Stress can come in a variety of different forms. From the emotional stressors of relationships and work, the physical stressors of exercise and sitting all day at your desk, to the chemical stressors from the processed food you eat and the environment in which we live. Stress can cause many different sorts of responses within the body – the extent of which these stressors show depend on how we perceive and respond to a situation.

Going through menopause can be stressful in itself, however have you ever thought that living a highly stressful life may impact the way in which your hormones change in this time?

When the body is under stress it produces 2 hormones – they are called Cortisol and Adrenaline. They are produced by a part of the endocrine system called the adrenal glands – these sit on top of our kidneys. These 2 hormones are our survival hormones produced during times of ‘fight or flight’

During menopause the adrenal glands take over some of the work of the ovaries and produce small amounts of progesterone and oestrogen. Whilst these adrenal glands are producing cortisol and adrenaline they are unable to produce these female hormones as efficiently. This is because our body will always choose survival over fertility.

When we experience chronic stress – whether that may be from a high sugar diet, a bad relationship, stressful work environments or many other things, the adrenal glands maintain a high level of cortisol which can sometimes also lead to a burn out. High cortisol will decrease the effects of Progesterone on the body.. This may lead to menopausal symptoms such as insomnia, low energy, unhealthy food cravings, digestive problems, weight gain, aches and pains, low mood.

It is often best to reflect on your health before you hit menopause and balance the factors that may be causing stress on your lifestyle. If you think you have chronic stressors affecting your life and would like to be proactive about changing your lifestyle, send us a message.