STRESS IN WOMEN

It has been observed that women are more likely to suffer from stress than men. Identifying its symptoms will help to manage stress at early stages.

Due to fast-paced lifestyle today people experience more stress than before.

Women often try juggling many different tasks at once, they may be struggling to make progress at work, trying to be the perfect mother, wife or partner, doing chores and being a good housekeeper. Women find hard to ignore other people’s needs and often feel guilty if they can’t satisfy everyone. Pressure builds up causing stress, emotional and physical disturbance. 

There are number of causes of stress for women. From most stressful events the death of a spouse is the highest cause of stress. Due to the fact that a woman is likely to outlive their husband or partner, they are at a greater risk of stress as a result of being widowed. Women are more vulnerable to suffering from stress for life events such as getting married and having a baby when compared to males. Each month a woman’s body goes through hormonal cycles, as well as during and after pregnancy. Menopause is another difficult time with physical and emotional changes.  Also, many women are highly susceptible to daily stressors such as traffic on the way to work, a demanding boss or an upset child. Increased level of stress causes greater physical signs of stress such as headache, digestive problems and immune system complications.

Symptoms of stress in women are individual depending on their coping mechanisms and personal stress level. Some of the symptoms of stress may also be indicators of disease and illness and should not be ignored. Consultation with a doctor is advised if these symptoms are causing problems with day to day activities.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF STRESS IN WOMEN

PHYSICAL:

High blood pressure

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

Fatigue

Stomach cramps

Crying

Headaches

Muscle aches including back pain and neck pain

Diminished or increased sex drive

Dizziness

Indigestion

Constipation or diarrhea

Increased perspiration

Skin problems

Hair loss

Weight gain or loss

Increased alcohol consumption

Excess smoking

PSYCHOLOGICAL:

Insomnia

Comfort eating or anorexia

Feelings of insecurity

Depression

Changes in close relationships

Decreased productivity

Job dissatisfaction

Feelings of insecurity and low self worth

Anxiety

Poor memory 

Poor concentration

Anger and hostility

Difficulty making decisions

Frequent mood swings

Negative thinking

Distractibility

Feeling overwhelmed or helpless

STRESS IN WOMEN CAN INCREASE THE INSTANCES OR RISK FOR:

Headaches or migraines

Bowel and digestion disorders

Skin disorders including acne

Eating disorders including anorexia and bulimia

Emotional disorders including anxiety and depression

Asthma attacks

High blood pressure

Strokes

Heart attack

Heart disease

Immune system dysfunction including colds, flu and infections

Cancer (particularly breast cancer)

Ulcers

Sexual dysfunction

Stress is a hormonal response from the body. When you’re stressed, a part of your brain called the hypothalamus sends signals throughout your nervous system and to your kidneys. Stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are released.
1. You may feel jittery from stress

Your body might feel off-balance and your hands may shake. You can feel dizzy. 

2. Stress can make you feel hot
You blood pressure may raise and you feel heat in your body.

3. Being stressed can make you sweat
An excessive body heat from stress may make you sweat from your forehead, armpits, and groin area.

4. Digestive problems may occur
Stress can cause diarrhea, stomach upset, and spasms.

5. With stress, you may find it difficult to breathe
Due to tightness in your breathing muscles you may feel like you can’t take a deep breath. Shortness of breath may be present. In extreme cases, this may lead to a panic attack.

6. Insomnia may be stress-related
When you have so many thoughts at night, it may be hard to fall asleep.

7. Daytime sleepiness can happen when you’re stressed
You may be exhausted from chronic stress or not being able to seep at night.

8. High blood pressure develops from chronic stress
Chronic stress may make your blood pressure to rise. Over time, high blood pressure can cause permanent damage to your heart.

9. In women, stress may mess up your regular menstrual cycles
Some women may miss their period as a result of being stressed.

10. Your skin is sensitive to stress too
Acne breakouts or itchy rashes can be related to an inflammatory response from stress.