We live in a world of chronic stress.
Stress related illnesses like autoimmune diseases have been on the rise for some time now; MS (Multiple sclerosis), Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, type 1 Diabetes, Fibromyalgia and more.
Women account for 80% of all autoimmune diseases. Many explanations have been considered for this. Factors like microbiome, environmental factors, the X chromosome and hormones. Another explanation offered for this is stress.
“Women are the shock absorbers of society” – Dr Gabor Maté.
We know that stress massively us all. As women, here’s what happens to our hormones when we are highly or continuously stressed:
1. Our nervous system is in a constant state of fight or flight. This means we can’t switch off, can’t rest and the signal from our brain to our body is “stop everything, we’re in danger, there’s a bear chasing us, we need to just survive here”. So the hormones stop doing their job, as well as every other function in the body, the focus is survival.
2. When we’re stressed, the hormone Cortisol is produced. When cortisol is high in the body, the sex hormone Progesterone can only be low, they both can’t be high at the same time and cortisol will always win it’s way to the top.Progesterone is responsible for regulating our period, building the endometrium lining in the womb, supporting fertility. What’s interesting about this female sex hormone is that it also plays an important role in immune response. Cortisol high = progesterone low = low immune response = infertility, irregular periods, autoimmune diseases. Can you see the pattern?
If you’re struggling with any of the above, it’s time to seek balance. Where in your life could you find balance? Where are you giving too much? Who can’t you say no to? Are you people pleasing at the expense of your health? Where could you ask for help?
Simple ways to find balance and reduce stress:
- A daily mindful movement practice
- A morning routine
- Meditation
- Build a support network
- Learn to say no, set boundaries
- Learn to ask for help
- Breathing techniques for nervous system regulation
- Work with someone for one to one support.
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Stress and Women's Health | Wild Flow Co 2024
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