You’re stuck in traffic, late for an important meeting, and you watch the clock as time slips away. The hypothalamus, a small control tower in the brain, decides to send stress hormones into action! Your heart races, your breathing quickens, and your muscles are primed for action. This response was designed to protect your body in an emergency, preparing you to react quickly. But when the stress response continues to drag on day after day, it can put your health at great risk.
Stress is a natural physical and mental reaction to life experiences. It can be beneficial in serious situations. The body responds to stress by releasing hormones that increase heart rates. However, if the stress response does not stop and levels remain elevated, it can have serious consequences. Chronic stress can cause a variety of symptoms and affect your overall well-being. Symptoms of chronic stress include: irritability, anxiety, depression, headaches, insomnia, decreased immunity and memory, including hair loss.
The central nervous system is responsible for survival. In the brain, the hypothalamus rolls into action, telling the adrenal glands to release stress hormones, adrenaline, and cortisol. These hormones revitalize heart rates and send blood to the areas that need it most in an emergency, such as the heart and other vital organs. When the perceived threat disappears, the hypothalamus should tell all systems to return to normal. If it does not return to normal or if stress does not dissipate, the response will continue. Chronic stress is also a factor in behaviors such as heavy alcohol consumption, drug abuse, or social withdrawal.
Stress hormones affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. During the stress response, you breathe faster in an effort to quickly distribute oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. If you have a breathing problem, such as asthma or emphysema, stress can make breathing even more difficult. In times of stress, the heart pumps faster. Stress hormones cause blood vessels to constrict and divert more oxygen to the muscles. This increases blood pressure, raising the chances of a stroke or heart attack.
Under stress, the liver produces extra sugar (glucose) to give you a boost of energy, but the body may not keep up with this additional surge of glucose.
Chronic stress can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The release of hormones, rapid breathing, and increased heart rate can also affect the digestive system. You are more prone to heartburn or acid reflux due to an increase in stomach acid. You may also experience nausea or vomiting.
Stress is exhausting both for the body and the mind. If stress persists for a long time, a man’s testosterone levels may begin to drop. This can interfere with sperm production and may cause erectile dysfunction or impotence. Chronic stress can increase the risk of infection for male reproductive organs, such as the prostate. For women, stress can affect the menstrual cycle. This leads to irregular, heavier, and more painful periods. It can also amplify the physical symptoms of menopause.
