Anxiety Hormones (An Update)
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The Optimistminds editorial team is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter. The article then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the…
The imbalance of hormones can possibly cause uneasiness, since tension is regularly brought about by those whose bodies are under pressure attempting to work productively.
The individuals who don’t exercise regularly and the individuals who don’t eat healthy food often have anxiety problems, because without exercise and a healthy diet, our body has low levels of energy.
Moreover, hormones are the neurotransmitters in the body. Without hormones, our body may not function properly which results in causing anxiety.
The aim of this article is to describe the anxiety hormones, i.e. which hormones are responsible and how do they cause anxiety.
Anxiety
Anxiety is the state or emotion which is defined as excessive fear or worry experienced in everyday life.
Symptoms of anxiety include: agitation, nervousness, fear, worry, numbness, increased breathing, fast heart beat, sweating, headache, dry mouth, sleep problems, eating problems, loss of control etc.
Causes of Anxiety
The main factors causing anxiety are given below:
Biological factors: The individuals who have a parent or a sibling suffering from anxiety disorder are more at risk of having anxiety problems.
Psychological factors: Individuals who have gone through any stressful, dangerous or disturbing situation in life tend to show anxiety symptoms after that.
Physical diseases: Some physical problems such as headache, pain, stomach aches, heart diseases, high blood pressure, excess or deficiency of body hormones, or thyroid problems can cause anxiety.
Drug abuse: Alcohol, drugs or Substance addiction are the most important factors in elevating anxiety symptoms.
Hormones
Hormones are the chemicals which are secreted by the Endocrine glands.
These glands secrete hormones directly into the blood because these glands are ductless.
From the bloodstream the hormones move to the body tissues, muscles and organs to perform their specific functions in the body.
Types and functions of hormones
The main endocrine glands are Pituitary gland, Pineal gland, Thyroid gland, Parathyroid gland, Thymus gland, Adrenal glands, Pancreas and Genitals.
These glands secrete specific types of hormones. For example,
- Pituitary gland: This gland controls all the other glands in the body that is why it is also known as Master gland. It has two Lobes (Anterior and Posterior) which secrete different hormones. The hormones Anterior Lobe secretes are:
- Growth hormone: It controls the growth and development of the body parts, bones and muscles etc.
- ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone): It is responsible for the stimulation of adrenal glands and causes them to secrete their hormones.
- TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone): It stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete its hormones.
- Prolactin: It is responsible for the production of breast milk in females during and after pregnancy. It also produces Estrogen and Progesterone hormones in females. Estrogen controls menstrual cycle and reproduction. Progesterone maintains pregnancy.
- FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone): It is responsible for the production of eggs in females and sperms in males.
- LH (Luteinizing hormone): It controls the ovulation process in females and secretion of testosterone in males.
The hormones which are secreted by Posterior lobe are:
- ADH (Antidiuretic hormone): It balances the amount of water and regulates kidneys to store water.
- Oxytocin: It is released during sexual reproduction. It contracts the uterus during delivery and produces milk in breasts. It is also known as love hormone.
- Pineal gland: It secretes hormone Melatonin which regulates sleep and wake cycle.
- Thyroid gland: It is located in the throat and it secretes Thyroxin hormone. Thyroxin helps to maintain metabolism, weight, bones and muscles.
- Parathyroid gland: It releases parathyroid hormone which is responsible for the balance of Calcium and Phosphorus levels in the blood.
- Thymus gland: It secretes Thymosin hormone which helps the immune system to function properly.
- Adrenal glands: They secrete Adrenaline (Epinephrine) and Nor Adrenaline (Nor Epinephrine) and Cortisol hormones. Both Adrenaline and Nor Adrenaline hormones are important in regulating blood sugar level, maintaining heart rate and relaxing muscles. Cortisol hormone is secreted during stress. It increases the heart rate, respiration, blood sugar level and prepares the body to respond in stressful situations.
- Pancreas: It secretes Insulin and Glucagon hormones. Insulin balances the blood glucose level and Glucagon increases the glucose level in blood.
- Gonads: It consists of two glands: Ovaries in females and Testes in males. Ovaries produce eggs and testes produce sperms.
Effects of hormones
Hormones have a very important role in our body.
They control and maintain the metabolism rate, growth, development, mood, reproduction, temperature, sleep and wake cycle and much more. If you want to wake up and start your day calm, find out the best alarm clocks for anxiety.
The increase and decrease of hormonal levels in the body cause many problems and diseases.
For example; the deficiency of growth hormone results in shortness of height and if the level of growth hormone increases it causes large body height.
If the level of Estrogen increases it causes breast cancer in females and the deficiency of Estrogen causes hair loss, skin problems etc.
So there are a lot of problems which are caused by high and low levels of hormones.
In this article only the anxiety hormones will be discussed in detail.
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Anxiety Hormones
Studies have suggested that hormones play a vital role in causing anxiety.
There are three main categories of anxiety hormones which are responsible for influencing anxiety.
These anxiety hormones are discussed below:
- Stress Hormones:
Stress is the common factor in causing anxiety. During stress, danger or any threatening situation in which a person feels himself out of control, then our body releases two anxiety hormones Cortisol and Adrenaline in the blood.
Both of these hormones prepare the body for fight and flight response. They increase the heart rate, sweating, blood sugar level, decrease digestion process and provide strength to the body to fight against the danger.
But when the level of Cortisol hormone gets too high it causes anxiety symptoms.
The disturbance in Cortisol level also causes a problem called Adrenal fatigue.
It is the decrease of natural energy which makes a person feel lazy, lethargic, anxious, stressed etc.
