Ladies, Lets Talk About Hormones

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just plain “off.” Maybe you’re juggling the chaos of motherhood, or going through the process of trying to conceive, or simply trying to keep it all together. I see you. I’ve been there too…and as a mom to a toddler grappling with my own hormonal imbalances, I’m still there.

You might be experiencing:

• Persistent fatigue that no amount of sleep seems to alleviate.
• Mood swings and irritability that feel unpredictable and uncontrollable.
• Brain fog that makes even simple tasks feel insurmountable.
• Sleep disturbances, leaving you wide awake at 3 AM or unable to fall asleep despite exhaustion.
• Unexplained weight gain, especially around the abdomen, that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise.
• Skin changes, like adult acne or dryness, that seem to appear out of nowhere.
• Anxiety and depression, which may feel like they’re taking over your life.
• Hot flashes and night sweats, disrupting your daily routine and sleep.

As a mental health professional for women and teen girl’s mental health, I’ve had countless conversations with women and teen girls who are struggling with anxiety or other mood disorders, only to discover that their hormones might be playing a significant role. And let me tell you, it’s not just in your head.

Hormones are powerful. They influence nearly every aspect of our lives: from our energy levels and emotional well-being to our sleep patterns and physical health. When they’re out of balance, the effects can be all-encompassing.

In this blog, we’ll explore how hormones and anxiety are connected, which hormones are involved, how to advocate for your health, and how a holistic approach can support your healing.

Can Hormone Imbalance Cause Anxiety?

Absolutely. Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions, including mood, energy, and stress responses. When these hormones are out of balance, they can significantly impact mental health, leading to symptoms like anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.

For instance, fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, which help regulate mood. Similarly, thyroid imbalances can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and anxiety.

Anxiety and Hormonal Imbalance

Anxiety is a complex condition with various contributing factors. Hormonal imbalances can exacerbate or even mimic anxiety symptoms. For example, during perimenopause, declining estrogen levels can lead to increased anxiety, irritability, and even rage (familiar with mom rage)? Similarly, conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which involves elevated testosterone levels, can increase the risk of anxiety and depression.

Recognizing the signs of hormonal imbalance and their impact on mental health is the first step toward healing. If you’re experiencing symptoms like unexplained anxiety, mood swings, or irritability, it’s essential to consider hormonal health as part of the equation.

What Hormones Can Trigger Anxiety?

Our bodies are intricate systems, and hormones are the messengers that keep everything running smoothly. But when these messengers get out of whack, they can wreak havoc on our mental health.

Understanding how these hormones affect your mood is a crucial step in managing anxiety. If you’re experiencing symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, heart fluctuations, or sleep disturbances, it might be time to talk to your doctor about getting some blood work done to check your hormone levels.

Advocate For Yourself-Female Hormone Test List

As women, we’re often told to “relax” or “just try not to stress.” But it’s not always that simple. Your feelings are valid, and your symptoms are telling you something.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, I encourage you to talk to your doctor. Ask for blood work to check your hormone levels. Don’t let anyone dismiss your concerns or tell you that because your cycle is “normal” that you have nothing to worry about. You deserve answers and a path to feeling better.

• Comprehensive Thyroid Panel: Measures levels of TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies to assess thyroid function.
• Estrogen and Progesterone Levels: Helps evaluate reproductive hormone balance, especially during different phases of the menstrual cycle. (Your doctor may recommend that you test certain hormones at different days of your cycle. For example- progesterone is best tested on day 18-19 of your cycle if your cycles are usually consistent).
• Testosterone Levels: Both total and free testosterone levels can provide insights into hormonal balance.
• Cortisol Levels: A 24-hour cortisol test can assess your body’s stress response and adrenal function.
• Vitamin D Levels: Ensures adequate levels for mood regulation and overall health.
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: Assesses overall metabolic health, including kidney and liver function, which can impact hormone balance.
• Gut Health Test: Since a significant portion of serotonin is produced in the gut, assessing gut health can provide insights into hormonal and mood regulation.

Holistic Health for Women

Healing isn’t just about taking a pill or just focusing on one aspect of your health. It’s about nurturing your whole self: mind, body, and spirit. Here are some steps towards wellness you can start today:

Therapy: Talking to a mental health professional can provide support and coping strategies.

Mindfulness and Prayer: These practices can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. I will forever and ever share my favorite prayer and meditation Pause app because I love it that much. It instantly sooths my anxiety and draws my heart closer to God.

Regular Exercise: Physical activity can boost your mood and regulate hormones. Just be mindful of what kind of exercise is best for your body and your hormones/cortisol levels. New research is coming out showing that HIIT (high intensity interval training) isn’t always the best for women with hormonal imbalances.

Balanced Diet: Eating nutrient-rich foods supports overall health and hormonal balance. A good place to start is by shopping the perimeter of the grocery store. Read the labels on the food. Download the Yuka app or Bobby Approved app to begin to learn more about the ingredients in your food.

Adequate Sleep: Rest is crucial for hormone production and mental well-being. If you’re struggling with sleep I’ve shared my favorite sleep supplements that actually work on my Instagram.

Hormonal Imbalance Supplements for Anxiety

While professional medical advice is crucial, certain supplements may support hormonal balance and reduce anxiety symptoms. Again, I’m not a medical doctor and suggest you always run this by your doctor to make sure these won’t interfere with any other medications you may be on.

Full disclosure: I’m a little bit of a supplement snob and personally don’t buy my supplements from Amazon anymore and I only trust certain brands more than others. Some of my fav brands without added junky ingredients are: Seeking Health, Premier Research Labs, CellCore, Pure Encapsulations. For kids, you can check out Mary Ruth’s Organics.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, omega-3s can help reduce anxiety and support hormone balance. I’m currently taking this one from Premier Research Labs.
• Magnesium: This mineral plays a role in regulating neurotransmitters and may help alleviate anxiety symptoms. Some of my favorite magnesium supplements are: BIOptimizers Magnesium Complex (includes more than one type of magnesium- which I love!). Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate.
• Vitamin D: Adequate levels of vitamin D are essential for mood regulation and overall health. I personally take this one from Seeking Health.
• Ashwagandha: An adaptogenic herb that may help the body manage stress and support hormonal balance.

(Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. I am not a medical doctor, just a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has spent tons of time researching and learning about hormones and functional health and wellness in women).

Counseling For Women Lake Mary Orlando, Florida

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, mood swings, or just not like yourself lately, you’re not alone and you don’t have to navigate this journey by yourself. As a counselor who truly understands the unique challenges women face, I offer a compassionate, holistic approach to help you regain balance and peace of mind. Together, we’ll explore how hormonal health, emotional well-being, and life stressors intersect, and develop a personalized plan to support your healing. If you’re ready to feel more like yourself again, reach out today to schedule a free consult call. Let’s take that first step toward feeling better—together.

Follow along on Social Media for more holistic wellness tips for women and teen girls! I offer in person and online counseling for women and teen girls in the state of Florida. I love all things non-toxic living, holistic health and wellness, and coming alongside women and teen girls to help them live healthier lives in mind, body, and soul.

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