How Hormones Can Breed Anxiety

The relationship between anxiety and hormone levels is complex but certain. Changes in hormones and imbalances can cause anxiety. If you already have anxiety, hormones can make it worse or contribute to spikes. 

Throughout his career, Dr. Christopher J. Riegel at the The Riegel Center has studied hormones and how they impact health. 

He understands how big hormonal changes such as during menopause or andropause can cause anxiety, as well as how anxiety can become better or worse depending on your hormone levels. 

Hormone overview

Often, people think about estrogen or testosterone in discussing hormones, but scientists have identified more than 50 hormones in the human body. Hormones control processes related to your metabolism, growth, and blood sugar, along with reproductive functions.

In most cases, hormones bind to specific receptors and work like a lock (the receptor) and a key (the hormone) to trigger or stop certain processes in cells, tissues, and organs. When your hormone levels are out of balance, problems result.

Hormones and anxiety

One very common problem is chronic stress. You may not think of stress in terms of hormonal problems, but when you live with stress day in and day out, your body produces too much cortisol. 

Cortisol is sometimes called “the stress hormone.” Elevated cortisol levels over time can turn stress into anxiety. 

Women are diagnosed with anxiety more often than men, twice as often, actually. There’s evidence that the hormone fluctuations related to menstruation and reproduction are part of the reason women are so much more vulnerable to developing anxiety disorders. 

Just as women can experience hormone imbalances related to reproduction, so can men. When production of testosterone declines, men are more prone to developing issues with anxiety. 

Treating hormonal imbalances

One of the most important aspects of Dr. Riegel’s care is his ability to tailor treatment to your individual needs. Rather than guessing what you need, or giving you a hormone formula created to fit an average person, Dr. Riegel thoroughly assesses your particular needs.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy with customized formulations means your unique needs are met. The result is less anxiety, more energy, and improved overall vitality. 

If you’re dealing with anxiety, Dr. Riegel first determines which hormones are too plentiful or lacking and causing your symptoms. You can expect questions about your medical and mental health histories, as well as a psychiatric consultation, along with blood tests.

With that information, Dr. Riegel then creates a formulation for you. Once you begin hormone therapy, you have regular appointments to make sure your anxiety is improving.  

You may be surprised to find that while hormone therapy addresses symptoms of your anxiety disorder, it may also provide additional benefits such as increased energy levels, improved libido, and even mental clarity. 

Call to schedule your consultation or request an appointment here on the website at The Riegel Center today.