Anxiety That Won’t Go Away? Your Hormones Might Be to Blame.

Most people experience occasional anxiety, especially during stressful times. But when anxiety lingers or shows up without a clear reason, it may be more than just your environment or mindset. Your hormones play a powerful role in regulating your mood, energy, and stress response. When they become unbalanced, persistent anxiety can be one of the first signs something is off.

If you are struggling with anxiety that will not go away, your hormones could be an important piece of the puzzle worth exploring.

The Hormone and Anxiety Connection

Hormones act as chemical messengers in the body. They impact everything from sleep and appetite to focus and emotional balance. When hormone levels become too high or too low, it can affect how your brain processes stress.

Key hormones that may influence anxiety include:

• Cortisol, your body’s main stress hormone

• Thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism and energy

• Estrogen and progesterone, especially in women

• Testosterone, which also affects mood and motivation

• Insulin, which plays a role in blood sugar regulation

When these hormones are out of balance, it can lead to symptoms like irritability, panic, racing thoughts, and emotional overwhelm.

Hormonal Imbalances That May Cause Anxiety

Certain hormone-related conditions are known to trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms. These include:

• Thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• Perimenopause or menopause

• Adrenal fatigue or high cortisol levels

• Insulin resistance or blood sugar swings

• Low testosterone levels in men

If your anxiety seems to flare around your menstrual cycle, during midlife, or alongside fatigue and other physical changes, a hormone issue may be involved.

When to Talk to a Provider

If anxiety is interfering with your daily life, sleep, or relationships, it is time to check in with your provider. It is especially important to schedule a visit if:

• Your symptoms are new or have recently gotten worse

• You also notice changes in weight, sleep, energy, or periods

• You have a family history of hormone or thyroid conditions

• Your current anxiety treatment is not working

• You are feeling burned out or unable to manage stress

Your provider can run bloodwork to check your hormone levels and create a plan based on the results.

How Hormone Treatment Can Help

When a hormonal imbalance is contributing to anxiety, addressing it directly can make a big difference. Depending on the cause, treatment may include:

• Thyroid medication to correct an overactive or underactive thyroid

• Hormone replacement therapy for menopause or low testosterone

• Blood sugar management for insulin resistance or PCOS

• Stress reduction techniques to support healthy cortisol levels

• Nutritional support to balance estrogen or support adrenal function

In some cases, combining hormone care with therapy or medication for anxiety gives the best long-term relief.

FAQs: Hormones and Anxiety

1. Can a hormone imbalance really cause anxiety?

   - Yes. Hormones affect your brain chemistry and nervous system. An imbalance can increase anxiety, especially when combined with other stressors.

2. What kind of tests check hormone levels?

   Common tests include bloodwork for thyroid hormones, cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and insulin levels.

3. Is anxiety the only symptom of a hormone imbalance?

   - No. Other symptoms may include fatigue, weight changes, irregular periods, low libido, or poor sleep.

4. Can both men and women have hormone-related anxiety?

   - Yes. Although hormone fluctuations are common in women, men can also experience anxiety related to low testosterone or cortisol imbalances.

5. Do I need a specialist to treat hormone-related anxiety?

   - Not always. Many primary care providers can evaluate hormone levels and start treatment or refer you if needed.

   
   

Support That Looks at the Whole Picture

Your mental health is deeply connected to your physical health. At Cline Medical Group, we look at both. If you are tired of feeling anxious and want answers, we are here to help uncover the root cause and support your total wellness.

Call us today at (606) 637-2334 to schedule a visit and find out if your hormones may be part of what is keeping your anxiety around.