You can feel the anxiety creeping in, but you’re not sure where it’s coming from. Your home life is great, and work hasn’t been hectic lately. Yet somehow work is becoming increasingly difficult for you.
You’re unable to focus. And you’re having trouble remembering details. You can’t even remember what you had for lunch today. You’re normally on top of things, but lately, you haven’t felt like yourself.
Your coworkers seem to be doing just fine. You’re starting to question what’s wrong with you. You’ve retraced your steps and the only thing you can think of is that your hormones may be out of order.
So, let’s find out. Can women’s hormones cause anxiety symptoms?
Women’s Hormones and Anxiety
The short answer is yes. Women’s hormones can cause anxiety symptoms. If you think about it, it makes complete sense, as hormones are chemical messengers that send signals to various parts of the body. If hormones become too high or too low, it can affect the body’s normal processes and can lead to various complications. Anxiety can be one of those complications.
Males and females can both suffer from hormonal imbalances, but people who were assigned female at birth are more likely to be impacted due to changes like puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and post menopause. Research shows that people assigned female at birth are nearly twice as likely as males to experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime, and hormonal fluctuations are believed to be one of the contributing factors.
Hormonal shifts can be especially pronounced during major life transitions. For example, many females report heightened anxiety before their menstrual cycle due to changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. Similarly, perimenopause can bring unpredictable mood swings and heightened stress responses, making it difficult to manage everyday life.
Types of Hormones that Affect Anxiety
There are four types of hormones that affect anxiety.
1. Sex Hormones
Sex hormones include estrogen and testosterone. The different levels of estrogen and testosterone can affect your mood. Estrogen, in particular, plays a role in serotonin regulation – a neurotransmitter that influences mood and emotions. When estrogen levels fluctuate, serotonin levels may also drop, contributing to anxiety and mood instability.
2. Stress Hormones
Cortisol and adrenaline make up the stress hormones. These hormones are released whenever the body senses a potential danger or threat. The stress hormones are released to initiate the fight or flight response to help cope with the threat at hand. While this response is helpful in true danger, chronic stress can cause prolonged elevation of cortisol, leading to increased anxiety, sleep disturbances, and even physical symptoms like muscle tension and digestive issues.
3. Thyroid Hormones
There are three hormones that make up the thyroid: triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Thyroid hormones affect your mood, which means an imbalance in thyroid hormones can affect how you feel physically and mentally. Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is commonly linked to depression and fatigue, while hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, is often associated with heightened anxiety and restlessness. If you’re experiencing anxiety along with weight changes, fatigue, or changes in body temperature regulation, it’s worth having your thyroid levels checked.
4. “Love” Hormone
The love hormone consists of oxytocin. Actions like breastfeeding, hugging, cuddling, and intercourse release oxytocin. Some research suggests that oxytocin actually has a positive impact on anxiety and stress. Higher oxytocin levels have been linked to lower cortisol levels, which may help counteract stress responses. This is why engaging in social bonding activities, like spending time with loved ones or cuddling a pet, can be beneficial for reducing anxiety.
Symptoms of Hormone-Related Anxiety
Anxiety can be a symptom of hormonal imbalance. Some of the most common symptoms of hormone-related anxiety:
- Excessive worrying
- Difficulty controlling worrying
- Difficulty relaxing
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Increased heart rate
- Panic attacks
- Inattention
- Brain Fog
- Changes in appetite
How to Reduce Hormone-Related Anxiety
Hormonal imbalances can feel like a vicious cycle, but there are measures you can take to reduce the anxiety that comes from it.
Move Your Body
Exercise naturally improves stress. When you exercise, hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are reduced. And endorphins or “feel good” chemicals are released. Aim to move your body for at least thirty minutes several days a week to see the benefits associated with exercise. Activities like walking and strength training can be particularly helpful for balancing hormones and reducing anxiety.
Manage Stress
Stress is one of the greatest factors in producing more stress hormones. Try incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine as a way to be proactive rather than reactive toward the stress in your life. Deep breathing, self-massage, and creative visualization can help reduce stress and manage anxiety levels. Progressive muscle relaxation and journaling can also be useful tools to regulate stress responses.
Improve Your Diet
When you fuel your body properly, you can promote well-being from the inside out. What you fuel your body with plays an important role in how you feel, especially related to your hormones. Make sure you’re fueling your body with well-balanced meals throughout the day.
Prioritize Your Sleep
Sleep is essential for proper rest and recovery. Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night. Try to go to bed at the same time every night and wake up around the same time each morning. Getting into a sleep schedule or routine can improve the anxiety you may be experiencing. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine, reducing screen time before bed, and maintaining a cool, dark sleeping environment can help improve sleep quality and support hormonal health.
Next Steps: Anxiety Counseling in Portland, OR
You are not alone if you’re struggling with anxiety, hormonal imbalances, or a combination of the two. If anxiety is impacting your overall health and well-being, it may be time to seek additional support. Mindful Mental and Behavioral Health PLLC offers anxiety counseling in Portland, OR to help individuals struggling with brain fog, anxiety, and mood swings. Our anxiety therapists offer personalized support to help you regain control.
Find Relief from Anxiety and Hormonal Imbalance
If anxiety has been making everyday life feel harder than it should, you deserve support that truly helps. Understanding the link between hormones and anxiety is just the first step—having the right tools and guidance can make all the difference. Our anxiety therapists in Portland, OR are here to help you manage stress, regain clarity, and feel more like yourself again. Follow the steps below to start feeling better with personalized support.
- Reach out to us today to set up an appointment for anxiety treatment.
- Learn more about anxiety by reading our blogs.
- Discover how anxiety therapy can help you feel like yourself again.
Other Services We Offer in Addition to Anxiety Treatment
At Mindful Mental and Behavioral Health PLLC, we provide a range of services designed to support your mental health and well-being. In addition to anxiety treatment, our team of mental health professionals offers specialized bipolar treatment, depression treatment, and trauma therapy. We’re committed to creating a safe and understanding space where you can explore your experiences, develop effective coping strategies, and work toward greater emotional stability. For those who may benefit from a combined approach, our medication management services ensure a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs. Whatever challenges you’re facing, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