- Thyroid Hormones:
A hyperactive thyroid gland can cause a serious issue. It develops symptoms of anxiety such as uneasiness, heart palpitations, sweating, agitation, numbness, and even panic attacks etc.
At the point when we experience the side effects of hyperthyroidism, our body goes on overdrive and begins to elevate the body’s metabolic rate, influencing fast breathing and respiration etc.
Hypothyroidism, which happens when you need more thyroid hormone, likewise seems to add to anxiety symptoms because of the manner in which an underproduction of the thyroid hormone influences the body.
- Sex Hormones:
Various studies have stated that anxiety frequently starts during times of hormonal change, for example, during puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, child labor, menopause, and so forth.
By and large, these fluctuations influence sex hormones. The sex hormones are also included in anxiety hormones.
The hormones Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone have different roles in causing anxiety.
For example when Estrogen level increases it decreases anxiety. We feel happy and relaxed during the start of the menstrual cycle because estrogen is released during the starting days.
Estrogen releases Serotonin which is responsible for the happy mood. The high level of Progesterone hormone causes anxiety.
Progesterone hormone stimulates the brain part Amygdala which activates during fight or flight situations.
This anxiety hormone produces anxiety symptoms. Too low levels of testosterone cause anxiety.
- Oxytocin:
Oxytocin hormone is responsible for social bonding. This anxiety hormone has a positive effect in the sense it reduces anxiety.
It provides relaxation to and calms the body during stressful situations.
- Vasopressin:
This hormone balances or regulates the body fluids. It is also included in anxiety hormones.
It helps in reducing anxiety, stress, depression etc.
Steps to manage anxiety hormones
The imbalances in anxiety hormones can be managed or treated by following some steps and measures.
These steps are given below:
- The level of anxiety hormone Oxytocin can be increased by listening to others, showing love and affection to loved ones, and sharing thoughts with family and friends. It helps in boosting confidence and reducing anxiety symptoms.
- The anxiety hormone Testosterone can also be increased by regular exercise, healthy diet, Add these Best Fruit for Anxiety, full in vitamins and minerals, getting proper sleep etc.
- During hyperthyroidism try to consult the best possible medical practitioner and take medications regularly.
- The females can try to make themselves happy and relax during pregnancy or menstrual cycle.
- Try to get counseling or therapy from a psychologist. Cognitive behavioral therapy is mostly used psychotherapy. This therapy helps in reducing anxiety and stress. By getting proper treatment for anxiety results in balancing hormonal levels in the body. So once the anxiety hormones are balanced, the anxiety reduces.
- The homemade remedies or the natural supplements are also very effective in reducing anxiety and balancing anxiety hormones. Cinnamon has been proven to be the best supplement. It slows down the digestive process and regulates blood sugar level. It can be used in Tea and sprinkled on dishes.
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Conclusion
The anxiety hormones have a very crucial effect on anxiety.
Some anxiety hormones cause anxiety symptoms during stress and others reduce anxiety and make us feel relaxed and happy.
The anxiety hormones which are responsible for causing anxiety are Progesterone, Cortisol, Adrenaline and Thyroid hormones.
On the contrary the hormones which help in reducing anxiety are Estrogen, Testosterone, Oxytocin and Vasopressin.
By knowing or understanding our bodies’ chemical composition or hormonal functions we can try to maintain our mental health.
For example we know that during the menstrual cycle the Estrogen level becomes low, and this low level of Estrogen hormone causes anxiety symptoms.
Females can make themselves prepared for this fluctuation and try to boost their energy level and positive psychological well being.
What we recommend for curbing Anxiety
Below are some of the services and products we recommend for anxiety
Online Therapy
- Online therapy is another thing we should all try. We highly recommend Online therapy with a provider who not only provides therapy but a complete mental health toolbox to help your wellness.
Anxiety Weighted Blankets
- Anxiety Weighted Blankets are by far the number 1 thing every person who suffers from anxiety should at least try. Anxiety Blankets may improve your sleep, allow you to fall asleep faster and you can even carry them around when chilling at home.
Light Therapy
- Amber light therapy from Amber lights could increase the melatonin production in your body and help you sleep better at night. An Amber light lamp helps reduce the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep and increases overall sleep quality.
FAQs about anxiety hormone
What hormones cause anxiety?
There are three main categories of hormones which cause anxiety.
These hormones are Stress hormones, Sex hormones and thyroid hormones.
Is anxiety a chemical imbalance?
Studies have suggested that anxiety and other psychological disorders are caused by the fluctuations of hormonal levels in the body.
Hormones are chemicals so it can be said that anxiety is caused by imbalance of hormones.
How do hormones affect anxiety?
Hormones affect anxiety in many ways.
For example during stress our body releases two hormones Cortisol and Adrenaline in the blood.
Both of these hormones prepare the body for fight and flight response and cause anxiety symptoms.
They increase the heart rate, sweating, blood sugar level, decrease digestion process and provide strength to the body to fight against the danger.
What hormones make you calm?
Generally the stress hormones which cause anxiety also have positive effects.
During a stressful situation the body releases Cortisol and Adrenaline hormones which produce anxiety symptoms and prepare the body for fight and flight response.
Although they increase anxiety, they relax the body as well after the dangerous situation has gone.
Oxytocin is the hormone which works as anti anxiety and it calms the body in anxious situations.
References
talkspace.com/blog/anxiety-hormones-connection/
verywellmind.com/effect-of-hormones-on-social-anxiety-4129255
mindbodygreen.com/0-26275/why-hormones-are-at-the-root-of-your-anxiety-4-natural-ways-to-heal.html
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