Women And Stress: Is It Behind Your Weight And Health Problems?
If you can't lose weight or experience other health issues, such as fatigue or headaches, you may be under constant stress. Chronic stress can make your adrenal glands produce more cortisol than your body needs. Cortisol is one of the hormone that regulates your stress levels. Here's how stress affects your cortisol levels and body.
Why Is Your Cortisol Levels Up?
Your adrenal glands secrete several types of hormones that allow you to react to different types of stress, including cortisol. Under normal circumstances, cortisol benefits your body by regulating your blood sugar, metabolism, and other necessary functions. However, women who are under constant stress may experience high levels of cortisol, especially during the evening.
For men and women, cortisol naturally increases in the morning and decreases in the evening, which allows them to have more energy to get through their days. However, some women may not see a decrease of cortisol in the evening. These women often have responsibilities after work that keep them busy or stressed, such as caring for children or running a home. If you fall into any of these categories, it may be a reason for your weight gain and other health problems.
Unless you receive the right care, your cortisol levels and health issues may become worse.
How Do Lower Your Cortisol Levels?
It's important to see a women's health physician for a detailed exam and possible treatment. A physician can perform blood and other laboratory tests to see if you have elevated cortisol levels. A doctor may also examine your adrenal glands by x-ray or another diagnostic test to see if they have an infection or tumor. These health issues can affect the cortisol levels in your body.
If you don't have any health issues other than stress, a doctor will help you lower it. Your treatment may include taking exercise or physical therapy classes to help you overcome your weight issues. Some doctors prescribe stress-reducing medications to their patients. The medications prevent your adrenal glands from releasing too much cortisol into your bloodstream.
You may also strive to alleviate your stress by regulating some of your home duties to your spouse or another trusted loved one. If possible, take an evening off and relax at a movie or another place of interest.
If you need solutions for your weight and health problems, contact a women's health doctor for an exam or appointment today.
