Can Hormonal Imbalance Cause Anxiety?

Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers that send signals to various parts of your body. They regulate many processes, including growth and development, reproduction, sexual function, and mood. 

Not only are balanced hormones vital for a healthy body but also a healthy brain.

Hormonal imbalances (meaning hormone levels are too high/low) can cause a lot of problems in your body’s normal functions, including mood fluctuations, anxiety, and depression.

Women often experience complex hormone fluctuations. It is important to understand how hormones and mental health are interconnected. Keep reading to learn more.

Can Hormonal Imbalance Cause Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety is one of the common symptoms of hormonal imbalance. While both sexes may be affected, research shows that females are more likely to experience hormone-related anxiety than males.

Women’s health and well-being are affected by different hormones. Hormone imbalances can cause or worsen mental health problems.

Signs of Hormone Imbalance

Women

• Inability to focus and remember things 
• Mood swings, anxiety, and depression 
• Stubborn belly fat, weight gain, bloating, and food cravings 
• Muscle loss and weakness 
• Cold hands and feet
• Saggy, dry, aging skin 
• Loss of libido, difficulty achieving arousal and orgasm 
• Infrequent menstrual cycles 
• Lack of menstrual cycle – prior to menopause

Men

• A decline in general well-being
• Feeling burned out and past your prime
• Loss of muscle strength
• Muscle aches, joint pain, as well as longer recovery time from injuries
• Frequent illnesses
• Excessive sweating
• Loss of libido and inability to achieve or maintain an erection
• Fewer morning erections

Hormones That Impact Stress, Mood, and Anxiety Levels

• Sex Hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone)
• Stress Hormones (hormones that are responsible for our fight or flight response, such as adrenaline and cortisol)
• Thyroid Hormones (hormones that cause thyroid dysfunction resulting in either an underactive or overactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism)
• Oxytocin (also known as the love hormone)

How to Reduce Hormone-Related Anxiety

• Exercise daily
• Manage your stress through relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga.
• Practice a healthy diet with fiber-rich foods, fermented foods, and essential vitamins like omega-3s.
• Drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeine.
• Get enough sleep.
• Undergo hormone replacement therapy (if advised by your doctor)

Talk To A Women’s Care Provider 

Although hormones play important roles in maintaining normal body functions, too many or too few could lead to complications. Understanding how they affect mood and stress response is a good first step towards decreasing hormone-related anxiety disorder. 

Don’t let your hormones disrupt your well-being. Treating hormonal imbalances that cause your anxiety and panic disorder is possible. Consult a women’s health doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

North Valley Women’s Care has a clinical team that cares a lot about women’s health and wellness. 

We offer various healthcare procedures including hormone replacement therapy and ob-gyn services. Contact us today to book an appointment!

If you have any questions about hormones and anxiety, leave us a comment below and we’ll get back to you.