How Stress Affects our Hormones and our Health

Stress is something we all experience in our lives, as we react to external factors going on around us.

You might experience stress when you have a tight deadline at work or when you're experiencing financial difficulties, health problems, relationship issues, worrying about your kids.

Stress is a natural response though and it's probably more common than you think.

Did you know? Over 74% of adults in the UK have felt so stressed in the past year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope. (Priory Group 2025)

What happens inside us when we’re stressed?

When you're under stress, your body goes into "fight or flight" mode, releasing cortisol and other stress hormones. This causes:

• Increased heart rate

• Dilated pupils

• Heightened blood flow

• Sweating

In prolonged periods of stress, your body starts shutting down non-essential systems like digestion and reproduction to conserve energy — that’s why many people lose their appetite or libdo under pressure.

The Hormonal Ripple Effect

Dr Ghazala Aziz-Scott, hormone specialist, explains: “Each hormone in the body has an optimal level to maintain balance. When cortisol rises due to chronic stress, hormones like insulin, thyroid hormone, and sex hormones can become depleted, leading to physical and mental health issues.”

High cortisol suppresses other key hormones, potentially causing:

• Imbalances in the menstrual cycle

• Lowered mood (due to reduced progesterone)

• Fertility challenges

• Thyroid dysfunction

• Adrenal fatigue or burnout

Common Physical Symptoms of Chronic Stress

If you’re feeling any of the below regularly, stress could be a major contributor in your life currently:

• Constant fatigue

• Headaches or migraines

• Stomach issues (bloating, diarrhoea, nausea)

• Muscle aches and tension

• Insomnia

• Rapid heartbeat

• Low libido

• Frequent illnesses

Long-Term Impact of Stress

Left unchecked, chronic stress can affect every system in your body:

• Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, mood disorders

• Cardiovascular: High blood pressure, heart disease

• Digestive: IBS, acid reflux, gastritis

• Hormonal: Irregular periods, fertility issues, burnout

• Physical: Skin breakouts, hair loss, fatigue

• Behavioural: Isolation, emotional withdrawal

Time to Prioritise Your Wellbeing

You don’t have to live in survival mode. It's time to look after your body and your mind. This can be as simple as a 5 minute morning or evening meditation, practising gratitude, journalling, going to the gym or for a run / bike ride, or just talking to a friend while you are walking the dog.

Another great way to switch off is a Wellness Holiday. Welcome 2 Wellness are hosting one in October at a 5* hotel in the Algarve, Portugal.

Join us to rest, recharge and reset your mind and body. Our retreats are designed to help you:

✔️ Reduce stress naturally

✔️ Rebalance your hormones

✔️ Learn tools for emotional resilience

✔️ Recharge through rest, nature, and guided wellbeing practices

To find out more about our Wellness Holidays with a difference, visit our website, or follow us on Instagram.