We’re sure it doesn’t come as a surprise that women generally report higher levels of stress than men, and the numbers are rising. As double-income families are more a necessity than a luxury, we are seeing women far more stressed. Women aged 35 to 54 are more likely to be juggling roles not only as mothers but as homemakers and breadwinners. The physical toll this takes is shocking.
Would you believe that stress is one of the primary triggers of hormone dysfunction in women? Stress can cause a cascade of hormonal reactions that when prolonged may result in various female reproductive disorders. Many women wouldn’t even realise that their hormone-related problems such as PCOS or infertility could be related to prolonged levels of chronic stress.
Stress & Hormone Imbalance
To gain a better understanding of how stress may disrupt our hormones. Let’s start from the beginning. When we become stressed, whether that be from spotting a large brown snake in your garden or awaiting a difficult phone call, the effects within the body are the same. Stress is primarily regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The stress response begins when the hypothalamus releases a hormone known as corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) eventually stimulating the adrenal glands to release a hormone known as cortisol.
Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, regulates multiple biological functions to help the body adapt to and deal with the stress. As stress continues, cortisol will also continue to rise. Chronic activation of the stress axis, and therefore high cortisol levels, can negatively impact the production and function of female reproductive hormones including oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Ultimately this can result in hormone imbalances and symptoms such as:
- Irregular periods
- Low sex drive
- Amenorrhea
- Dysmenorrhea
- Anovulatory cycles
- Night sweats
- Sleep problems
- Mood swings
- Weight gain around the face and mid-section
- Acne
High cortisol levels may also affect mental health, resulting in feelings of anxiety or depression. If stress continues, cortisol receptors may lose sensitivity, forcing HPA receptors to further increase the release of cortisol. Prolonged chronic stress may therefore contribute to the development of several female reproductive disorders including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and infertility. Furthermore, stress also affects the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis resulting in imbalances of thyroid hormones.
Today, stress is something many of us encounter daily and simply adding effective stress management techniques should be an essential part of self-care. For example, taking time out for yourself, even if it’s just ten minutes soaking in a bubble bath or a 60-minute yoga session, practising self-care activities daily along with nutritional and herbal medicine could make a really big difference in stress levels.
Stress & Naturopathy
Naturopaths recommend magnesium and adaptogenic herbs, particularly Rhodiola and Withania, also known as Ashwagandha. Magnesium regulates the function of the HPA axis and reduces cortisol and also modulate thyroid hormones and female reproductive hormones. Rhodiola and Withania increase the body’s resistance to physical, emotional, environmental, and biological stress, as well as promoting healthy physiological function. Studies have shown that Rhodiola exerts an anti-fatigue effect and improves mental performance. Supplementing that with Withania significantly reduces stress and anxiety levels, and consequently improves overall quality of life.
Stress regulation via the HPA axis is an integral factor in healthy hormone production and function. The goal of a Naturopath is to treat the cause of illness, whilst healing associated symptoms, and detecting early indicators of ill health. Treating hormone dysfunction as a result of chronic stress is a prime example of naturopathic philosophy.
To obtain the correct supplement, herb form, and dose for each individual, it is advisable to seek help from a health care practitioner.
Right at Home Allied Health is dedicated to delivering quality, patient-centred care across Australia. Our allied health services comprise chiropractic, exercise physiology, occupational therapy, optometry, osteopathy, physiotherapy, podiatry, psychology, and speech pathology. We also provide remedial massage therapy, clinical nutrition, clinical naturopathy, and Pilates. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve by decoding health, happiness, and harmony. Discover, heal, and optimise your physical and emotional wellbeing with Right at Home Allied Health. Book a Discovery Session at your local clinic today.
*Some services may not be available in all locations. Please contact your local office to learn more about their in-clinic and at-home allied health and wellbeing services.
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