Could Stress Be Worsening Your PCOS?

We’ve all heard the phrase “take a chill pill” but when it comes to stress, that might be easier said than done! If you're feeling stressed out, you're not alone. Stress is a normal - but overwhelming - part of life and yet if it's not managed properly, it can wreak havoc on our body systems and overall wellbeing including our hormones!

But don't stress! You can proactively manage your stress levels using natural remedies and holistic health practices that work with your body's systems rather than against them so you can begin to naturally improve your PCOS symptoms. In this blog post, we'll explore a variety of helpful tools and tactics rooted in traditional healing approaches like yoga, herbalism, guided meditation and more that you can use as proactive measures for dealing with stress on a daily basis. Ready to take a deep breath? Let's dive in!

How Stress Affects Your Hormone Health - Unravelling the Truth

Stress is normal and part of daily life however long periods of stress without breaks and recovery can have a negative impact on our health, Stress can trigger a cascade of reactions throughout our bodies - it's not just your mind that is affected! When we're stressed, our bodies release adrenaline and cortisol, which can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and contribute to chronic diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease. Additionally high cortisol levels can result in increased insulin levels and hormonal imbalances.Stress can also cause digestive issues, such as ulcers and inflammation, and weaken our immune systems, making us more susceptible to illnesses. Understanding the hidden impact stress has on your body is crucial to overcoming its effects and naturally improving your PCOS symptoms.

Here’s what you need to know about why it’s so crucial for hormonal health and healthy PCOS management to make sure that you are keeping your stress under control:

• Results in further hormone imbalances.

• Interferes with ovulation.

• Increases the risk of severe PMS.

Keep Your Cool: Manage Stress Naturally

Now that you know stress can take a toll hormonal health and PCOS symptoms, what can you do to overcome this? Often we turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, junk food, mindless scrolling, Netflix without the chill... but why not try some natural ways to manage your stress that actually work?

Here are my top five tips I give my clients to help better manage their stress:

1. Get some movement in your life! – Walking outdoors for 20 minutes a day is not only beneficial for PCOS health it’s also a great stress reliever. Being outdoors really does do wonders for the body.

2. Take some deep breaths – Deep breathing stimulates our vagus nerve which helps to turn off our flight and fight mode and put our nervous system into rest and digest, helping our body enter a state of relaxation.

3. Practice journaling – Journaling can help to get the thoughts that are leading to your stress out of your mind. Take some quiet time and try writing about how your feeling, what you’re thinking.

4. Do an activity that brings you joy. Doing something that you enjoy and that gets you in the present moment can really help you to manage your stress. It doesn’t really matter what the activity is just as long as it brings you joy and helps calm your mind.

5. Try herbal medicine – some herbal medicine can really help support your body during times of stress and help improve your capacity to manage stress. Speak to a naturopath or herbalist about creating a blend that helps to support your nervous system.

All in all, stress is part of life, but it doesn't have to control your life.

Can you now see how managing your stress is essential for anyone looking to naturally improve their PCOS symptoms?

By taking care of yourself and practising healthy habits, you can manage your stress levels and improve your overall health which in turn will result in better PCOS management.

Find this blog post helpful? Come join my FREE facebook community PCOS Cysters: Holistic Support to learn more ways to naturally improve your PCOS symptoms. Stress Worsening your PCOS.