mushrooms

Cordyceps are a species of mushroom with some links to improve cognition. For example, this mice study showed that it had a neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effect on the brain of mice.

Some have taken this to recommend cordyceps as a stress-relieving supplement. However, the research isn’t so strong in this area.

For more on cordyceps, check out our list of the best cordyceps mushroom supplements.

Bonus: Dark Chocolate

Okay, so dark chocolate isn’t going to magically take your stress away. However, it may give you a little bit of a calming effect. Not only is dark chocolate filled with antioxidants, it’s also high in l-theanine, which we’ve talked about in many of the products.

Go for a low-sugar option.

FAQ

Do I need lower cortisol levels?

Not necessarily. What we want are balanced cortisol levels at the right time of day. If you have excessively high cortisol levels most of the time, that’s where these supplements may come in. 

Cortisol should be high when melatonin, the king sleep hormone, is low and vice versa. If you’re having trouble sleeping that’s a sign these hormone levels are thrown off.

What time of day should I take this supplement?

Because we want to support a healthy cortisol rhythm, we recommend taking these when you want your cortisol levels lower. More specifically, this means the evening. Take your cortisol management supplement with your evening/before-bed supplement stack.

How do I know if I have excess cortisol?

The only way to know for sure is to see your healthcare provider and get your cortisol levels tested. However, constant stress, headaches, irritability, and weight gain or are all symptoms. Look, you know if you’re overly stressed out. That’s a sign. Regardless, should talk to your doctor before taking any dietary supplement.

Will high cortisol make me fat?

One of the clearest downsides of elevated cortisol production means elevated blood glucose (blood sugar). You see, under stressful conditions, the body thinks we’re in “fight or flight” mode, and prepares for us to need available glucose to either run from a lion or fight a bear.

However, when we don’t use this glucose, it turns means we have elevated blood sugar. In short, yes, this can make you fat. Sorry to deliver the bad news.

More on Cortisol and Stress

Maintaining healthy cortisol levels is essential to keeping your physical and mental well-being. Don’t waste more time if you can benefit from additional cortisol support. As mentioned, though, good habits are going to be the foundation of this. If your sleep, nutrition, exercise are dialed in, and you’re living a life without too much stress, then those are your most potent defenders against chronically high cortisol levels.