Two Biochemical Reasons You’re Anxious and Exhausted
If you pay attention, you will find that you are one of the many feeling overly burdened and awfully anxious. It bodes well for us then to have conversations to understand what the body is doing so we can learn to handle, manage, or adapt.
Let’s hop into a quick little science lesson so you understand what’s happening inside when you’re stressed. Here’s what we haven’t been told but need to know. So if any of you haven’t sat down with a biochemistry book before bed, I’ll condense it for you (wink).
When you're stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol is part of your body's natural stress response and is often referred to as the "stress hormone." Do this long-term, we can even develop an “addiction” to our own cortisol, and the body will do everything it can to “get this fix”. Calm feelings don’t feel “normal” and it almost feels “wrong” when you’re relaxed. Sound familiar?
Cortisol and Why It Matters
The release of cortisol is triggered by the hypothalamus in response to stressors. The hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which then stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.
Cortisol has several effects on the body, including:
Increasing blood sugar levels: Cortisol helps raise blood sugar levels to provide the body with the energy it needs to respond to stress.
Suppressing the immune system: Cortisol can dampen the immune system's response to infections and other stressors, making you more vulnerable to illness.
Increasing heart rate and blood pressure: Cortisol can increase heart rate and blood pressure, preparing the body for fight or flight.
Decreasing inflammation: Cortisol has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Overall, cortisol plays an important role in your body's stress response, but prolonged or chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which can have negative effects on your health. Many of us may have heard about cortisol, and it’s role in the stress response. But now we come to the parts that aren’t talked about! There are 2 HUGE biochemical reasons working behind the scenes on your stress levels that are never talked about! Did you know that balanced cortisol is NECESSARY to convert T4 (your storage thyroid hormone) to T3 (your active thyroid hormone that’s buzzing around in the body doing its work). So what happens if you’re stressed all the time? What do you suppose is going to happen to your thyroid, and the hormonal balance it regulates? If you guessed stressed, anxious, and moody, you’re right! Plus many many more. Read our list below.
Huge Biochemical Reason #1: Your Thyroid Needs Balanced Cortisol Levels to Function
When cortisol levels are elevated due to stress or other factors, it can impact the conversion of thyroid hormones. Specifically, cortisol can inhibit the conversion of T4 (thyroxine) to T3 (triiodothyronine). T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone that has a more potent effect on metabolism and other bodily functions.
These effects of cortisol on thyroid hormone conversion and levels can contribute to hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid, which can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression. The relationship between cortisol and thyroid hormones is complex and cannot stop there. A thorough analysis of a person’s history, nutrition, and many other factors needs to be assessed correctly. We need this if we are to truly address our need to understand our bodies so we can make the best possible decisions for US.
If cortisol is inhibiting the conversion of T4 to T3, and subsequently leading to hypothyroidism, a person may experience a range of symptoms that are commonly associated with an underactive thyroid. These symptoms can include:
Fatigue and low energy levels
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Cold intolerance
Dry skin and hair
Constipation
Depression or mood swings
Muscle weakness or stiffness
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Menstrual irregularities or fertility issues
Elevated cholesterol levels.
It's important to note that these symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors, and not everyone with hypothyroidism will experience all of these symptoms. Additionally, some people with hypothyroidism may not experience any noticeable symptoms at all.
Huge Biochemical Reason #2: Cortisol Needs Your Progesterone
Progesterone is an important hormone in the female reproductive system, where it is involved in regulating the menstrual cycle, preparing the uterus for pregnancy, and supporting early pregnancy. Progesterone is also produced in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands in both males and females, where it plays a role in regulating stress response and inflammation. Progesterone is needed to balance the effects of estrogen, so if you are one of those women with heavy periods, tender breasts, cramps, headaches, then pay attention to this next part.
If there is a deficiency in progesterone, it can impact the balance of other hormones in the body, including cortisol. Low progesterone levels can lead to a decrease in cortisol synthesis, which can lead to imbalances in the body's stress response system. This can cause symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, and difficulty coping with stress. If you’ve been experiencing stress for a long time and you’ve gotten to the point where you just don’t feel like you can handle even the slightest stressor, you’re in the right place!
Here’s the kicker: it doesn’t have to be stress that you FEEL or recognize. It could be INTERNAL stress, like from a food allergy/intolerance, or inflammation!
In addition to its effects on cortisol, progesterone deficiency can also impact estrogen levels in the body. Progesterone and estrogen work together to regulate the menstrual cycle and support fertility. A deficiency in progesterone can lead to an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone, which can cause irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and other menstrual problems.
Overall, changes in progesterone levels can have a wide range of effects on a person's hormones, and can cause symptoms and health problems related to both the reproductive system and the stress response system.
Cortisol is made from cholesterol, which is a precursor to pregnenolone, progesterone, and cortisol. Progesterone is needed to balance estrogen but if you are using it to make cortisol to handle your stress, what do you suppose could happen with your hormones? You might notice if you are experiencing an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone if you experience some of these:
Irregular periods or heavy bleeding
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), including mood swings, bloating, and breast tenderness
Infertility or difficulty conceiving
Miscarriage or pregnancy complications
Low libido or sexual dysfunction
Fatigue and low energy levels
Depression or anxiety
Insomnia or sleep disturbances
Headaches or migraines
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Hot flashes or night sweats
If this sounds like you, it’s important to get a thorough assessment. NOT just some labs, but an assessment of your situation, your health in general, your stress sources, your timeline, your nutrition, and more. I like to call this the “signify” phase of my thinking when I’m working with a client. We’re looking to areas of significance to wrap the whole package together and make sense of why your body is doing what it is doing.
Getting started is easy! You can set an appointment, or call our office at 320-639-0044 to see if we can help!
Amanda Plevell, PhD, MSCN, NMD, CNS, CNHP is a Board Certified Natural Medicine Practitioner and Clinical Nutritionist. Together with ANMC’s team of support professionals, she’s bringing the pieces of nutrition, the mind, and therapeutic ongoing relationships to the healthcare continuum. ANMC combines curated education programs with personalized plans that make it easy for anyone, anywhere to benefit from. Find out more here: anmcholistichealth.com
“Our unique offer fills in the gaps to complete your picture and provides a powerful therapeutic relationship for a complete whole health solution, because I know that our clients want to have all the pieces, education, and trust so that they can make informed decisions for themselves.”