Hormones Play a Role in Women’s Anxiety
When little girls are growing up, you can typically see them playing with babies or dolls. Pinks, purples, and sparkles fill their closet. They play dress up in skirts, dresses, and makeup, often roleplaying as princesses, mothers, or brides-to-be.
On the other hand, little boys are taught to play with toy soldiers, dinosaurs, and trucks. Blues, greens, and camo prints fill their drawers. They roleplay superheroes, army rangers, and teenage mutant ninja turtles.
When little girls get upset or cry, they may be asked, “What’s wrong?” or be told that it will be okay. If little boys get upset, they may be taught that “boys don’t cry” or to rub some dirt on it and grow or man up.
Because of these learned beliefs, women are often stereotyped as too emotional. They worry too much. They care too much. Although stereotypes are mostly to blame, they may not be the only thing that can affect a woman’s thoughts, emotions, and feelings.
Let’s learn more about how hormones can play a role in women’s anxiety.
Cortisol
Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone. Its primary responsibility is to assist the body when responding to stress. It does this by increasing blood sugar and energy production and decreasing functions like digestion and reproduction to help move the body into fight or flight mode. Too much cortisol can be a problem. It can lead to health problems like anxiety, depression, and even weight gain.
Estrogen
Estrogen is one of the most well-known hormones in females. It is a sex hormone that plays a role in the reproductive and sexual development of women. If a woman’s estrogen levels are off, even slightly, it can cause a handful of signs and symptoms. When estrogen is too high, it can cause anxiety. When estrogen is too low, it can make a woman more sensitive or vulnerable.
Oxytocin
The two main functions of oxytocin are to simulate uterine contractions when a woman is giving birth and to stimulate breast tissue contractions to help with lactation after a child is born. Oxytocin also acts as a messenger in the brain for different behaviors and interactions with others. It’s believed that oxytocin also can play a role in women having anxiety.
Progesterone
Progesterone is most commonly known as the pregnancy hormone. When progesterone levels are too low, it can cause problems with a woman’s menstrual cycle, mood, sleeping schedule, weight, and mood. On top of all of these changes, low progesterone can also cause things like anxiety or even depression.
Thyroid Hormones
The thyroid hormone is the hormone that is mostly responsible for controlling the body’s metabolism. The hormone levels of the thyroid have been known to be associated with panic attacks and different levels of panic attacks depending on the thyroid level.
How to Reduce Hormone-Related Anxiety
While it may be hard to completely avoid hormone-related anxiety, there are things that you can do to reduce it. Here are just a few of the different ways that you can help reduce the anxiety that you may be facing:
Drink enough water
Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet
Implement relaxation techniques
Move your body
Prioritize your sleep
If you’re still having a hard time with your anxiety, even after implementing some of these lifestyle changes, it may be time to reach out for additional support. While anxiety is completely common and normal, if it lasts for longer than a two-week period, there may be a larger issue at hand. The sooner you acknowledge how you’re feeling, the sooner you’ll be able to get back to living your life to the fullest again, anxiety-free. Reach out to JoyFeel Therapy today to set up a consultation.