Women & Stress: Okay, About That Hormonal Thing...
By award-winning author and stress-relief expert Susie Mantell
Q: Dear Susie, I've been feeling so sad, stressed and irritable. It's not PMS, but sure feels like it. Could it be hormones anyway?
A: Oh, the complex realm of influence our hormones have upon functions of our bodies, minds, and... "spirits." You didn't mention age, which may be significant, but women of any age may experience physical and emotional symptoms associated with hormonal shifts. The only way to be sure is to see your OB/GYN and have blood work done. Throughout peri-menopause (which can span 10 or more years in some,) as one doctor put it: "All bets are off!" You might not be menopausal per se, yet notice subtle changes. Whatever your age, go talk with your doctor to explore what might be happening. Your depression and stress could be coming from somewhere else altogether. Anything going on at home? At work? A relationship?
There are all kinds of accompaniments to the tune, "I Enjoy Being a Girl!" But there is also real help available both in conventional and integrative healing practices.
Unquestionably, men have their own "guy stuff" to deal with, but it's quite a ride we women take through the peaks and valleys of The Hormonal Range. Some women experience mood or weight fluctuations at various stages of their monthly cycle...and life cycle. Some crave salt or chocolate, get clumsy, over-sensitive, BUT... many also become keenly intuitive! Some indigenous tribes provided a communal hut for women in their "moon time," not as a shunning; rather an honoring of heightened intuitive wisdom, and often women emerged sharing awareness that would help to guide, and preserve, the tribe.
-Try reducing caffeine. (Don't forget chocolate. Sorry. Chocolate may actually have some benefits too, but caffeine can boost stress.)
-Look for a pattern. Jot down times of day, or days of the month, that are better/worse.
-Eliminate sugar for 2 weeks and drink plenty of water to flush out your system. For some, sugar can act as a mood-altering drug and bring on what a book on this very subject called, "Sugar Blues."
-Alcohol is a depressant. And a drug.
-Ask a trusted friend if (s)he has any guesses. Sometimes someone who knows us well sees what we cannot see in ourselves.
*** BIG "3-D" TIP FOR THE GUYS:
Please don't assume that every harsh word, each tear or frustration is hormonally-motivated. I do not know a woman anywhere who appreciates the suggestion that her feelings can be, Dismissed, Disrespected or Discounted on that basis. (Do yourself a favor, fellas. Even if you think it...Don't say it.) Earn valuable peace-points by asking if there's anything you can do. Give her a smile, a warm hug, and a little space.
*** BIG "3-D" TIP FOR THE WOMEN:
That last tip cuts both ways. With the exception of the very real disorder of extreme hormonal imbalance requiring medical care... the stress of PMS, pregnancy and menopause are very real, but not license to, Dismiss, Disrespect or Discount those around us. On rough days, make some nice plans for yourself, maintain your sense of humor, journal, take a long, quiet bath, apologize if you are a bit irritable, and when you need to...get out of the way. Several medications, supplements, herbs and healing arts are available to diminish symptoms. Explore what might be right for you.
BOOKS WORTH CHECKING OUT:
Both are by Christiane Northrup, MD
"Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom": A classic. How it all works.
"The Wisdom of Menopause": Very informative.
[Copyright 2000, 2008 Susie Mantell, Relax. . .Intuit (tm) LLC. All rights reserved.] Federal law prohibits use of this material in whole or in part without the express written consent of Relax...Intuit™ LLC. For Reprint Permission: Kindly email your request for guidelines, pasting in the full text of the specific article you wish to use, to info@relaxintuit.com We'll try to reply within 72 hrs.]
Award-winning stress-relief expert Susie Mantell ...is the author of the deeply soothing relaxation CD, "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace,” clinically approved for symptoms associated with stress and sleeplessness, depression and grief, anxiety, P.T.S.D., Fibromyalgia, caregiver stress, cancer, pain, divorce and addiction recovery. Featured in The Los Angeles Times, NBC, ABC, CBS-TV, Town & Country, The American Pain Society, Hazelden and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, listeners include The Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Betty Ford Center, V.A. Hospitals,and Canyon Ranch (#1 Spa.) Customizing stress-reduction for Fortune 500 companies, distinguished hospitals and spas, Mantell has facilitated thousands in relieving health-related, work-related, chronic or traumatic stress. Her multi-sensory, mind-body techniques appear in national media, medical and corporate publications. Susie Mantell's Stress-Relief & Wellness Tips are intended as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, professional health care. Order “Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace” and find more of Mantell’s stress-relief tips at www.relaxintuit.com