5 Signs of Stress in Women
By Marilyn Zink
Women tend to deal with stress differently than men.
There are several signs that indicate a woman is going through stress and it’s time to do something about it.
Hormonal Imbalance
One of these is the hormonal aspect. Women who are stressed will often discover that their hormones are impacted, creating hormonal imbalances that affect their cycle. Women who menstruate will notice that they tend to have periods that are quite heavy or that bring a truckload of uncomfortable symptoms - bloating, headaches, fatigue, etc.
Other women who are stressed will have irregular or infrequent periods, and they will be more likely to become sick as the immune system is lowered. Strengthening her immune system prior to and during a woman’s period is one of the best things she can do.
Aches and Pains
More aches and pains are another sign indicating a woman is stressed. Some women will have cramps (though this is often hormone-related), and digestive disturbances such as constipation, flatulence or diarrhea. Others get headaches and migraines. Others will get muscles spasms or tension in various parts of the body, though the back is a common area for holding tension. So frequent backaches are a sign of stress, though some will experience it more in the neck or shoulders.
Emotional Irregularities
Frequent outbursts along with periods of melancholy and depression are certain signs a woman is experiencing stress. Many women experience these outbursts prior to and during the menstrual cycle and this should not be considered normal. If a woman is experiencing anxiety, tension, irritability, forgetfulness and over-reaction to small annoyances, this is a sure sign of excess stress. Particularly if she is experiencing an overreaction to small annoyances that don’t bother most people.
Ups and Downs with Weight
If a woman’s weight is cycling up and down on a frequent basis, or if she is steadily losing or gaining weight, that is another sure sign of stress. Women are more likely than men to turn to food, particularly high carbohydrate foods. Poor nutrition and poor food choices are more likely to happen when a woman is stressed. I mean, who reaches for a healthy salad when feeling stressed? It’s usually the donuts or something chocolate that gets chosen over healthy foods.
When a woman is constantly making poor food choices though, that is a strong indicator she is continually stressed. Making a conscious effort to eat the right foods will help her get on the path to dealing with that stress.
Poor Sleep
It’s hard to get a good night’s sleep when feeling stressed. Worrying about the events of the day or what the next day will bring will keep a woman tossing and turning at night. Frequent poor sleep patterns are a strong sign a woman is stressed. Choosing herbs such as a herbal tea or essential oils to calm her before bed can help with better sleep. Going to bed earlier or having an afternoon nap can help with poor sleep. Naps should not be too long or too late in the day though, as that will interfere with a good sleep.
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