Dr. Dawn Ericsson, M.D.

Dr. E’s Women’s Health Update: How Stress Affects Your Health
Long term stress can lead to serious medical issues. Here’s how to avoid that.

Hello friends, 

Are you feeling stressed? While the cause of your stress may come from outside influences – work, family, money, watching the TV news – the physical reaction to stress is internal. 

Stress primarily triggers the adrenal gland and the thyroid gland. Your body’s adrenal glands and thyroid are interconnected in the body’s endocrine system and can collectively affect various physiological functions. Here’s a brief explanation of their interrelation:

Adrenal glands:
The adrenal glands are responsible for producing hormones such as cortisol, which is commonly known as the "stress hormone." When the body experiences stress, the adrenal glands release cortisol to help the body respond to the stressor. Chronic stress can lead to overactivation of the adrenal glands, which can have various effects on the body, including disruptions in sleep, metabolism, and immune function.
Stress:
Prolonged or excessive stress can have a significant impact on the body, leading to an imbalance in the endocrine system. It can contribute to conditions such as adrenal fatigue, where the adrenal glands may struggle to keep up with the demands placed on them, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakened immune function, and mood disturbances.
Thyroid gland:
The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate the body's metabolism. Thyroid hormones influence various bodily functions, including heart rate, body temperature, and weight. Imbalances in thyroid hormone levels can lead to conditions such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), which can have widespread effects on the body's overall function.
Interconnection:
Stress can impact the function of the thyroid gland. Prolonged stress can lead to disruptions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which can influence the production of thyroid hormones. Additionally, chronic stress may contribute to the development of certain thyroid conditions or exacerbate existing thyroid issues.

It’s important to manage stress effectively to maintain overall health and well-being. Practicing stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can help support the health of both the adrenal glands and the thyroid. If you suspect any issues with your adrenal glands or thyroid, please consult a healthcare professional at Age Rejuvenation for proper evaluation and guidance on appropriate management and treatment options for women’s health.

Let’s talk about it. Click here or call 844.907.2476 to schedule an appointment today.