Depressed Mood

Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness that impair daily functioning. Caused by dysregulated cortisol - either chronically high or abnormally low. High cortisol suppresses BDNF and downregulates serotonin and dopamine receptors, producing emotional numbness and reduced motivation. Low cortisol can result from HPA-axis downregulation or nutrient deficiencies (e.g., vitamin C, B5, sodium, cholesterol precursors) that impair adrenal steroidogenesis or cortisol signaling. When cortisol normalizes and BDNF recovers, mood commonly improves within ~2 weeks after the stressor is removed.

• High cortisol (hyperactive HPA): Chronic GR activation → ↓ BDNF → downregulated serotonin/dopamine receptors → emotional numbness, anxiety, sleep disruption, and “wired” depression.
• Low cortisol (hypoactive HPA): Inadequate basal or peak cortisol due to HPA downregulation or nutrient deficits impairing adrenal function → low arousal, fatigue, apathy, and “flat” depression.