{"id":4568,"date":"2017-01-01T13:28:43","date_gmt":"2017-01-01T21:28:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.onepeakmedical.com\/?p=4568"},"modified":"2022-02-16T13:40:07","modified_gmt":"2022-02-16T21:40:07","slug":"toxic-stress-how-it-affects-a-womans-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.onepeakmedical.com\/toxic-stress-how-it-affects-a-womans-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Toxic Stress: How It Affects a Woman’s Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

Stress has become ubiquitous as if no one is immune to it anymore. Although stress has been highly published in the last 10 years, and we now understand that excessive or toxic stress is damaging to your health, there continues to be a lack of information about how stress may uniquely affect the female body. The difference between women and men as it pertains to the \u201cresponse\u201d to stress is quite different. Studies have found that women differ from men not only in their emotional responses to stress but also in short term and long term stress may indeed take a greater toll on women\u2019s physical and emotional health.<\/p>\n

We have learned from research spanning over 30 years now that stress is a major contributor to disease, including heart disease, cancer, nervous system disorders, autoimmune disorders, depression, anxiety, diabetes, obesity, adrenal dysfunction (stress gland dysfunction), and many more. The World Health Organization estimates that by the year 2020, stress-related disorders will be the second leading cause of disabilities in the world.<\/p>\n

When reacting to stress, our body releases hormones such as cortisol from the adrenal glands, which is known to impact the immune system, digestive system, skin, neuro-brain chemicals, and more. These cortisol releases over time vary between men and women.<\/p>\n

10 Ways Stress Can Undermine Your Health<\/h2>\n

Chronic Fatigue\/Loss of Drive<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The over-production of cortisol from a traumatic one-time event or continual struggle with daily stressors such as chronic pain, work stress, insomnia, or anger can leave the adrenals fatigued. This may initially cause over-production of cortisol (\u201cget up and go\u201d hormone) followed by an under-production of cortisol. This ultimately results in exhaustion during the day and wired at night\u2014the reverse energy rhythm.<\/p>\n

Poor Digestion<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Prolonged stress greatly impacts digestion. Increasing stomach acid leads to indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel, and inflammation of the digestive system, causing poor assimilation of nutrients and minerals in the gut and additional health complications.<\/p>\n

Depression\/Anxiety\/Lack of Focus<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Women have twice the likelihood of men for depression related to stress. Depression, anxiety, nervousness, cravings, and focus issues (brain scramble) are all connected to stress and how stress alters brain signals and chemical balance.<\/p>\n

Hair Loss<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Stress affects the health of hair follicles through inflammation. Loss of hair can be immediate or occur months after a stressful event(s).<\/p>\n

Insomnia<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Cortisol over-production at night is often the culprit for insomnia. Underproducing cortisol during the day (when you need it) with elevated levels at night will cause wakefulness, insomnia, and lack of deep or restorative sleep.<\/p>\n

Weight Gain<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Research has linked high cortisol to a larger belly measurement and lower metabolism. High-stress levels are also correlated with increased appetite, sugar cravings (think comfort food), unstable glucose, and elevated insulin (fat storage) levels.<\/p>\n

Decreased Fertility\/Irregular Periods\/Cystic Breasts<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A study published on fertility and sterility revealed that women who had high levels of alpha-amylase, an enzyme-linked to stress, had a more difficult time getting pregnant. Additionally, stress can cause missed ovulation leading to a drop in progesterone production, irregular periods, and cystic breasts.<\/p>\n

Acne\/Skin Problems<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Elevated cortisol can lead to excessive oil production contributing to acne breakouts. Hormonal changes related to stress (estrogen dominance) leads to acne, facial hair, dry skin, and excessively oily skin.<\/p>\n

Reduced Sex Drive<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Stress pretty much kills a sex drive for most women. The elevated cortisol suppresses the body\u2019s production of sex hormones (testosterone). Professor Thompson at UCSD published a study revealing women who maintained active sex lives had a better quality of life, we’re happier, and ultimately supported other psychological aspects of successful aging.<\/p>\n

Heart Disease\/Stroke\/High Blood Pressure<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Women who have high amounts of stress at work are 40 percent more likely to experience some heart event (high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke) than women who report low levels of job stress.<\/p>\n

So, Now What?<\/h2>\n

Here is a shortlist of what you can do to sustain your health while still managing your daily life stressors.<\/p>\n