How does stress cause problems with your immune system?

If you find that your immune system appears to be the primary target for stress in your life, you might have the following symptoms:

• You easily develop colds and flus

• Generally feel unwell most of the time

• You suffer from allergies or auto-immune diseases a lot

• Have general fatigue or worse chronic fatigue symptoms

All of these symptoms indicate that your immune system is not operating at its best. Stress can make the immune system either under- or overreact.

How does stress cause symptoms related to your endocrine system?

Long term, chronic stress disorders are serious matters which can lead on to other serious health conditions associated with the endocrine, or hormonal, system. If you find yourself battling against stress for a long period of time, it can have a knock-on effect on other areas of your physical health.  For instance:

*Women may experience premenstrual difficulties or menstrual irregularities
*Infertility (male and female)
*Sexual dysfunction (male or female)
*Debilitating general fatigue
*Thyroid dysfunction
*Arthritis
*Diabetes
*Inflammation or skin disorders
*Hair loss
*Moodiness

Hormone imbalance is one of the three most serious and common effects of long-term stress. Hormones play a crucial part in making sure our physical health is regulated, including:

*Metabolism
*Mood
*Mental function
*Sexual function & development

In addition, stress suppresses your immune system, which leaves the body open to colds, flus and other health conditions.

One of the body’s responses to stress is the release of regulatory hormones from the pituitary and cortisol from the adrenal glands. In the short term, these biochemical responses are beneficial, releasing sugars, adjusting insulin, boosting the immune system and protecting against inflammation and allergies.
 
Chronic or intense stress disrupts this delicate balance of biochemistry. Sex hormones can become inhibited. A genetic predisposition for diabetes or other endocrine problems may become activated.

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