Can Hormone Imbalance Cause Anxiety... Atlanta, Ga
Can Hormone Imbalance Cause Anxiety ?
Anxiety goes beyond feeling stressed or worried; it can deeply root itself in your body’s biochemistry. One of the key factors that can trigger or exacerbate anxiety disorders is a hormone imbalance. Let’s examine how different sex hormones can affect your mood and cause mental health problems. These hormones include progesterone, testosterone, DHT, estrogen, cortisol, and insulin.
Low Progesterone - Can This Be Causing You Anxiety?
Progesterone is often referred to as the “calming hormone” because it promotes relaxation and better sleep. It works by increasing GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps to calm the nervous system. When progesterone levels are low, it can lead to increased anxiety, irritability, and trouble sleeping. This is particularly common during PMS, perimenopause, and menopause when progesterone levels fluctuate.
Estrogen and Anxiety: and a Low Mood
Estrogen plays a significant role in mood regulation and cognitive function. It supports serotonin production, which can help keep mood and anxiety levels balanced.
Low estrogen levels can lead to hormone related anxiety, depression, and mood swings, especially during menopause. Conversely, high estrogen levels, or “estrogen dominance,” can also cause anxiety, irritability, and even panic attacks. It’s all about finding the right balance!
Testosterone and DHT: Impact on Mood and Anxiety
Testing testosterone levels isn’t just for men—it’s crucial for women’s health too. It influences mood, energy levels, and confidence.
Low testosterone can result in feelings of anxiety, low mood, and fatigue. High levels of DHT, a powerful type of testosterone, can cause problems. These include irritability, weight gain, and anxiety.
Cortisol: The Stress Hormone
Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone” because it’s released during stressful situations. While small amounts of cortisol can be helpful, high levels over time can cause anxiety, irritability, and panic attacks. Low cortisol levels, often because of adrenal fatigue, can lead to anxiety and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed.
The Limitations of Regular Blood Work for Hormone Testing
Standard blood tests may not give a complete picture of your sex hormone levels. Blood tests measure the amount of hormone in your bloodstream. However, they do not show how much is available to your body’s cells.
For example, you might have low estrogen levels in your blood, but high levels in your tissues. This can lead to misdiagnosis, weight gain, symptoms and inappropriate treatments.
Saliva testing is more accurate for hormones like progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol. It measures the active hormone levels that your body can use. For example, if your blood test shows low estrogen and you take estrogen supplements, you might cause more harm. If your saliva test shows high estrogen, the supplements may not be helping you.
Hormone Fluctuations Throughout a Woman’s Life
Women experience natural hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives, and each phase can impact mood and anxiety levels differently.
- PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome): Progesterone levels drop, leading to increased anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. Think about your teenage daughter when you ask yourself, “can hormone imbalance cause anxiety”? YES it can.
- Perimenopause: Hormone levels fluctuate wildly, often leading to heightened anxiety and mood instability.
- Menopause: Estrogen and progesterone levels decline, which can result in anxiety, depression, and cognitive changes.
- Post-menopause, hormone levels settle at a lower point. However, imbalances can still lead to anxiety and mood issues if not managed well.
Insulin and Its Effect on Mood and Anxiety
Insulin doesn’t just control blood sugar; it also has a significant impact on your mood and anxiety levels. High insulin levels can happen when people eat a lot of refined carbs and sugars. This can cause insulin resistance, weight gain, and even hair loss.
This condition means your body must make more insulin to control blood sugar levels. This can cause mood swings and more anxiety.
Low blood sugar can happen if you skip meals or eat too much sugar. It can lead to increased anxiety, irritability, and even panic attacks. Keeping insulin levels balanced through a healthy diet and lifestyle is key to managing anxiety and maintaining stable moods.
When looking at hormones and anxiety it is vital to test for ALL aspects of your endocrine system so you get the full picture
Ready to Get to the Root of Your Anxiety?
If you’re struggling with anxiety and suspect that your hormones might be playing a role, I’m here to help. With detailed blood tests and saliva tests, we can find the cause of your symptoms. Our personalized approach helps us create a plan that works for you.
I provide both in-person (near Atlanta, Ga) and virtual consultations. No matter where you are, we can work together. We will help balance your hormones and make you feel your best.
Don’t let hormone imbalances control your life. Reach out today to book an appointment and start your journey to better health and well-being.
Can hormone imbalance cause anxiety? YES! Let’s fix it fast.
HAVE A QUESTION? MEET THE OWNER, ALANE WINCEK!
CERTIFIED HOLISTIC NUTRITIONIST, METABOLIC HEALTH SPECIALIST, AND NATUROPATH.
Hey! I’m Alane Stieglitz-Wincek. I grew up on sugar and plenty of junk food and had no clue how my diet effected my health.
I changed my life and have worked as a holistic nutritionist and naturopath, for over the last 30 years. I help people get healthy, fit and lean, find hormone happiness and recover from all sorts health challenges.
Obsessed With: my family, my dog, my clients, loving life, and living it to the fullest!