Headache is known as one sign of stress. But did you know that menstrual symptoms such as painful, often forgotten, and itching can also be caused by stress?
"Anxiety can cause hormonal changes, immune, and your muscles," explains Bruce Rabin, MD, PhD, medical director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Healthy Lifestyle Program. "People often do not realize the changes that occur in the body until it becomes uncomfortable symptoms."
There are seven signs that tell your body when you are on the verge of stress, and how to handle it.
Bleeding gums"Stress weakens your immune system, which allows bacteria in the mouth to breed more (over the limit that can be tolerated). Resulting in gum irritation and inflammation," says Kimberly Harms A, DDS, consumer advisor for the American Dental Association.
Quick solution: Brush your teeth twice a day and flossing daily plus perform once. For extra protection, use bacteria-killing mouthwash. You can also improve immune function by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, a balanced diet, drink multivitamin. If you are under prolonged stress and your gums bleed more often, visit the dentist three or four times a year for a checkup.
Memory LossHormones released during acute stress (prolonged) can suppress your short term memory. In fact, this effect is usually only temporary. But according to Bruce McEwen, PhD, chief of neuro-endocrinology laboratory at Rockefeller University, in New York City, and author of The End of Stress As We Know It, chronic stress can alter the structure of nerve cells and its relationship to the brain. These changes which eventually lead to interference or direction given name.
Quick solution: Make a list of things you should do, enter your appointments in the calendar and put all of it in a place easily accessible (smart phones, tablets, or the agenda is always tucked in the bag). "Research has proven that the reminder is only effective if you often take it," said Daniel L. Schacter, PhD, professor of psychology at Harvard University and author of The Seven Sins of Memory.
Menstrual painWomen who are under high emotional pressure, two times more likely to experience severe menstrual pain, according to a study from the Harvard School of Public Health. "Stress doubling the existing inconvenience," said Diana Dell, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. Chemical compounds called prostaglandins cause uterine contractions and cramps, and when you are anxious, it may be more pronounced cramps.
Quick solution: In order to block the production of prostaglandins, anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen one or two days before your menstrual period. If this does not help, ask another painkiller prescription from a doctor. Research shows that acupuncture and acupressure may reduce monthly menstrual pain was intense. Putting a heating pad to the lower abdomen can also ease the discomfort.
NightmareWhen your mind is filled with worries and always feel tense, nightmares will often come, obviously Barry Krakow, MD, medical director of Maimonides Sleep Arts and Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Quick solution: Make your dreams as free psychotherapy, looking for clues of what makes you tense, and how to deal with it. Focus on how you feel in the dream. If you are afraid or embarrassed, consider why. Then ask yourself what makes you feel the same way in real life.
Itching"In adults, stress is one of the most common causes of hives," said John F. Romano, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York City. Anxiety can cause the release of histamine compounds, which causes itching. "Unfortunately, there is no way to know whether they are caused by an allergic reaction or anxiety," said Romano.
Quick Solution: Consult with your doctor about whether you should swallow an antihistamine or anti-anxiety medication during periods of stress, as a precaution. Romano recommend taking an antihistamine and anti-itching cream to ease the discomfort.
Sore jawMany people, both while sleeping or awake, the muscles tend to clench the jaw or chattering teeth when you're feeling tense, depressed, or stressed.
Quick Solution: See your dentist. In the meantime, note the position of your jaw throughout the day. "There should always be a small space between the upper and lower teeth (when you do not chew)," said Micah Sadigh, PhD, assistant professor of psychology at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. To relax the jaw, gently open your mouth until you can feel your jaw muscles, but no pain. Then take a deep breath, and when you exhaled breath, let the jaw slack.
Dropdead fatigueVictims of stress is ending sucked your energy. According to Monika Fleshner, PhD, professor in the integrative physiology department of the University of Colorado, when you are stressed, your immune system mistakenly think of it as an infection. This can lead to fatigue or fever, which forces you to rest. Anxiety can also cause insomnia, which can lead to fatigue.
"When you're tense, you may easily wake up and it's hard to go back to sleep," said Richard Schwab, MD, Director of the University of Pennsylvania Sleep Disorders Center in Philadelphia.
Quick solution: You can reduce mental stress by talking. Confide in a trusted friend or just to set aside 20 minutes (no more) to write down your feelings and thoughts. Another option, exercise for 20 - 30 minutes to release the hormones that make you feel happy. Reduce caffeine too, so as not to exacerbate the physiological symptoms of anxiety. Therefore, research at Duke University Medical Center found that 500 milligrams of caffeine equivalent to four cups of coffee, which can increase your blood pressure.
