Everyone experiences anxiety and stress from time to time. When these feelings of being upset and afraid occur the majority of the time without any real cause, these symptoms are not normal. From birth, women are conditioned to ignore their feelings of anxiety and stress and take a “grin and bear it” approach. However, the effects of this have created an epidemic of anxiety and stress disorders.
Anxiety often triggers a survival response causing people to feel as if they are in immediate danger. As this response to situations begins to occur repeatedly, disorders are then created. Some examples of these disorders are:
- Panic Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Women are Prone to Anxiety
Due to the types of roles and stereotypes that are ingrained in girls at a young age, as they come into adulthood they often ignore the signs of anxiety and stress. Biology, psychology, and culture play an important part role in anxiety and stress disorders in women. Over a period of time, if symptoms persist and go untreated, serious problems will arise. However, there are two major factors that play an important role in the creation of anxiety and stress disorders: biological factors and nutritional factors.
Biological Factors
A woman’s susceptibility to anxiety and stress is often caused by fluctuations in hormonal levels. Premenstrual cycles, perimenopause, and menopause can amplify anxiety and stress levels.
During a woman’s premenstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone levels are low, causing mood and energy levels to also decline. As a result, women oftentimes feel anxious, depressed, and on edge. The combination of the two can cause serious issues that if prolonged can produce to anxiety and stress disorders.
Perimenopause and menopause do not necessarily cause anxiety and stress. However, these hormonal changes that women go through can simply amplify the anxiety that is already present. Women who are perimenopausal and menopausal will usually experience hot flashes (a common physical reaction) when encountering a less than desirable situation or in high state of anxiety onset by reasons unknown.
Nutritional Factors
Nutrition plays an important part when it comes to anxiety and stress. The kinds of food that goes into the body can directly affect emotions. Poor dietary habits can increase feelings of anxiety. Some examples of foods that can be a leading cause of anxiety and stress disorders are:
- Drinks that have caffeine (soda, coffee, tea)
- Foods or beverages that have a high sugar content (candy, sports drinks, cake)
- Foods that contain high amounts of sodium (beef jerky, ham, bacon)
During premenstrual cycles, women will crave these types of foods, causing severe mood swings and fatigue that can produce intense levels of anxiety and stress.
Anxiety and stress disorders can have major affects on women and how they function. When everyday life begins to feel cumbersome, these are signs that women may need some serious medical attention. Preventative measures can take place when women understand how these two major components can amplify and create anxiety.
Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP, Anxiety in Women- Causes, Symptoms and Natural Relief, womentowomen.com/depressionanxietyandmood.anxiety.aspx
Healthy Place Staff Writer, Women and Anxiety: Twice as Vulnerable as Men, healthyplace.com/anxiety-panic/main/women-and-anxietytwice-as-vulnerable-as-men/menu-id-69/
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