Stress, Hormones, and Harmony: Reclaim your sex life

Motherhood has its seasons… the trenches of toddler tantrums, the chaos of the teenage years, and the where-did-time-go? college phase. 

But no one likes to talk about the moments where you question whether you’re still the vibrant, energetic, (cough cough, sexual) partner you used to be. We’ve all been there, right? 

Let’s face it, when you’re in the thick of it, it’s hard to see beyond the chaos and remember that you’re still the badass who can conquer anything life throws her way.  

So let’s talk about stress – not just the kind that leaves you feeling tense and frazzled and wanting to dive into a bathtub of ice cream, but the kind that messes with your hormones and throws your whole system out of whack. Stress has a real impact on your sex drive and reproductive function. 

STRESS AND SEX HORMONES

So, here’s the deal: chronic stress isn’t just about feeling overwhelmed or on edge all the time. It’s about what that stress does to your body on a hormonal level. When you’re under constant stress, your body releases a flood of hormones, including cortisol – aka the stress hormone. And when cortisol goes up, your sex hormones, like estrogen and testosterone, can take a nosedive.

In order to stop chasing symptoms and get your sex hormones working for you, you MUST balance your cortisol hormone first. That’s right, it all starts with getting that stress hormone back in line.

Estrogen and progesterone are key players in the female reproductive system, regulating menstrual cycles, ovulation, and sexual desire. Chronic stress can throw these hormones off balance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, disruptions in ovulation, and changes in libido. 

I get it – navigating the hormonal rollercoaster of life isn’t easy. From the joys of motherhood to the challenges of menopause and everything in between, it’s a wild ride that can leave you feeling like you’re on shaky ground. But here’s the thing: you’re stronger than you think, and you’ve got what it takes to weather the storm, and your gut microbiome is your secret weapon waiting to help.

HEY GUYS, I’M TALKING TO YOU TOO

Men aren’t exempt from the effects of chronic stress on their hormonal health. Stress can impact testosterone levels in men, leading to decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and even infertility. Sperm production can also be affected, with stress potentially reducing sperm count and motility, making conception more challenging.

As if navigating the hormonal rollercoaster of menopause isn’t challenging enough, chronic stress can exacerbate symptoms for women entering this stage of life. Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can be intensified by stress, leading to more frequent and severe hot flashes, mood swings, and changes in sexual function. It’s like adding fuel to the fire, making an already challenging transition even more difficult to navigate. Ironically if you were less stressed you might enjoy sex more which helps keep stress low! 

Similarly, men experience hormonal changes as they age, known as andropause. Chronic stress can exacerbate symptoms such as decreased testosterone levels, loss of muscle mass, fatigue, and changes in sexual function. These symptoms can have a significant impact on men’s overall well-being and quality of life.

SO, HOW DO YOU DO THAT? Well, I’m Glad You Asked!

Here are three things you can do to tackle the problem head-on:

• Stress Management Techniques: Take a deep breath and find your zen. Incorporate stress-reducing practices into your daily routine, such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness techniques. These activities can help lower cortisol levels and restore balance to your hormones. Yoga is my favorite because you are also moving your body which is a double bonus for stress management.!  

• Prioritize Sleep: Get those Zzz’s! Quality sleep is crucial for hormone regulation and overall health. Aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night, and establish a relaxing bedtime routine to help you unwind and prepare for restorative sleep. Struggle with this? I have a favorite non-melatonin supplement that I take on the days where I need help to wind down.  

• Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods, stay hydrated, and prioritize regular physical activity. A balanced diet, hydration, and exercise can help support your body’s natural hormone production and metabolism. Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods, which can disrupt hormone balance and exacerbate stress levels.

UH-OH…. BUT….. 

I see you doing all the things. Sometimes reality gets in the way, a crazy schedule throws us off or we just make a bad choice.

This is why supplements are so important. Maybe you’ve seen me talk about my stress-less protocol online.  It’s my everyday go-to for stress management and resilience.

It’s as simple as mixing three powders together in a glass of water, and you’ve got yourself a powerhouse concoction designed to support your body and mind:

• Power 1: Supports gut health, digestion, stress resilience, & positive mood.
• Power 2: All-natural nootropics to support motivation and metabolism.
• Power 3: Caffeine-free support for mental energy, focus & physical performance without the jitters or crashes.

Chronic stress doesn’t just mess with our minds – it messes with our hormones too. By balancing your cortisol levels, prioritizing self-care, and fueling your body with the right nutrients, you can reclaim your mojo and feel like your vibrant self once again. 

Because no matter what season of life you’re in, you deserve to feel like the fierce, fabulous human you were always meant to be. Let’s do this, one hormone-balancing tip at a time.