Description
Because of the ever-increasing demands that life brings, experiencing stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction. Most Americans experience challenges with stress at some point, according to surveys.
When examining the causes of stress, it is important to remember that the brain is hard-wired with an alarm system for our protection. When a threat is perceived, the brain signals the body to release a burst of hormones, which in turn ignites the “fight or flight” response.
The body is meant to return to a normal, relaxed state once the threat is over. However, the stress of modern life often seems non-stop, which means that our alarm systems rarely shut off.
Stress is emotional tension or strain resulting from adversity or demanding circumstances. Stress affects people differently, since some handle adversity well and others become stressed over seemingly minor issues. Stress can cause multiple health problems and interfere with the immune system. For almost everyone, stress is a fact of life.
What Patients Report
Stress is the feeling that you have more to handle than you feel you can handle. Feeling overwhelmed can lead to a pounding heart, being overly emotional, withdrawn or depressed, and many patients report headaches, upset stomach, back pain, and trouble sleeping.
Stress also affects mood. Some of the effects on mood are anxiety, restlessness, an inability to focus, lack of motivation, feelings of irritability and/or anger, and sadness and depression.
Behavior may also be affected by stress, leading to problems such as over- or under eating, angry outbursts, drug or alcohol abuse, using or abusing tobacco products, and withdrawing socially from family and friends.
What Primary Doctors Say
Common effects of stress on the body include headaches, chest pain, changes in sex drive, muscle tension or pain, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and upset stomach.
Doctors typically tell patients to avoid stress, which is impractical at best – since few people welcome it. Doctors prescribe medication such as Xanax, Valium, or antidepressants and recommend that patients exercise and get plenty of sleep.
How Does BHRT Affect Stress?
Taking the necessary steps to alleviate and control stress and its symptoms can have numerous benefits.
Hormones make patients feel and function better, increase feelings of well-being, decreasing tension, and balance mood. As our immune system is improved, illnesses decrease and there is a huge impact on both physical and mental health.
