In this modern world, everyone is somehow stressed out for various reasons. Stress has a detrimental effect on both mental and physical health. Women are most likely to experience hormonal imbalances as a result of stress. Besides hormonal imbalances, stress also appears to be closely linked to menopause.
Menopause can be traumatic and stressful time since it is the beginning of a new stage in a women’s life. Many physiological, psychological, and behavioral changes occur in women suffering from menopause. It is because hormonal levels become a roller coaster ride e.g they keep on changing. It not only affects a person’s ability to respond to stress but also causes insomnia, irritability, brain fog, and anxiety.
Stress and Hormonal Imbalance:
Adrenal glands are responsible for producing cortisol and adrenaline. They both are considered stress hormones because they are produced when our body is under stress. These amazing adrenal glands are also expected to pick up the slack once the ovaries retire and produce sex hormones as well!! No wonder they are exhausted.
Normal levels of cortisol in the body help in regulating various body functions. From regulating blood pressure and energy levels to managing the sleep-wake cycle and decreasing inflammation, cortisol is equally important. Its production is crucial in handling stressful situations.
The problem occurs when the body is under chronic stress. Stress for an extended period elevates cortisol levels in the bloodstream. It results in activation of the fight and flight response while ceasing all other non-essential functions. If not managed properly, this situation causes serious damage to health.
Relation between cortisol and oestrogen:
Elevated levels of cortisol also impact the production of other hormones. There is a strong relation between cortisol and oestrogen. The hormone oestrogen is responsible for retaining a healthy level of cortisol in the body. During menopause, oestrogen starts declining and the body is incapable to maintain cortisol levels like before, making you more susceptible to stress.
Relation between stress hormones and female hormones:
Adrenal glands take the charge of producing estrogen and progesterone as women enter the phase of menopause. Women don’t suffer from menopause symptoms if their adrenal glands are able to handle hormone fluctuations by functioning properly.
However, in chronic stress, our adrenals are overtaxed. They can’t handle the hormone fluctuations and give priority to the production of stress hormones over female hormones. This situation can result in adrenal fatigue because adrenals are compelled to maintain high levels of cortisol. Adrenal fatigue can result in weight gain, fatigue, digestion problems, and many more.
Ways to Manage Stress:
Every women needs to learn how to tackle stress during menopause. Here are some tried and tested ways that can help in managing stress caused by hormonal imbalance and menopause.
- Exercise regularly. You can walk, practice yoga, or do any other exercise you enjoy. Exercise not only improves your physical health but also helps in stress management.
- Eat healthy and nutritious meals. Add healthy fats into your diet e.g avocados and olive oil. Consume fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.
-Get in touch with your friends and family and share your problems. Learn to voice your feelings and emotions.
-Avoid all the foods that cause inflammation e.g sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods.
-The importance of daily mindful practice and sleep in managing stress and menopausal symptoms cannot be denied. Make sure that you sleep properly for 6-8 hours.
-Meditation, breathing exercises, and mind-body programs can be incredibly helpful in relieving stress.
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