Very high chronic stress can lead to the overproduction of cortisol to the detriment of other adrenal steroid hormones. The precursor hormone pregnenolone gets shunted to cortisol, a condition called “pregnenolone steal” . This can lead to lower DHEA levels, which seem to play a role in intestinal function. This can precipitate auto immune problems. I have an acquaintance who trained heavily and ended up with autoimmune vasculitis of his major vessels.
4 Likes