Stress and Hormonal Health: Finding Balanced Homeostasis

Posted: November, 2022
Author: Sharlene Bennett | BHSc, AdvDip Nat, AdvDip Med Herb

Stress can negatively impact the nervous system, while also exerting an adverse effect on hormonal health and total wellbeing. Stressors, whether from emotional or physical causes, or xenobiotics and medications, contribute towards an unbalanced state of health. These also afflict secondary conditions on organs or systems, such as hormonal regulation.

This occurs through over-stimulation of the nervous system which increases or inhibits hormone production. It then impacts the release of sex hormones such as cortisol from the adrenal glands. This over-activation of cortisol not only ends in adrenal fatigue, but also overrides the whole hormone cyclic system. Resulting effects occur to the menstrual cycle and ultimately reproductive health.

The Cortisol Button – The adrenal picture
An increased release of cortisol can result in cortisol deficiency and can affect more than the HPA axis. Thyroid function and thyroid production of TSH, T3 and T4 can also be impacted, resulting in reduced cellular and metabolic responses. This is a possible contributor to sub-infertility conditions, including compromised egg production and a general decrease in reproductive vitality and health.⁴

The Essential Factors – The contributory elements
Daily factors that contribute to reproductive health include not only stress but range from diet, nutrient deficiencies and digestive health, to age and genetics.

Nutrients including zinc, fatty acids, and antioxidants, such as selenium and vitamin C, are particularly important for male hormonal health. For female hormone health, fatty acids, folate, B12, iron levels and vitamin C are vital nutrients for healthy conception and fertility.

Supporting healthy liver function and adequate detoxification, alongside bowel peristalsis, is also important in filtering and removing toxic metabolites and compounds. Achieving optimal oestrogen clearance, therefore, relies largely on adequate liver and digestive function.³

Oestrogen and progesterone levels naturally vary during the monthly menstrual cycle, as a normal state of health. A dramatic increase or decrease, however, can be indicative of disrupted homeostasis and become a primary catalyst for chronic hormonal conditions.

The Gut Microbiome – Its influence on hormonal health
The gut microbiota and microbial diversity is important in encouraging healthy levels of circulating oestrogen, and is therefore vital for hormonal health. The complete systemic effect of oestrogen also plays a significant role in maintaining gut health, through supporting epithelial barrier integrity and therefore immune defences.^1,2 The role of oestrogen in female reproductive health is also well known for contributing towards bone, brain and mood health.

The Phytotherapy List
There is a large range of effective herbs to choose from to help support hormonal health.

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)
This herb acts on progesterone and oestrogen balance, ideal for healthy cycles and balanced hormone production.

Paeony (Paeony lactiflora)
A traditional remedy with liquorice for healthy hormone and cortisol balance, including conditions of androgen and oestrogen excess.

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
A natural anti-inflammatory and an ideal herb for adrenal exhaustion or support. Liquorice is commonly used for PCOS, including infertility and androgen excess.

Damiana (Turner diffusa)
A well-known nervine tonic and herb for libido enhancement or impotence for both men and women.

Withania (Withania somnifera)
A potent adaptogen herb for adrenal health. Withania helps to lower anxiety and supports stress and mood in cases of exhaustion. As a male tonic, this herb is beneficial for fertility, physical performance and healthy sperm production.

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa)
An anti-inflammatory herb for both hormonal and joint health. Wild yam is also commonly used as a tonic for infertility.

Black cohosh (Actaea racemose)
An ideal herb for oestrogen modulation and for PMS recovery and support. This herb also helps as a uterine tonic in pregnancy and as a spasmolytic for pain and body comfort.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
The cleansing and detoxing ability of milk thistle can help in excessive oestrogen removal, supporting healthy detoxification and general liver function. It can also aid in androgen-like conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis.


References

1. Baker, J. M., Al-Nakkash, L., & Herbst-Kralovetz, M. M. Estrogen-gut microbiome axis: Physiological and clinical implications. Maturitas, [Internet] 2017 [cited 2017]; (103): 45–53. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.06.025.
2. Michopoulos V. Stress-induced alterations in oestradiol sensitivity increase risk for obesity in women. Physiology & behaviour, [Internet] 2016 [cited from 2016]; (166): 56–64. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.05.016
3. Jiang, I., Yong, P. J., Allaire, C., & Bedaiwy, M. A. Intricate Connections between the Microbiota and Endometriosis. International journal of molecular sciences, [Internet] 2021 [cited from 2021]; 22(11): 5644. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22115644.
4. MacLaughlin, S. M., & McMillen, I. C. Impact of periconceptional undernutrition on the development of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis: does the timing of parturition start at conception. [Internet] 2007 ; Current drug targets, 8(8):880–887. Available from: https://doi.org/10.2174/138945007781386848