Stress and hormones

 

Stress and Hormones

Stress can have a big effect on our hormones and period health. High stress levels can decide if your body should temporarily stop ovulating and having periods. Stress and hormones I experienced when moving to a new house. This was a stressful time and my body stopped my periods for 3 months.

Stress can affect our cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid hormone made by your adrenal glands. Cortisol is your fight-or-flight hormone that gets you through danger or illness. Long-term activation of cortisol takes protein from muscles and organs. Weakening your immune system and causing imbalances of insulin and leptin hormones. Chronic long-term stress steals progesterone.

We are all familiar with hearing we need to eat healthy, exercise more and reduce our stress levels. One very good reason is because, it can help our hormones among many other things.

What can you do to help you help your stress and hormones?

Sleep

First of all, look at your sleep. You need to aim for seven- or eight-hours quality sleep each night. Allow time to relax. Switch off your screens, tablets and phones. Rest calms your nervous system lowering cortisol preparing you for sleep.

 

Exercise

Helps to regulate cortisol and your stress response.

Choose an exercise you enjoy, it does not have to be the gym. Join a group or team to make you commit to exercise.

Choose swimming, yoga, walking or dancing if you prefer. All of these activities are beneficial for your hormones and period health.

 

Diet

Finally, look at your diet. Is it working for you?

Reduce your sugar intake and alcohol, this can make a big difference. This helps with inflammation in the body.

Wheat and dairy can be a problem for some. If you think this is you, try without for a few weeks and see if it makes a difference.

 

Besides, not only will your hormones thank you, most importantly you will look and feel better for it.

 

https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/stress-and-your-health