Stress and Health

Amidst the chaos and hectic routines of work, home and social life, stress tends to build up at some point in an attempt to maintain everything at equilibrium. It sure is not that easy. Besides, thanks to our smart phones our minds are constantly obsessing about what’s happening in the online-dimension. So, over-stressing too much can start affecting your body in many ways. Plus biologically, women have been wired and clocked differently than men, making them more susceptible to physical side effects.

How does stress affect a woman’s body?

Stress is a natural body mechanism and it depends how you channel the stress – sometimes it may be constructive and sometimes it may affect you negatively at an emotional or physical level as well. Anxiety, palpitation, excessive eating, depression, mood swings, acne, abdominal pain, and anger are some of the major symptoms that occur due to chronic stress. When stress builds up, making each day worse and harder than before, it starts taking a toll on the body leading to various health effects. Here are the signs of stress on a woman’s body.

Compromised Immunity

When stress is induced, there is a release of a hormone Cortisol, from the adrenal gland which is circulated throughout the body to reduce elevated blood pressure or fight off the infection and stack up energy. But in cases of chronic stress, Cortisol, can affect the body in a negative way. A weakened immune system is one of the first symptoms which kicks in, which in turn makes your body susceptible to infections. Stress, therefore, poses a greater issue than the actual issue. So practice relaxation techniques or involve in your favorite hobby, to freshen up your mind.

Ugh, acne breakouts!

When your head is caught up in all kinds of stress, androgens (sex hormone) in your body starts soaring, causing breakouts and pimples on your face. Also, a downfall in the immunity messes up your skin, making you prone to infections and rashes. The sebum producing cells have stress receptors. With an increase in stress, the cells produce more sebum clogging up your skin and flaring acne.

Messing up your cycle

Yes, if you have a tendency to stress too much, there are chances that your menstrual cycle may become irregular or scanty. During times of stress, the cortisol level rises and the brain identifies your reproductive cycle as something not required or unnecessary in stress. So, the cortisol hormone signals the brain to reduce the release of estrogen and progesterone which in turn may cause the menstrual cycle to disrupt or cause amenorrhea or painful periods.

Hair-loss

During psychological disturbances especially in times of stress, you may tend to eat unhealthy, not sleep right and eventually lose or gain weight. Ultimately, improper nutrition and reduced water intake may cause acute hair loss. Short-term stress does not affect your hair in any way, however, chronic stress takes a toll on your hair.

Drop in libido

You got your mind floating elsewhere and soaring with stress, it sure can interfere with your sex life. Any type of stress, be it acute or chronic has a negative impact on your libido for both men and women. In response to stress, cortisol suppresses the sex hormones due to the fight and flight response of the body.

So, to avoid stress impacting your relationship life, communicate more with your partner, start yoga, meditation or relaxation techniques to keep the stress at bay.

Read More: Stress could be taking a toll on your child