Symptoms of Stress
How do you know if you are under stress? Sometimes it’s obvious. Other times we may think we are getting along well when actually our bodies are stressed and are trying to tell us they are stressed. Within these blogs, I hope to leave you with some strategies which you can implement immediately! Today in part 2 of this 5 part series, I want to discuss the symptoms of stress along with testing options.
Physical Symptoms of Stress
Physical symptoms of Stress:
- Headaches
- Tight neck/shoulders
- Back pain
- Indigestion
- Stomach aches
- Sweaty Palms
- Sleep Difficulties
- Restlessness
- Dizziness Tight neck/shoulders
- Racing Heart
- Fatigue
- Ringing in ears
Behavioral symptoms of Stress:
- Excess smoking
- Excess alcohol use
- Compulsive eating
- Compulsive gum chewing
- Critical attitude towards others
- Grinding teeth at night
Emotional symptoms of Stress:
- Overwhelming sense of pressure
- Crying
- Anxiety/nervousness
- Boredom
- Edginess (ready to explode)
- Jealousy
- Anger
- Resentment
- Unforgiveness
- Shame
- Loneliness
- Unhappiness for no reason
- Feeling powerless to change
Cognitive symptoms of Stress:
- Trouble thinking clearly
- Memory fog
- Forgetfulness
- Inability to make decisions
- Constant worry
- Loss of sense of humor
- Lack of creativity
Testing Options
If you’ve struggled with some of these symptoms, what testing options are available to help you confirm this? There are not many options, however, I will share a few.
Urine and saliva cortisol testing:
First, if you have a functional medicine provider they are likely familiar with ordering urine and saliva cortisol testing.
On a twenty-four-hour urine hormone test, cortisol metabolites can be high. However, a better test is a four-to-five-point saliva test. With this test, individuals spit saliva into a collection tube multiple times throughout the day. Cortisol is supposed to be the highest in the morning and gently reduce throughout the day, being lowest at night to allow the individual to sleep. In times of stress, cortisol is often high even at night, inhibiting patients from sleeping well.
Many patients have presented to me thinking they have Addison’s, but then passed their ACTH stimulation test. They don’t have adrenal failure. However, they still could be experiencing adrenal stress—lower cortisol—and need support.
Some patients have too high cortisol. Maybe they have been in fight or flight too long or maybe they over exercise. These can cause high levels of cortisol that can’t be sustained long-term. Eventually, these patients crash and burn and end up with low cortisol and low energy.
To give you a few examples, typically if patients are restless or have anxiety and insomnia their cortisol may be too high and if they have pain and chronic fatigue their cortisol may be too low.
Additionally, if patients have had stress for long periods of time their sex hormones may be low. Remember stress is your bodies biggest hormone hijacker. Your fatigue, PMS, hair loss, weight gain, hot flashes, or even low libido could be from low sex hormones- resulting from STRESS!
The earlier we can learn to manage our stress the better outcomes for our health. View the upcoming parts 3 and 4 of this series for strategies on managing our stress!
Learn more about the impact of stress on our hormones and how you can improve your body’s internal production of the hormones in Chapter 6 of my book Your Longevity Blueprint.
In summary, are you feeling stressed, looking for information and relief? Join us for this 5 part series where we will discuss the impact of stress. Watch my video now to learn more!
Wellness is Waiting! ™ Are you ready?
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