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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- 54 are more likely to be juggling roles not only as mothers for their children but also as homemakers and breadwinners but what is most interesting is the physical effects of stress in women (www.priorygroup.com).
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 possibly be related to prolonged levels of chronic stress.
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. (1) 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 (1) (2)
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. (1)
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 10 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.
As a naturopath, I frequently 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. (3) Rhodiola and Withania increase the body’s resistance to physical, emotional, environmental, and biological stress, as well as promoting healthy physiological function. Rhodiola is my favourite herb to incorporate into treatment plans for stress relief, it decreases cortisol production by restoring the normal sensitivity of cortisol receptors. (4) Studies have also shown that Rhodiola exerts an anti-fatigue effect and improves mental performance. (5) Supplementing with Withania significantly reduces stress and anxiety levels, and consequently improves overall quality of life. (6)
To obtain the correct supplement, herb form, and dose for each individual, it is advisable to seek help from a health care practitioner.
Stress regulation via the HPA axis is an integral factor in healthy hormone production and function.
As a Naturopath, my goal 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. Naturopathic principle number 3 states; ‘identify and treat the cause of illness’.
To book an appointment with Amy, just click the link below:
- Guilliams, T. G. & Edwards, L. (2010). Chronic Stress and the HPA Axis: Clinical Assessment and Therapeutic Considerations. The Standard. Volume 9. No. 2. https://www.pointinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/standard_v_9.2_hpa_axis.pdf
- Guy-Evans, O. (2021). Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis. Simply Psychology. www.simplypsychology.org/hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal-axis.html
- Bernard Boyle, N., Lawton, C. & Dye, L. (2017). The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Subjective Anxiety and Stress – A Systemic Review. Nutrients. 9(5), 429. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9050429
- Olsson, E. M., von Schéele, B. & Panossian, A. G. (2009) A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract shr-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue. Planta Med. 75(2):105-12. PMID: 19016404. DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1088346
- Darbinyan, V., Kteyan, A., Panossian, A., Gabrielian, E., Wikman, G. & Wagner, H. (2000). Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue–a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 7(5), 365–371. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0944-7113(00)80055-0
- Salve, J., Pate, S., Debnath, K. & Langade, D. (2019). Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. Cureus, 11(12), e6466. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.6466
Author: Amy Angus
