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Can a Hormone Imbalance Cause Anxiety?


Published August 16, 2022

It’s no secret that hormonal fluctuations can cause all sorts of physical and emotional changes as we age. Unfortunately, these changes seemingly lead to anxiety and other mental health concerns for some people. But, is it really the hormones themselves that are to blame? Or could there be other factors at play? 

Let’s take a closer look at the link between hormone imbalance and anxiety, and explore some possible causes. We’ll also examine other symptoms that come with hormonal imbalance and offer tips for coping with these challenges. 

What Is Anxiety?

According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety is an unpleasant and sometimes debilitating condition characterized by feelings of tension, worry, and physical problems like high blood pressure. Many people with anxiety disorders experience recurring thoughts or concerns they can’t control. As a result, they may be reluctant to do certain things because of their apprehension, and experience physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, and dizziness, and a fast heart rate is also common.

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What Causes Anxiety?

From an evolutionary standpoint, anxiety is an emotional reaction that aids in surviving dangers or threats. However, in today’s world, we don’t often come face-to-face with the same types of threats that our ancestors did. This means that, for some people, anxiety can become a chronic condition without an obvious trigger. 

Several different factors can contribute to anxiety, including:

It’s worth noting that not everyone who experiences a hormone imbalance will develop anxiety. However, research suggests that there are links between the two. So let’s take a closer look at how hormone imbalances affect anxiety levels.

How Hormone Imbalance Can Affect Anxiety 

Many different hormones play a role in anxiety, including: 

Estrogen – Estrogen is a hormone that’s present in both men and women, though women have much higher levels of it. This hormone is thought to play a role in regulating mood and emotion. When estrogen levels are out of balance, it can lead to anxiety, depression, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Progesterone – Progesterone is another hormone in both men and women. In women, progesterone levels rise during ovulation and pregnancy. This hormone regulates the menstrual cycle and prepares the body for pregnancy. When progesterone levels are too low, it can lead to anxiety and other issues like depression, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.

Testosterone – Testosterone is a hormone primarily found in men, but both men and women have it. This hormone is responsible for muscle growth, sex drive, and fertility. The complexities of low testosterone are still being examined. Still, there have been studies that suggest links between low testosterone levels and anxiety. Again, this is true for both men and women, who may also experience concurrent disorders like depression. 

Cortisol – Cortisol is a hormone that’s produced by the adrenal glands. This hormone is responsible for regulating stress levels in the body. When cortisol levels are too high, it can lead to various issues, including anxiety disorders.

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How to Cope with Hormone Imbalance-Related Anxiety

If you suspect that you may be suffering from a hormone imbalance, you can start with at-home hormone testing as part of the diagnostic process. Once your hormone levels have been checked and a diagnosis has been made, different treatment options may help improve your symptoms, including: 

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) – Hormone replacement therapy involves taking hormones to bring your levels back into balance. This treatment is popular among women experiencing menopause or perimenopause to cope with symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. However, both men and women may enjoy the benefits of BHRT. 

BHRT is different from traditional hormone replacement therapy in that the hormones used are identical to the ones your body naturally produces. This makes them more accessible for your body to absorb and less likely to cause side effects.

Therapy or Counseling – Therapy or counseling are effective options that can be used to help treat anxiety. From dry skin and thinning hair to anxiety and moodiness, hormone imbalances can cause various symptoms. Therapy or counseling can be used in conjunction with hormone replacement therapy to help you understand and cope with changes your body has gone through and what you’re experiencing as you bring things back into alignment.

Lifestyle changes – Make specific lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and reducing stress to help improve your symptoms.

Medication – When hormone imbalances alone aren’t the cause of anxiety, there may be a need for a doctor or psychiatrist-prescribed medication. Common medications used to treat anxiety disorders include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and beta-blockers. 

Try At-Home Hormone Testing to Take Control of Your Symptoms

Other Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance

In addition to anxiety, hormone imbalances can also cause several other symptoms, including: 

You Deserve a Life Free of Anxiety

If you’re struggling with anxiety, it’s essential to seek treatment. Hormone imbalances can play a role in anxiety, so if you suspect this may be a factor for you, be sure to take this short quiz to see if hormone replacement therapy is right for you. There are many different treatment options available that can help you find relief. So, don’t suffer in silence — get the help you need to live a happy, healthy life. 

The post Can a Hormone Imbalance Cause Anxiety? appeared first on BodyLogicMD.

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  • “Dr. Schultz is extremely thorough with diagnosis and treatment while her testing is extensive.   She has a wealth of knowledge about hormone replacement and areas relating to this.  Her bedside manner is refreshing and she never rushes you out of her office.   If you have ever considered looking into hormone replacement you would be well advised to start with Dr. Schultz first”

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  • “Since I became a patient of Dr. Schultz and FINALLY found someone who could balance my hormones, I HAVE FELT BETTER THAN I DID WHEN I WAS 20!!! I swear this is true!! Because of her diagnostic genius, the level of bioidentical hormones she has fine-tuned to my individual needs have changed my life and restored me to be the best “me” I can be! Dr. Schultz is not just a doctor, I call her my HEALER 🙂 She LISTENS to me, she educates me and encourages me to take good care of myself and to make good choices, and then she allows me to make my own decisions and choices, because she respects that I am an intelligent adult and the expert on my own 58-year-old body. She treats me as a peer and her PARTNER in maintaining my own wellness, and she respects and cares about me! Our appointments start and end with a hug, and I leave her office feeling uplifted, understood, inspired, strengthened and healed in body mind and spirit. She is very holistic,  understanding that we are not just a cluster of symptoms, but that in order to have healthy bodies we must also address our issues, belief systems, and thoughts. Dr. Schultz is a wise and wonderful teacher and I am blessed to have her on my path:) And her staff is awesome too!”

    Jessica O.

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