Is your anxiety a bit higher than usual? COVID-19 marks the beginning of a new era. The pandemic, as well as the stress and grief caused by racism, are causing us anxiety. For those of us who have ovaries, it is even more critical. Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health disorders in the United States.
Mental health disorders are twice as common in women as in men. In addition, experts say discrimination in the workplace, racism, and stigma are also factors contributing to this disparity.
Recent studies have shown that the brain responds differently to the hormonal fluctuations of individuals who have uteruses and ovaries. Hormonal fluctuations can cause mood, energy, and behavior changes that may put women at risk for mental health issues, such as anxiety.
How your cycle affects your hormones
Each individual produces estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone to help the body function properly. The hormones in the body regulate specific aspects of development and reproduction. Males produce hormones through their testes, while females produce hormones through their ovaries. Regardless of gender or sex, everyone produces some testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone to some degree.
People with male reproductive organs show significantly different hormonal patterns than those with female reproductive organs. According to Dr. Gregory Lindson, an endocrinologist at HRTGuru Clinic, the differences could affect how men and women react to stress.
In most cases of anxiety, progesterone and estrogen are to blame. Dr. Lindson notes that men have a higher testosterone level than women, and women have a higher estrogen level.
Estrogen and progesterone in women: Women with ovaries and uteruses experience fluctuating levels of reproductive hormones during their monthly cycle. As outlined below:
- On the first day of your cycle, your estrogen and progesterone levels are low.
- As you approach ovulation, estrogen levels are at their highest.
- This time period is when progesterone levels rise by 20 fold to prepare for conception.
- During ovulation, estrogen drops a bit, then progesterone increases.
- Both hormones go into a free fall right before your next cycle if you are not pregnant. Afterward, the cycle repeats.
- Estrogen and progesterone levels fall after birth. Anxiety and irritability often accompany this period for approximately 25 percent of women.
Hormone fluctuations are likely to influence moods. More than 75 percent of women report experiencing symptoms related to their mood or physical health toward the end of their menstrual cycles. Around 20 percent of women experience severe symptoms, while fewer than 10 percent suffer premenstrual dysphoria. This is a mood disorder associated with the menstrual cycle that causes anxiety.
Estrogen and progesterone in men: Those with testes convert testosterone into estrogen in the brain. The testosterone level remains relatively stable since they do not menstruate, which is associated with regular fluctuations in hormone levels.
Anxiety and hormones: What the research says
Estrogen fluctuations contribute significantly to anxiety and depression in women with ovaries and uteruses. There are several reasons for this. Estrogen levels help rats and humans manage anxiety or facilitate “fear extinction.” In contrast, low levels create a vulnerable state. Theoretically, people with a higher estrogen level are better able to handle fear and anxiety. But there is hope, you can look at these Kava guides to see how you can manage the anxiety and stress naturally.
Do not believe that estrogen leads to superpowers, but the evidence suggests that a lack of estrogen can lead to problems. While hormones are not solely responsible, hormones play a crucial role that is still largely unknown.
Anxiety disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) share neural pathways in the brain, and hormonal fluctuations influence both.
Hormones and mental health are deeply interconnected, raising an important question— can stress affect hormones? Research suggests that chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to increased cortisol levels, which may, in turn, exacerbate anxiety and mood disorders. This intricate relationship between stress and hormone fluctuations highlights the need for a holistic approach to mental well-being.
According to the study, those women who took estrogen therapy as a contraceptive as an emergency treatment had fewer symptoms of PTSD in the aftermath than those who did not. Research shows that how a person responds to trauma may depend on where they are at in their cycle.
A current study assesses estrogen therapy in conjunction with prolonged exposure therapy to improve female recovery from PTSD. Similarly, a rise in progesterone before your period, such as that experienced during the latter part of your menstrual cycle, can lead to anxiety.
Anxiety that goes beyond feelings and thoughts
Having anxiety does not mean you are suffering from a disorder. There is some level of anxiety in everyone, especially now. If you are experiencing persistent anxiety it may be time to speak with a doctor, as stigmatism affects a lot more people. According to ADSS statistics, over 40 million adults in the US have anxiety disorders, yet only 37% recieve proper treatment.
Therapies are often the first step in treating anxiety, and medications are not always necessary. Psychiatrists can provide treatment options that do not involve medications.
We encourage those with a history of depression, whose symptoms persist, to seek help to get treatment. Remember – knowledge is a key, and everyone should know how their hormones control their fear response. A better way of dealing with anxiety may be to understand complex relationships better and work with your doctor.
