Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in Calhoun, GA, Chattanooga, TN, Ooltewah, TN and Blueridge, GA
The effects of stress can impact a man’s health in significant ways both physically and mentally, possibly reducing his life expectancy. Whether stress is triggered by a traumatic event, financial strain, professional issues or chronic illness, your body’s adrenal glands begin to release increasing amounts of cortisol.
Known as the “fight or flight” response hormone, an uptick in cortisol production results in suppression of testosterone and other hormones. Since testosterone is essential in regulating sexual organs, emotions, muscle mass, bone density, and red blood cells, hormonal imbalance can manifest in a variety of symptoms affecting your quality of life.
Chronic stress often increases cortisol levels and lowers testosterone, contributing to decreased muscle mass and increased girth which gradually leads to weight gain.
The body’s response to insulin, which controls blood sugar, is impacted as well, threatening the onset of conditions such as Type 2 diabetes. Anxiety and stress affect sleep patterns, resulting in insomnia or even sleep apnea, where less oxygen intake prevents sound sleep and worsens fatigue. Less sleep and more stress affect judgment and elevate the propensity to make unhealthy choices such as frequent alcohol intake and overeating – again compounding weight gain and insulin production. Heart disease and high blood pressure can also be linked to stress, thus increasing your chance of heart attack and stroke.
In addition to the physical effects of stress, you may experience mental or emotional effects, too. The combination of irritability, decreased sex drive, and fatigue associated with hormonal imbalance – often referred to as andropause or “male menopause” – puts androgen-deficient men at greater risk of serious depression. Motivation, self- confidence, memory, and concentration can be diminished as well, impacting your overall sense of well-being.
Our certified LIFE professionals can help identify how stress, anxiety or depression are affecting you. We provide a comprehensive, customized approach, including hormonal optimization, nutritional supplements, and fitness and dietary changes to maximize your health and bring you back into balance.