Hormones as Anxiety Cause?
Well guess who visited me during my last “cycle”? Besides my monthly friend, anxiety too! A few months ago my doctor said the believed my hormones had balanced themselves all on their own. I did this by watching my diet closely along with adding nutrients like amino acids, vitamins, and adrenal herbs. So, I decided to discontinue my daily dose 100 mg of bioidentical progesterone to see if my hormones really had balanced themselves out.
It has been a few months and as the progesterone left my system, a tiny bit of anxiety has returned. Progesterone deficiency is a common anxiety cause in many women. Maybe me too? Progesterone stimulates GABA (neurotransmitter) receptor sites and gives us that calm and relaxed feeling. Low progesterone may result in anxiety because of the lack of GABA receptor stimulation.
After recent tests ruled out low serotonin, epinephrine, or any other neurotransmitter deficiency as the cause, I asked my doctor if we should do a hormone panel to check progesterone levels. She agreed that if progesterone levels dropped after I discontinued the bioidentical version, it could cause anxious feelings. I’ll know in about a week after she does a hormone panel to find out. Stay tuned!
For some of us ladies, progesterone could be part of our anxiety therapy!
Hi Jen
Mish from Australia. I have a similar thing – since the anxiety started, I’ve noticed it is more prevalent when the monthly pal calls. I am keen to hear how you get on as to whether the progesterone treatment is to be continued.
I have spoken to my doctor about having my progesterone levels checked and he thinks it is unnecessary but reading this, and a few other things, it makes me think I need to find a doctor who will check it for me.
Did you find resistance at all from previous doctors?
Michelle (aka mish)
WOW, what a coincidence regarding the timing of this blog and how I am feeling right now!!
I do exercise regularly, eat properly and stay away from caffine and alcohol, all things to try to stay well.
BUT, I know that my period is coming soon because I feel my anxiety rising and I currently am on medication (Clonazepam), even still, all of the above doesn’t prevent the feelings from coming.
I am doing alot of deep breathing and positive self talk but it is still a struggle.
Thanks for the advice. At my next doctor’s appointment, I am going to inquire about my progesterone level.
Do you have any other advice to offer to help get over this once a month stressor?
Hi Mish,
I am very fortunate to have a doctor who thinks out of the box. When she wants my levels to be known, she does the hormone panel on the 21st day of my cycle. Can’t hurt to have yours checked, you might find there’s a little deficiency or imbalance somewhere. I always encourage people to get tests so they know if it’s necessary to supplement and what to supplement. I have heard of docs resisting and I can’t figure out why, it’s not their body! Plus they get paid for it! Go figure?
If my hormone levels come back normal and I still get this anxious feeling, I will kick up my adrenal supplements and use essential oils to stimulate GABA receptor sites.
Thank you for such a good question!
jen
Hi Buffey,
Let me know how it goes w/ the progesterone testing! What I did to get me through was use specific blends of essential oils that work to calm and relax. I don’t know what I would have done without them – lifesavers they are!
Jen
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