Stress is often a simple subject, but it has led to disturbing health repercussions. Therefore, never underestimate the impact stress can have on your life. As a woman, you may have come across some changes. Maybe you have some strange activity in your body that you might not be able to justify.
Well, there is a chance that those changes might be indicative of the fact that you are under stress. Do not brush aside these changes. Studies have revealed that women are more likely to report high-stress levels. This is in contrast to men. This begs the question, why are females more stressed than males? However one could consider the way stress impacts a woman, which it does not for men.
What Causes Stress??
Stress on women could manifest itself in the form of work pressures. Even the normal handling of home responsibilities may be stressful. Problems within the marital arrangement increase stress in women. Also dealing with children daily can impact women’s health. The effect of stress in women impacts them often from a psychological standpoint. But, stress, especially in women, can have significant health implications. Commonly associated with stress and mental health are financial problems and traumatic events.
Symptoms of Stress
You must keep a close look at these symptoms. Seek professional interventions before the symptoms elevate to acute levels.
Skin Reactions
One of the common body changes that you might notice is allergic skin reactions. These may manifest themselves in the form of rashes, hives, or irritations. Your skin might at times feel itchy. Without prior knowledge of this, you might think that you are suffering from some sort of allergy. But that might not be the case.
Stomach Ailments
Sometimes you might experience stomach ailments. This depends on the level of stress you have undergone. Stomach problems are often a sign of high-stress levels. It could present itself in the form of bloating, cramps, and heartburn.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Stress can also lead to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is often associated with women than men. It is important to seek help from a qualified medical practitioner if you are experiencing such symptoms. IBS can either lead to weight gain or weight loss. This might pose significant health risks to you.
Sleep Disorder
Have you been having a hard time falling asleep? Maybe you stay asleep for a long time. Stressed women report sleep disorders. This is particularly not ideal because sleep is naturally a stress-reliever. So, if you are not having it, then you too much stress exposure may be the culprit.
Concentration Problems
Do you find it hard to concentrate? Stress causing factors impacts your concentration level. In such cases, it is not advisable to engage in tasks that need a lot of time and brain work. You could consider doing something that eases your tension; like listening to music.
Mood Swings
During stressful hours, you might notice a significant change in your composure. You are likely to experience mood swings. These are emotional imbalances to coping with stress. You must keep a check on it. Emotional imbalances could lead to depression. Or throw you into a mental state that would damage your psychological health.
Infertility
Stress in women’s lives also decreases fertility. Research is being carried out to see the direct effects of stress on the female reproductive system. Huff Post mentions that “recent studies have found that women with high levels of alpha-amylase, an enzyme linked to stress, had a more difficult time getting pregnant. Women with the highest concentration of the enzyme during their menstrual cycle were 12 percent less likely to conceive than women with the lowest concentration of alpha-amylase.” (Source:10 Ways Stress Affects Women’s Health – Huff Post)