How Women’s Hormones Affect Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health condition on the planet. More specifically, at least 25 percent of women will suffer anxiety issues in their lifetimes. Symptoms vary, but they can be life-altering. Therefore, it is so important to identify the source of the problem. For many women, that root cause is related to hormones.
Our hormones wield immense influence over our day-to-day lives. Fortunately, this is almost always positive. However, when female hormones are not in balance, they can cause spikes in anxiety. In turn, such surges in anxiety can be the genesis of a diagnosable disorder. Let’s learn more.
How Women’s Hormones Affect Anxiety
Hormones are the most common reason why women tend to be more anxious than men. For starters, since women typically have lower levels of testosterone than men, this can contribute to a greater incidence of chronic anxiety.
There are also, of course, the hormone fluctuations related to their menstrual cycle. This causes estrogen and progesterone levels to shift, stimulating the part of the brain that regulates a woman’s response to stress. From there, the ongoing presence of anxiety often triggers more anxiety.
When we feel stressed or fearful, our body is flooded with the chemicals we need to respond. Ideally, this is meant as a short-term reaction. However, if stress hormones remain in your body, it sets you up to be stuck in a state of high alert. It becomes a challenge to discern real threats from imagined dangers.
Such an insidious pattern has the potential to cultivate an environment that encourages anxiety. It can transform a healthy stress response into a self-harming cycle of fear, worry, and dread. To add to this, it can be tricky to discern what’s going on. You know you’re anxious, but unless you know the signs, you won’t easily recognize the role of hormones.
Some Common Signs and Symptoms of Hormone-Created Anxiety
Not all stress will lead to an anxiety disorder, but the steady presence of stress hormones like cortisol may create a situation in which anxiety is ever-present. It can make that presence felt in signs like:
Headaches
Sleep disturbances
Digestive problems like bloating and food cravings
Weight change (more or less)
Fatigue
Muscle weakness
Loss of focus
Memory issues
Cold feet and hands
Mood swings
Loss of libido
Changes in your menstrual cycle
These are not the only symptoms, but any of the above can be reason enough to talk with a health professional to learn more about hormones and their possible role in your mental well-being. In the meantime, you can also take powerful self-help steps to complement whatever treatment you take.
Self-Care = Self-Help
Exercise releases chemicals called endorphins that can counter hormone imbalances. It also eases muscle tension, increases blood flow, and distracts you from rumination and worry.
Healthy eating and choices give your mind and body the nutrients you need to stay resilient and balanced. This includes proper hydration and limiting detrimental choices like caffeine and processed foods.
Regular sleep patterns are a foundational form of stress relief. Proper sleep resets your brain and, in turn, can reset the flow of hormones in a more healthy way. When you maintain steady sleep habits, you allow your mind to process stressful experiences to help prevent them from being a source of anxiety.
Relaxation techniques are powerful creators of psychological balance. Take time to learn about mindful meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, Tai chi, and more.
Most Importantly, Ask For Help
Anxiety is a diagnosable mental health condition, but it is also the most treatable. Seeking professional help is one of the best things you can do for your mental and emotional well-being. I invite you to reach out to learn more and get yourself started on the path toward recovery and healing.