Have you ever considered the difference between short and long term stress?
While one may be beneficial, the other is associated with hormonal imbalance, period problems, fatigue & burnout.
You see, stress increases cortisol (one of our stress hormones made by the adrenal glands). While it attracts a lot of negativity, cortisol is actually life-saving. It is the hormone that gets the body through acute challenges such as infections or danger. This hormone makes us more alert and increases blood sugar to provide our muscles with energy to survive. We need cortisol. [1]
The problem isn’t short-term stress, it’s the long-term, constant, relentless stress. The stress that leaves you feeling like you’re stuck in a box; you may feel nauseous or anxious or depressed; you may have palpitations; or sweaty palms; perhaps you’re not sleeping and having a constant running mind; or maybe you are physically holding your head wondering how you will get through the day. This type of stress is not beneficial. [2]
When cortisol levels stay high, it steals protein from muscles and reduces sensitivity to insulin. This induces weight gain and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.[3]
Long-term stress weakens the immune system and is associated with frequent infections and even the development of autoimmunity. [4]
Long-term stress affects the hormone-command centre in the brain known as the hypothalamus and impairs ovulation, hormone production and affects fertility.[5]
If you are feeling in a constant state of stress, we can help. Nutritional and herbal medicine alongside specific lifestyle modifications are beneficial in supporting an axis known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis which we know is activated in times of stress.
References:
[1] Noushad, S., et al. Physiological biomarkers of chronic stress: A systematic review. International Journal of Health Sciences, 2021. PMID: 34548863.
[2] Turner, A., et al. Psychological stress reactivity and future health and disease outcomes: A systematic review of prospective evidence. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2020. PMID: 32045797.
[3] Sharma, K., et al. Chronic Stress and Diabetes Mellitus: Interwoven Pathologies. Current Diabetes Reviews, 2020. PMID: 31713487.
[4] Ilchmann-Diounou, H., et al. Psychological Stress, Intestinal Barrier Dysfunctions, and Autoimmune Disorders: An Overview. Frontiers in Immunology, 2020. PMID: 32983091.
[5] Schliep, K.C., et al. Perceived stress, reproductive hormones, and ovulatory function: a prospective cohort study. Epidemiology, 2015. PMID: 25643098.