The Top 10 Symptoms of Stress in Women

Women may be entering a period of stress and not even realize it. There are both emotional and physical tell-tale symptoms that give a clue. This can be important because stress and a woman's health are closely correlated. These are the top 10 symptoms of stress in women and some suggestions as to what they can do.

1. Erratic Temperament

One of the top signs of stress in women is a temperamental personality. Medications for depression can hide this symptom. It may take days to discover a problem. A person may show mood swings that go from irritability to anger.

2. Irregular Menstrual Periods

Stress affects hormone levels and upsets the balance in the reproductive system.

3. Eating Disorders

Anorexia or binge eating can also signify abnormal stress. Both overeating and Under-eating may be a way that some women use unconsciously to feel like they have power over the undefined things that are nagging her. Overeating can become a way to relieve a stress.

4. Lack of Energy

Something familiar to anxiety disorder, lack of energy is one of the widespread symptoms of stress. In a situation like this, it's difficult to become excited about anything. There may be an increased use of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs. Cynicism and bitterness can be by-products.

5. Headaches

Muscular strain, adrenaline release and the consequent bombardment of chemicals have a negative impact on the brain’s blood vessels. These changes in brain chemicals may cause tension headaches.

6. Worrying

Extreme anxiousness comes about when a person worries excessively over mundane things. That person will generally display a lack of capacity to face ordinary situations, and will repeatedly arrive at a pessimistic outlook. Worrying leads to agitation and feeling overwhelmed.

7. Lack of Concentration

Mental tribulations are one key symptom of stress. It become difficult to remember details, to put together a plan, or to focus on tasks. It doesn't help that there may be problems with memory, judgment, or indecisiveness.

8. Isolation

Whatever the cause of stress, a sudden abandonment of people or aloofness might show up. Procrastination and isolation often go together.

9. Digestive Problems

Stress can time and again cause digestive issues like abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea and diarrhea.

10. Insomnia

Distressed sleep is quite common among women suffering from stress. They may sleep too long or sometimes even too little. They may also get nightmares, but these will disappear once the stress is gone.

Other physical symptoms may include stomach cramps, backaches, stomach ulcers, constipation or diarrhea, high blood pressure, a breathing difficulty or tightness in the chest, and a reduced or total loss of sex drive.

Identifying Causes Of Stress In Women

There are many situations that can cause stress in women. Some of these may be:

• Problems at work. It could be deadlines, relationships with co-workers, or even abuse. One solid reason is a change in job with the anxiety of what to expect in the new job, especially when one is in self-doubt about their qualifications.
• Loneliness and a lack of support can easily lead to stress. There is a certain type of loneliness that comes from the death of a loved one.
• Divorce is another major cause of deep depression. Crying is not shameful and can relieve stress.
• Financial problems goes without saying as a cause of stress. It can be a constant anchor that drags one downward.
• And of course health problems can be a source of stress. When coupled with financial problems, it can become something major.

What To Do About Stress In Women

Unfortunately stress symptoms in women can be similar to those of diseases. It's essential to get an accurate diagnosis which may require a visit to a doctor.

Stress not managed can have serious consequences. One thing to do is to try to isolate the major causes of the stress. It may be possible that 20% of the problems are causing 80% of the stress.

If a woman can feel a whole better when she answers the question, “How would I feel if suddenly this xxx problem disappeared?”, then that is one of the problems to isolate. She can begin to deal with it separately from her other concerns.

There are simple techniques for stress relief like exercise, games, painting or drawing, crafts, playing or listening to music, yoga, and getting organized. Visiting friends and relatives with whom one is comfortable can provide much-needed support and relaxation.

The previous article is on migraine treatment.