Is stress stealing your sex drive?
Our stress levels today are higher than ever! For mothers, the demands of parenting can be a major source of stress. The physical and emotional demands of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can also create stress. Women who juggle work and family responsibilities may also experience high levels of stress, which can affect sexual desire. Stress from work or financial worries can spill over into personal relationships, causing tension and decreased intimacy. Additionally, women who have experienced trauma may experience ongoing psychological and emotional distress that can impact sexual desire and function.
It's interesting to note that high stress levels create elevated cortisol in our bodies. Imagine your body perceiving stress like a need to be ready to run from a predator, only that predator never comes. This can create a phenomenon in our bodies known as cortisol steal where our bodies create high stress hormones as the expense of our sex hormones. Cortisol steal can create all kinds of symptoms such as low sex drive, low energy, brain fog, or vaginal dryness to name a few. This can be a vicious cycle - the more stressed we are, the more cortisol our bodies produce, and the more likely it is that our sex hormone production will be affected. This can lead to further stress and anxiety, exacerbating the problem.
That's why it's important to find healthy ways to manage stress and keep cortisol levels in check. One way to reduce stress and improve your sex drive is through regular exercise. Exercise has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, which can in turn increase testosterone levels and improve sexual desire. Additionally, regular exercise can help you feel more confident and comfortable in your body, which can make sex more enjoyable. Another way to manage stress is through relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These techniques can help you calm your mind and reduce tension in your body, which can make you feel more relaxed and more open to sexual activity. Other important factors include spending time in nature, eating a healthy and balanced diet, and getting a good night’s sleep (aiming for 7-8 hours per night). Regular exercise, meditation, deep breathing, and spending time in nature are all great ways to help reduce stress and support overall hormonal balance.
It's also worth noting that while cortisol steal is a real phenomenon, it's not the only factor that can impact sex hormone production. Other factors such as aging, diet, and environmental toxins can also play a role. That's why it's important to work with a healthcare provider if you're experiencing hormonal imbalances or other health concerns. They can help to identify the underlying cause and develop a personalized treatment plan to support your overall health and well-being. Our team will personalize a plan for you to get to the root cause of your symptoms to feel better in your body, reconnect your personal relationships, and finish the day with energy to spare.
