It is time again for “Ask the Doctor.” I particularly enjoy this monthly feature because it gives me an opportunity to answer your questions and help you on your path to health and wellness.
If you have a question or health concern that you would like me to address, please visit the Hotze Health & Wellness Facebook page and send me a private message. Mention Katy Christian Magazine in the subject line.
Common Hormonal Causes of Stress and Anxiety in Women
Dear Dr. Hotze, I have been so stressed and my anxiety is through the roof. I really need to get control of this. I’ve tried anti-anxiety meds, but they don’t really help, and I hate the side effects. Is there anything natural I can do to stop it? I am having a very hard time getting through each day. I also have terrible pms, migraines, fatigue and can’t sleep, and it’s so hard trying to work and be there for my family. Thank you. -Emily S.
Ladies, did you know that stress and anxiety are common symptoms of hormone decline? Emily, you are not alone. When you experience symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, insomnia, irregular menstrual cycles, just to name a few, your body is telling you that something is off.
If you often feel anxious, nervous, or panic, there could be a reasonable explanation: your hormones.
Some of the most common hormonal reasons for anxiety in women are as follows:
- Adrenal Dysfunction
Your adrenal glands are responsible for managing stress. Chronic stress causes your adrenal glands to be overworked and eventually leads to adrenal dysfunction or fatigue. The adrenal glands simply cannot produce enough cortisol, your body’s stress hormone, to meet the demands of your body. Supplementing with bioidentical cortisol helps you to support your adrenal glands and relieve stress and anxiety.
- Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism results in a slowdown of cellular metabolism, which causes a drop in levels of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutric acid (GABA). GABA has a calming effect, which prevents the brain from being overwhelmed by stimulation. Moderately low levels of GABA are linked to anxiety, panic attacks and mood swings.
- Estrogen Dominance
Chronically elevated levels of estrogen can actually induce depression and anxiety by causing functional hypothyroidism. Also, a woman with estrogen dominance (progesterone deficiency) may have the adequate levels of total cortisol in her bloodstream, but her free, available cortisol level may be very low. Only free cortisol can actually be used by the cells. Progesterone is known as your calming hormone. Balancing the estrogen with bioidentical progesterone can help reduce anxiety.
- Estrogen Deficiency
Estrogen deficiency that occurs with menopause can cause anxiety. If anxiety is associated with your hot flashes, then low estrogen could be the culprit. Symptoms of estrogen deficiency can be relieved with bioidentical estrogen.
- Low Testosterone
Depression and anxiety are symptoms of low testosterone in women. Women make it in smaller amounts than men, and it provides lifelong benefits, including reduced anxiety. Bioidentical testosterone supplementation can help relieve your symptoms.
NATURAL SOLUTION FOR ANXIETY
Anxiety and panic attacks are often treated by conventional doctors with antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, however these medications only attempt to mask your symptoms without solving the reason you have them in the first place. They also have dangerous side effects. We have had great results in relieving anxiety caused by hormonal decline and imbalance in women with bioidentical hormones.
So ladies, if you notice that you also have many other symptoms of hormone decline in women, this could be a sign that it could also be contributing to your increased stress and anxiety. Click here to take my Symptom Checker Quiz on my website.
FREE BOOK GIVE-AWAY!
In my book, Hormones, Health, and Happiness, I describe my journey of going from conventional medicine, which uses surgery and pharmaceutical drugs, to a natural, holistic approach of actively listening to my patients and treating the root cause of their symptoms. You will learn about allergies, yeast (Candida), hypothyroidism, female and male hormones, adrenal fatigue and cortisol, a nutritionally balanced eating program and vitamin and mineral supplementation.
Click Here to get your complimentary Hormones, Health, and Happiness E-Book today!
Call my Wellness Consultants for a complimentary consultation at 281-698-8698 to get a FREE copy of my hardback book, Hormones, Health, and Happiness. They will listen to all your symptoms and help you learn how bioidentical hormones can help restore your energy and vitality, as well as your sense of well-being.
Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Don’t forget about things you can do every day to help prevent and relieve stress and anxiety. Stay active – get up and move – exercise, go for a walk or run. Physical activity can help boost the production of your endorphins, which are your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters.
Be sure to eat healthy – lots of organic vegetables and fruits. Avoid the junk – sugar, processed and fast food. If you eat poorly, you will feel it both physically and mentally. Be sure to stay hydrated and drink lots of water throughout the day, as well.
Make time to relax. Always get a good night’s sleep. You know how unrefreshed you can feel when you don’t get much sleep, and that can only add to your stress. Take a hot bath with Epsom salts. Epsom salts are magnesium sulfate and can help relax your muscles. Try yoga and meditation, as well. Prayer is also at the top of my list.
Keep Your Questions Coming
I hope these suggestions are helpful to you and to others who are dealing with these common problems. Keep your questions coming! Send me a private message on Hotze Health & Wellness Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HotzeHWC/. Don’t forget to mention Katy Christian Magazine in the subject line. And remember, there’s no such thing as a dumb question.
To learn more about the Hotze Health & Wellness Center and schedule a Free Wellness Consultation, call us at 281-698-8698 or visit hotzehwc.com.
