What Helps Hormone-Induced Anxiety

Have you ever wondered why you get irritable, anxious, or upset when on your period? Or are you going through menopause and feeling different emotions? Anxiety can be caused by several other factors, many of which are linked to hormonal changes or an imbalance of hormones within the body.

Hormone-induced anxiety is anxiety caused by a hormonal imbalance. Compared to male counterparts, females are more likely to develop hormone-induced anxiety. Women are more vulnerable to hormone-induced anxiety because of hormonal fluctuations that occur at various stages of a woman's life.

As you read, you will learn more about the relationship between anxiety and hormones, and  how to cope with hormone-induced anxiety.

Knowing anxiety

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), often known as anxiety, is a condition that makes you feel anxious about diverse issues or situations rather than one particular event.

There are other forms of anxiety disorders, including:

• Panic disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Phobias
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Common causes of anxiety

There is no standard cause of anxiety as it is unique to each individual experiencing it.

Common causes of anxiety include:

• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Family or relationship problems
• Economic difficulties
• Health issues
• Pregnancy
• Death or loss of a loved one

How does it feel to have anxiety?

When anxious, you may experience racing thoughts, rapid heartbeats, churning stomach, trembling, and dizziness.

Anxiety is associated with additional symptoms, as outlined below. 

Symptoms of anxiety

Identifying anxiety symptoms can be difficult. The following table summarises their division:

These symptoms are unique to every individual.

Understanding hormones

What does hormonal imbalance mean? 

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands, helping coordinate various bodily functions such as reproduction, growth, and development.

Hormonal imbalance occurs when there is an excess or deficiency of one or more hormones in the bloodstream. Here are a few examples of hormones and their functions in the body:

• Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, affects various bodily functions.It is in charge of stress response and immune response.¹ Cortisol also increases the availability of blood glucose in the brain. A cortisol imbalance in the body can be accompanied by symptoms such as weight gain

• Testosterone is the hormone that regulates male development. If there is not the proper amount of testosterone, it can lead to hormonal changes resulting in a variety of symptoms such as hair loss, loss of bone mass and muscle mass

• Oestrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone all play essential roles in female development. Women frequently experience hormonal changes during the following stages:
  • Puberty
  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding
  • Menopause

What are the signs of hormonal imbalance? 

The signs of hormonal imbalance depend on which hormones or glands are affected. Some general symptoms of hormonal imbalance include:

• Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
• Low-sex drive
• Thin hair
• Infertility
• Mood swings

What are the causes of hormonal change? 

Hormonal changes can occur for a variety of reasons, for example endocrine gland dysfunction.²  Endocrine glands are specialised cells that manufacture, store and release hormones into the bloodstream. 

Other causes of hormonal imbalance are:

• Medications and treatments such as chemotherapy and birth control pills. 
• Stress
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Injury or trauma
• Medical conditions such as diabetes

How do hormones affect anxiety? 

Hormonal fluctuation contributes to how much anxiety you may feel. Understanding which hormones can affect your mood and response to stress is a good step toward reducing hormone-related anxiety. 

Testosterone and, oestrogen (sex hormones), stress hormones, thyroid hormones, serotonin, and oxytocin are examples of hormones which can affect your mood. While each are essential to proper function, an imbalance in any of these can lead to complications.

Sex hormones

Changes in the level of oestrogen and testosterone can affect your mood. Anxiety often occurs during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause due to an imbalance of sex hormones. For example, oestrogen levels drop during menstruation, often accompanied by changes in mood or increased anxiety. 

Thyroid hormone

The thyroid hormone is responsible for metabolic processes in the body. Excess levels of thyroid hormone in the body (hyperthyroidism) can cause anxiety, while low levels of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) may lead to depression. 

Research in 2020 found a link between thyroid abnormalities and increased anxiety. ³ This evidence suggests that people with a thyroid hormone imbalance may be at a higher risk of developing anxiety disorders.

Stress hormones

Cortisol and adrenaline are hormones that are released when a person perceives or feels threatened. Imbalanced stress hormones can leave your body more stressed and anxious.

Oxytocin

This is also known as the “love hormone”. Anxiety is alleviated by oxytocin. This hormone is usually transmitted during sex, hugging, cuddling, and breastfeeding. Engaging in activities that promote this hormone helps tackle anxiety. 

Serotonin

Serotonin is often referred to as the "happy hormone" and plays an important role in boosting mood and reducing anxiety. Research shows that a decrease in serotonin levels is linked with increased anxiety and depression.⁴ Therefore, a balance in serotonin levels may serve as a means to overcome anxiety. 

Is anxiety during hormonal change common?

Hormonal imbalance, has been shown to affect or worsen women's mental health. 

One of the common symptoms of hormonal imbalance or changes is anxiety. Anxiety is completely normal during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.

How to overcome anxiety when having Hormonal Imbalance

Holistic approach

• Herbal tea: green tea is an example of a healthy beverage that helps maintain hormonal levels. It contains antioxidants, which may aid in stress relief

• Sunlight: exposure to sunlight is a healthy way to obtain vitamin D which improves your mood and thus help reduce anxiety. Research has shown that adequate intake of vitamin D may help with anxiety and depression.⁵ Every morning, you should spend at least 10–15 minutes in the sun

Medication

• Treatment for anxiety caused by hormones is highly dependent on the hormone causing the anxiety. Hormone-induced anxiety is treated with a variety of oral medications and injections. Consult with a doctor to determine the best treatment option

Lifestyle changes

• Modify your diet: consume meals rich in fibre and healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids. Excessive processed sugar intake is one for the risk factors of developing insulin resistance.⁶ It is best to avoid processed sugars as this helps maintain horomonal balance
• Get enough sleep: sleep deprivation has been linked to hormonal imbalance and anxiety. As a result, if you are experiencing hormonal imbalance and anxiety, try to get 8 hours of sleep per day
• Exercise: regular exercise lowers cortisol and adrenaline levels and releases happy hormones such as endorphins and serotonin, thus reducing the risk of developing an anxiety disorder. Try to make a habit of exercising daily
• Manage stress levels; excessive stress can disrupt the overall balance of hormones in the body, leading to anxiety. Engage in stress-relieving activities such as listening to music, yoga, and dancing. Most importantly, make time for yourself

When should you ask for medical attention?

If you are experiencing new or continuous symptoms associated with hormonal-induced anxiety, or if you are not undergoing puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, or stress and experiencing hormonal-induced related anxiety symptoms, you should consult your healthcare provider.

Summary

Hormones help to coordinate various bodily functions, and an imbalance in hormonal levels increases a person's risk of anxiety. These changes are accompanied by a slew of symptoms that are unique to everyone

If you believe you are suffering from hormonal anxiety, aim to get enough rest, exercise, eat a healthy diet, and get enough sunlight.