Stress Management

When the body is stressed, muscles tense up.  Muscle tension is a reflex reaction to stress; it’s the body’s way of guarding against injury and pain.  With sudden onset stress, the muscles tense up all at once, and then release their tension when the stress passes.  Chronic stress causes the muscles in the body to be in a constant state of tension. When muscles are taut and tense for long periods of time, this may trigger other reactions in the body for example a tension headache or migraine are associated with chronic muscle tension in the shoulders, neck and head. 

Stress and strong emotions can present with respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath and rapid breathing, as the airway between the nose and the lungs constricts.  If you already have pre-existing respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD stressors can exacerbate breathing problems. In some cases, stress can trigger asthma attacks and rapid breathing, or hyperventilation, can bring on a panic attack. 

The heart and blood vessels make up the two elements of the cardiovascular system and work together in providing nourishment and oxygen to the organs of the body.  Stress that is momentary or short-term, for example meeting deadlines, being stuck in traffic or suddenly slamming on the brakes to avoid an accident, can cause an increase in heart rate and stronger contractions of the heart muscle.  Stress hormones, adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol, are released into the bloodstream. Blood vessels dilate, increasing the amount of blood pumped to the body elevating blood pressure. This is also known as the fight or flight response.  Once the stress episode has passed, the body returns to its normal state. Chronic stress, or a constant stress experienced over a prolonged period of time, can contribute to long term problems for the head and blood vessels. The consistent and ongoing increase in heart rate, elevated levels of stress hormones, and blood pressure can increase the risk of hypertension, heart attack or stroke.

Stress can affect the brain-gut communication and may trigger pain, bloating and other gut discomfort including constipation or diarrhea.  The healthy bacteria in the gut can be affected by stress which can impact the ability to think and emotions. When stressed, people may eat more or less than usual, more of different foods, or an increase in alcohol or tobacco that can result in heartburn or acid reflux. Vomiting may occur if stress is severe enough. Both acid reflux and vomiting for prolonged periods of time can do damage to the esophagus and stomach lining leading to more severe health issues. Stress can affect digestion, and what nutrients the intestines absorb. Stress can also make the intestinal barrier weaker and allow gut bacteria to enter the body causing an inflammatory response in the body.  When stress is prolonged or severe enough it can cause inflammatory Bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome.

When faced with a challenging, threatening, or stressful situation, there is an increase in the production of steroid hormones, including cortisol.  Cortisol increases the level of energy fuel available by mobilizing glucose and fatty acids from the liver. Cortisol is normally produced in varying levels throughout the day, typically increasing in concentration upon awakening and slowly declining throughout the day, providing a daily cycle of energy.  Cortisol is also important in regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation. Chronic stress can impair the immune system and has been linked to physical and mental health conditions such as chronic fatigue, metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity, depressing and immune disorders.

Stress causes an increase of cortisol to be released into the bloodstream.  In excess amounts it can affect the normal functions of the male reproductive system. Chronic stress that is ongoing can affect testosterone production resulting in a decline in sex drive or libido and can even cause erectile dysfunction or impotence.  Chronic stress can also negatively impact sperm production and maturation causing difficulties in couples who are trying to conceive. When stress affects the immune system, the body can become vulnerable to infection. In the male anatomy, infections to the testes, prostate gland and urethra can affect normal male reproductive functioning. 

Stress may affect menstruation, for example high levels of stress may cause absent or irregular menstrual cycles, more painful periods and changes in length of cycles.  Stress can reduce sexual desire in women, especially when women are caring for young children or ill family members. Stress can negatively impact a woman’s ability to conceive, the health of her pregnancy, and her postpartum adjustment.  Excess stress increases the likelihood of developing depression and anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum adjustment. Mental stress can impact fetal and ongoing childhood development and disrupt boding with the baby in the months following delivery.  Stress may make premenstrual symptoms worse or more difficult to cope with. The physical changes associated with menopause can cause emotional distress in turn making the physical symptoms to be worse. When stress is high there is an increased chance of exacerbation of symptoms of reproductive disease such as Herpes Simplex Virus or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.  The diagnosis and treatment of reproductive cancers like Ovarian, Uterine, Cervical can cause significant stress as well.