How Chronic Stress Alters Hormone Levels

For millions of individuals, stress is a daily occurrence. Unfortunately, chronic stress can lead to a host of health problems, including hormone imbalances.

When we are stressed, our bodies react by releasing stress hormones like cortisol. In small doses, these hormones are beneficial, helping us to deal with stressful situations.

However, when we are constantly under stress, our bodies may not have a chance to return to normal hormone levels. This can lead to chronic inflammation and other problems – which over time, can cause serious damage to our health.

How can you begin to reduce the effects of chronic stress in your life – and what role can functional medicine play? In this article, we will look closer at the impact of chronic stress on our hormone levels – and what we can do to reduce its impact.

Chronic Stress and Natural Hormone Levels

Chronic stress can take a toll on our hormones, leading to dysregulation in many different ways.

Natural hormone balance is essential for many bodily processes – from fertility and reproduction to metabolism and energy levels. When our hormones are out of balance, it can lead to a host of problems.

There are many different stress hormones, but cortisol is one of the most well-known. In small doses, cortisol helps us to deal with stressful situations by giving us a burst of energy. It also helps to regulate our immune system and inflammatory response.

However, when we are constantly under stress, our bodies may not have a chance to return to normal hormone levels. This can lead to chronic inflammation and other problems, which can cause serious damage to our health.

How to Fight Back Against Chronic Stress

Though it may not be possible to eliminate all stress from our lives, many lifestyle factors can help reduce its impact. One such factor is physical activity.

Though vigorous exercise is not always possible, even regular walking may improve hormone levels – and results increase with social interaction.

Additionally, stress-reducing techniques like meditation and massage have been shown to lower levels of stress biomarkers. In functional medicine, evaluation of stress and stress management strategies is a low-harm, high-benefit intervention.

How Functional Medicine Can Help

If you are struggling with the effects of chronic stress, functional medicine may be able to help. Functional medicine practitioners take a holistic approach to health, looking at the whole person – not just their symptoms.

They will work with you to identify any underlying imbalances that may be contributing to your stress levels – and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you regain balance.

If you are struggling with chronic stress, consider speaking to a functional medicine practitioner about ways to reduce its impact on your health. With the right lifestyle changes and support, it is possible to restore balance to your hormone levels – and improve your overall health.

Learn More with Dr. Khan – The Woodlands, Texas Functional Medicine Expert

Do you live in The Woodlands, Texas region?

Contact Dr. Khan at Internal Healing & Wellness MD today to discover how functional medicine can help you achieve your optimal health. With the right partner in your corner, you can learn to manage your stress – and take control of your health.

To book a consultation with Dr. Khan in The Woodlands, Texas, contact Internal Healing & Wellness MD at 281-475-7845 or visit us online.