Stress and Hormone
Balance
In order to achieve hormone
balance, we must consider the effects of stress. Beyond the
‘sex hormones’-- estrogen, progesterone and testosterone--the
body relies on many other hormones, such as insulin, cortisol,
adrenaline, DHEA and pregnenolone , to regulate ongoing
bodily functions. Disruption of the balance soon means problems
elsewhere in the body.
What exactly is
stress?
Stress can be physical,
emotional or mental tension—or any factor that would cause
these things. Physical stressors include such things as
illness, severe injury, surgery, food allergies, chemical
sensitivities, heavy metal exposure and poor nutrition.
Emotional and mental tensions can result from a host of
sources, such as job expectations, work overloads, parenting
challenges and relationship problems. Any and all of these
stressors can negatively affect mental health, bone health,
colon health , cardiovascular
health, immune function and menopause
hormone balance.
How does all of this
lead to hormone imbalance?
In response to a stressful
event, the body revs up the sympathetic nervous system—the
so-called ‘fight or flight’ mechanism.
The adrenal glands quickly
release adrenaline and cortisol to
provide the needed energy. A process called gluconeogenesis
actually causes the breakdown of muscle protein so that amino
acids can be released into the bloodstream. These aminos are
then used by the liver to manufacture needed glucose, which
raises the blood sugar level, supplying the brain with instant
usable energy.
In a normal stress
response—like a near-miss car collision—the body sends out
substances after the event to normalize (reduce) the levels of
cortisol and adrenaline. Our shaking hands and pounding heart
eventually return to normal.
However, when we remain in a
state of perceived stress for hours or days at a time, a host
of problems can result due to the continued presence of
cortisol. Blood sugar levels (insulin) remain elevated. Blood
pressure can also remain elevated. Progesterone, needed for
synthesis of cortisol, is being gobbled up by the adrenal system and is
diverted away from other functions. Before long, a woman’s body
can become progesterone-deficient and thyroid function may be compromised.
(hypothyroid) A weakened adrenal system also fails to produce
adequate levels of DHEA, leading to
premature aging, low sex drive and cardiovascular
problems.
How does all of this
impact my menopause symptoms?
Progesterone is the primary hormone
utilized to create adrenal hormones; therefore continued stress
can result in adrenal exhaustion. Exhausted adrenals produce
less and less progesterone and estrogen dominance results.
Cortisol also appears to block the efficient conversion of
thyroid hormones, resulting in fatigue, weight gain, depression, brain
fog and joint/muscle pain.
Another adrenal hormone,
aldosterone, is necessary for regulating the balance of
minerals, chiefly sodium, potassium and magnesium. When stress
causes a release of this hormone over an extended period of
time, potassium deficiency and magnesium imbalance can occur,
leading to high blood pressure and water retention. Cortisol
may also contribute to hot flashes as it is thought to compete
with estrogen and progesterone
receptor sites.
What is the
correlation between cortisol and weight
gain?
Several herbal and nutritional
supplement companies have jumped onto the scene, promising to
rescue us from this stress hormone. You may have heard or seen
ads promoting such products as Cortislim© and Relacor©. Of
course, there is no such such thing as a magic diet pill--one
must also change their diet and exercise habits. However, there
is some science behind their claims.
Karen Collins of the American
Institute for Cancer Research confirms the link to between
stress, cortisol and weight problems and writes, “Some research
suggests that cortisol may affect where body fat is stored. In
one study, baseline levels of cortisol had no relation to
women’s fat distribution. But those whose cortisol levels
jumped the most in response to stress tended to have
proportionally more waistline fat – even if they had a healthy
weight. A greater proportion of fat at the waist was related to
increased levels of ongoing stress related to work or finances,
or lower levels of self-esteem. This waistline fat that gives
people an apple shape poses the greatest health
risks….”
What's the connection to
osteoporosis? Stress causes
magnesium to be excreted at an abnormal rate. Calcium,
magnesium and potassium need to be present in proper levels to
prevent bone loss. Also, the very presence of magnesium can
lessen the stress response in the first place. For many
reasons, it is a critical nutrient for healthy bones. To learn
more about magnesium and your health, click here.
What can you do to
combat the effects of stress?
Support your body with quality
food choices and extra antioxidants, such as vitamin C and
B-complex. Other supplements might include magnesium (see
Natural Calm below), pantothenic acid, L-theanine and
kava. Check with your
doctor if you have questions.
Support your mind and mental
health with physical exercise, supportive friends, and
relaxation and/or meditation techniques. If you don’t already
own one, consider adopting a pet at your local animal shelter.
Make quality time a priority with your family. Volunteer in
your community or get involved with a local church or
synagogue.
Learn more about cortisol
Learn more about
adrenal stress and
fatigue
Disclaimer: This information
is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or other
medical condition. This information is provided for educational
and informational purposes only. Please consult with your
doctor should you have specific health questions or
concerns.
References and
resources:
1. John R. Lee, MD, with
Virginia Lee, What Your Doctor May not Tell You about
Menopause, New York: Warner Books, 1996.
2. Kate Neil and Patrick
Holford, Balance Hormones Naturally: Freedom, CA, The Crossing
Press, 1999.
3. Uzzi Reiss, M.D., Natural
Hormone Balance, New York: Pocket Books, 2001.
4. Burton Goldberg and the
editors of Alternative Medicine, Alternative Guide to Women’s
Health 1, Tiburon, CA: Future Medicine Publishing,
1998.
5. Mildred Seelig, M.D. and
Andrea Rosanoff, Ph. D., The Magnesium Factor, New York:
Penguin Publishing, 2003.
6. Christiane Northrup, M.D.,
The Wisdom of Menopause, New York: Bantam Books,
2001.
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