HOW DOES STRESS AFFECT WOMEN’S HORMONES?
The adrenal glands, which respond to stress levels, also help normalise the sex hormones (oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone). But excess stress can upset this balance, causing the adrenals to produce more stress hormones (cortisol) at the expense of sex hormones. This can cause ovulation problems and fertility problems, as well as other more severe menopausal symptoms. We can’t avoid stress, but we can deal with it better. Making lifestyle changes even as early as your 20s and 30s can greatly reduce the severity and duration of the menopausal symptoms you may experience in later life. Even if it’s just one evening a week, make sure you set aside some time for yourself to do something relaxing, such as going for a long walk. IS IT INEVITABLE I’LL GET MIDDLE-AGE SPREAD? No. Your metabolism slows down a little as you age, but if you eat healthily and exercise regularly, there’s no reason why you should get fat. Middle-age spread is the result of a poor diet, hormone deficiencies or
