Anxiety and Hormones: Understanding the Connection

Hormonal Anxiety: Comprehending the connection

Hormones are very important chemical messenger responsible for many bodily functions. They control our metabolism, reproduction, mood and stress response. Out of balance hormones can affect our mental health.

How Hormones Influence Anxiety

Hormonal imbalances can directly impact anxiety levels. Here’s how some key hormones play a role:

• Cortisol (The Stress Hormone): Cortisol is released In response due to a perceived a threat. While short bursts help you respond to danger, chronically high cortisol levels from ongoing stress—can lead to persistent anxiety, panic attacks, and other mood disturbances.
• Estrogen and Progesterone: Sex Hormones fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. These shifts can trigger anxiety, irritability, or even conditions like premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and postpartum anxiety. Estrogen can boost serotonin (the "happy hormone") in the first half of the menstrual cycle, while rising progesterone after ovulation can stimulate the brain’s fight-or-flight response, increasing anxiety and low mood.
• Testosterone: Lower levels of testosterone, which are more common in women, are linked to higher anxiety. Research shows that women with anxiety disorders often have lower testosterone than those without.
• Thyroid Hormones: The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism and energy. Hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms, while hypothyroidism (too little) often causes fatigue and depressive symptoms, which can overlap with anxiety.‍
• Adrenaline: This hormone triggers the classic fight-or-flight response. In people with anxiety, the body may release adrenaline too readily, causing symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, and trembling—even in non-threatening situations.

Why Are Women More Affected?

The cyclic nature of a women’s hormones appear to increase risk of anxiety. Monthly fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, as well as life stages like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can all impact anxiety levels. Men also have hormonal cycles, but these repeat daily and are less dramatic in their fluctuations.

Common Symptoms of Hormonal Anxiety

• Heart palpitations
• Restlessness or nervousness
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood swings or irritability
• Trouble concentrating
• Digestive issues
• Fatigue

Managing Hormonal Anxiety

If you suspect your anxiety is linked to hormones, consider these steps:

• Lifestyle Adjustments: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, good sleep hygiene, and stress-reduction techniques (like mindfulness or yoga) can help stabilize hormone levels and improve mood.
• Medical Support: Consult with healthcare professionals, such as your doctor/functional medicine practitioner, endocrinologist, or a hormone specialist. Blood tests can identify hormonal imbalances, and treatment options may include medication, hormone therapy, or other interventions tailored to your needs.
• Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of counseling can help you manage anxiety, regardless of its root cause.

References

1. Nillni, Y . I., Rasmusson, A. M., Paul, E. L., & Pineles, S. L. (2021). The Impact of the Menstrual Cycle and Underlying Hormones in Anxiety and PTSD: What Do We Know and Where Do We Go From Here?. Current psychiatry reports, 23(2), 8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-020-01221-9
2. Kundakovic, M., & Rocks, D. (2022). Sex hormone fluctuation and increased female risk for depression and anxiety disorders: From clinical evidence to molecular mechanisms. Frontiers in neuroendocrinology, 66, 101010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101010