Too Much Anxiety and Worry Can Be Caused By Hormone Imbalance
Anxiety and worry can disrupt daily activities, and hormonal imbalances such as serotonin or cortisol may be the root cause. Fluctuations in estrogen can also cause heightened anxiety.
Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain regular hormone levels through lifestyle changes and medical assistance to preserve psychological well-being.
How Estrogen Affects Anxiety and Memory in Women
Harvard and Emory University neuroscientists recently conducted a study examining the effects of estrogen on female rat brains and behavior. They measured levels of anxiety and memory performance in two groups – those with low estrogen exposure compared to high – after which they exposed them to a mild stressor.
Results showed that rats with higher amounts of estrogen displayed lower levels anxiousness. They also showed improved cognitive function when compared against their counterparts who had reduced hormone intake.
The study also implied that these factors could affect how women cope with stressful or traumatic situations. This could have consequences for their chances of developing mood disorders such as anxiety.
Implications of Estrogen Levels for Women’s Mental Health
This study has important implications for women’s mental health, especially during periods of hormonal fluctuations, such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or oral contraceptive use.
Women who have low estrogen levels may be more prone to developing anxiety and mood disorders, or experience worsened symptoms, when they face stressful or traumatic events.
Women who have high estrogen levels may be more resilient and cope better with stress and trauma.
Therefore, women should be aware of their estrogen levels and how they affect their brain and behavior, and seek medical help if they experience hormonal imbalances or emotional disturbances.
How Serotonin and Cortisol Affect Anxiety
Anxiety can be caused by an imbalance in two key hormones, serotonin and cortisol. Imbalances of these important chemical messengers disrupt the brain chemistry and nervous system which regulate our moods, stress levels, and emotions.
Serotonin is an essential neurotransmitter for our overall mental health; it helps to soothe the mind, enabling us to stay calm in times of stress and maintain emotional balance. Unfortunately, when levels are too low we can suffer from anxiety or depression that greatly impacts quality of life.
Cortisol is a hormone that is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. The hormone cortisol helps activate the body’s reserves and gets it ready for action. But… high levels of cortisol can also impair the function of the hippocampus, a brain region involved in memory and emotion. This leads to anxiety and cognitive decline.
A healthy balance of your serotonin and cortisol is so important in the prevention and management of anxiety.
Related: Estrogen Overload: High Levels Of The Hormone Can Cause Anxiety
Hormone Replacement Therapy: A Solution for Hormonal Anxiety
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that involves taking synthetic or natural hormones to restore the levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or thyroid hormones that decline during menopause, aging, or other conditions.
HRT can help reduce the symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, osteoporosis, and mood swings. HRT can also help improve anxiety by stabilizing the brain chemistry and the nervous system. A study by Turkish researchers found that women who received HRT for six months had a significant reduction of depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to women who did not receive HRT.
However, HRT is not suitable for everyone and may have some side effects or risks depending several factors. Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor before starting HRT and monitor your hormone levels regularly.
If you are interested in learning more about HRT and how it can help you with your anxiety, click below. We are a team of experts who specialize in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), which uses plant-based hormones.
We can provide you with personalized and safe treatment options that suit your needs and goals. Don’t let anxiety ruin your life. Take control of your hormones today!