The Effects of Stress on Women
Today, women are dealing with more stress than ever before.
They face overwhelming pressures as they try to accommodate the demands of both home and career.
As they perform their delicate balancing act, they oftentimes place their own needs on the back burner as they care for everyone around them.
When the body is exposed to stress, its natural defense is to release strong hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol and oxytocin.
Adrenaline primes the body to react quickly and evokes the "fight or flight" response.
The body responds with an increased heart rate, higher blood pressure and rapid breathing.
When high levels of adrenaline are excreted the body may respond with dizziness or heart palpitations.
Cortisol is the primary stress hormone and known to increase blood pressure and blood sugar levels, decrease effectiveness of the immune system, and suppress the digestive system, reproductive system and growth processes.
Overproduction of cortisol results in an apple-shaped body and an accumulation of body fat around the waist and hips.
Oxytocin is the chemical responsible for stimulating uterine contractions during childbirth and milk excretion during lactation.
It is also believed to facilitate the emotional bond between mother and child.
When the body is subjected to chronic stress it overcompensates by producing a continual flow of stress hormones.
Overproduction of stress hormones can lead to health issues including obesity, insomnia, heart disease, depression, digestive ailments and other complications.
Scientific research confirms that the overproduction of stress hormones can slow the release of stomach acid and stimulate the colon.
Many women suffering from chronic stress also suffer from gastrointestinal problems including diarrhea, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
The immune system is particularly susceptible to an overproduction of stress hormones and may make you susceptible to infections.
It can lead to overproduction of cytokines, which results in excessive inflammation.
This can be particularly painful for women with autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis or Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Stress is known to worsen autoimmune disease symptoms and can trigger lupus flare-ups and asthma attacks.
Cortisol produces byproducts which act as sedatives and can induce depression.
Stress induced depression often results in insomnia, loss of appetite and loss of sex drive.
It can also lead to certain personality or behavioral disorders.
Long term exposure to an overproduction of stress hormones can raise your heart rate and increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
These factors can make you more vulnerable to heart disease and stroke.
Stress is part of life, but you can take steps to manage the impact it has on you.
Two highly effective stress management techniques include meditation and hypnosis.
Meditation only requires you to sit quietly and relax your muscles while focusing on how you breathe.
In less than 15 minutes, meditation can leave you feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.
Hypnosis is a scientifically proven technique used to trigger your natural relaxation response.
It can help you change the way you react to stress and encourages both mental and physical well-being.
If you are currently dealing with chronic stress consider incorporating meditation or hypnosis techniques into your daily routine.
If you have never used these techniques hire a Certified Hypnotherapist to help you get started.
It will only take a few sessions and then you can practice these stress reducing techniques on your own.
They face overwhelming pressures as they try to accommodate the demands of both home and career.
As they perform their delicate balancing act, they oftentimes place their own needs on the back burner as they care for everyone around them.
When the body is exposed to stress, its natural defense is to release strong hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol and oxytocin.
Adrenaline primes the body to react quickly and evokes the "fight or flight" response.
The body responds with an increased heart rate, higher blood pressure and rapid breathing.
When high levels of adrenaline are excreted the body may respond with dizziness or heart palpitations.
Cortisol is the primary stress hormone and known to increase blood pressure and blood sugar levels, decrease effectiveness of the immune system, and suppress the digestive system, reproductive system and growth processes.
Overproduction of cortisol results in an apple-shaped body and an accumulation of body fat around the waist and hips.
Oxytocin is the chemical responsible for stimulating uterine contractions during childbirth and milk excretion during lactation.
It is also believed to facilitate the emotional bond between mother and child.
When the body is subjected to chronic stress it overcompensates by producing a continual flow of stress hormones.
Overproduction of stress hormones can lead to health issues including obesity, insomnia, heart disease, depression, digestive ailments and other complications.
Scientific research confirms that the overproduction of stress hormones can slow the release of stomach acid and stimulate the colon.
Many women suffering from chronic stress also suffer from gastrointestinal problems including diarrhea, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
The immune system is particularly susceptible to an overproduction of stress hormones and may make you susceptible to infections.
It can lead to overproduction of cytokines, which results in excessive inflammation.
This can be particularly painful for women with autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis or Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Stress is known to worsen autoimmune disease symptoms and can trigger lupus flare-ups and asthma attacks.
Cortisol produces byproducts which act as sedatives and can induce depression.
Stress induced depression often results in insomnia, loss of appetite and loss of sex drive.
It can also lead to certain personality or behavioral disorders.
Long term exposure to an overproduction of stress hormones can raise your heart rate and increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
These factors can make you more vulnerable to heart disease and stroke.
Stress is part of life, but you can take steps to manage the impact it has on you.
Two highly effective stress management techniques include meditation and hypnosis.
Meditation only requires you to sit quietly and relax your muscles while focusing on how you breathe.
In less than 15 minutes, meditation can leave you feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.
Hypnosis is a scientifically proven technique used to trigger your natural relaxation response.
It can help you change the way you react to stress and encourages both mental and physical well-being.
If you are currently dealing with chronic stress consider incorporating meditation or hypnosis techniques into your daily routine.
If you have never used these techniques hire a Certified Hypnotherapist to help you get started.
It will only take a few sessions and then you can practice these stress reducing techniques on your own.
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