Hormone Imbalance or a Burnt-Out Nervous System?
- Brainz Magazine
- Jul 14
- 9 min read
Carly Allen is a Master of Energetics, Root-Cause Therapist, Kundalini Teacher, Advanced body worker/body alignment specialist & Lymphatic Drainage Practitioner. She is the founder of Remedial Movement – A Natural Therapies Clinic in Brisbane, Australia, that specializes in Women's Health and chronic conditions/pain.
Are you in your 40's and the symptoms of perimenopause have hit your body and life with great force? The responsibilities at this stage of life collide with the symptoms of perimenopause, making moving through this time challenging and confusing. Thankfully, in today's world we are bringing more talk and support around women's health and the true impact this stage of life can have.
There are more scientific methods than ever before to assist when the impacts and symptoms are greatly affecting quality of life which is a supportive step forward. However, as we approach this season of life, is it all really just hormonal change dictating symptoms or could an unregulated nervous system be playing into our experience a lot more than we realise? Instead of feeling out of control, could the key be through regulation? Keep reading to see how an unregulated nervous system could be running your life and not just your changing hormones.
Nervous system 101
Our autonomic nervous system is the overarching system made up of the protective sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system, which is all about rest and digestion. The dorsal vagal response is another branch of the parasympathetic nervous system that will freeze or shut us down once overwhelm sets in.
The sympathetic nervous system is there so we can get things done. Back in the day, it was there to help us get out of danger quickly.
In today's world, it becomes activated every time we start a project, get the kids from school, read emails while watching TV, sit in traffic, or scroll on devices. This system is known as the fight/flight system, and although it can help us get things done, it also houses our panic, fear, anxiety, worry/concerns, rage, anger, irritation, and frustration. It increases our heart rate, adrenaline, and oxygen, and takes the focus and attention off our digestive organs so we can focus on the situation at hand.
The parasympathetic nervous system (ventral vagal) is all about relaxation, rest, and digestion. This system assists our immune response, digestion, rest, recuperation, circulation, increases oxytocin, and helps us connect with others. It is the system that fosters joy, compassion, curiosity, groundedness, and the ability to be in the present moment. It is the side of the nervous system that can aid in our natural healing abilities, the side we want to live in most of the time.
These two systems interplay with nearly every activity we do. This is normal and healthy; it is our natural stress response. As a collective, the challenge we face is the ability to complete a stress response before starting another one. Due to the constant accumulation of tasks beckoning our attention, the list of devices that distract us, long working hours, and a mind that is overstimulated, activating the ventral vagal response can be more challenging than ever before, trapping us in the loop of an unregulated nervous system. By not recognizing the early signs, we run the risk of entering the dorsal vagal response or 'freeze.' This is where overwhelm can set in. We can feel trapped, numb, depressed, withdrawn, or dissociated. This is our 'shutdown' response and is activated when we feel threatened or unsafe repeatedly. If you are already in a pattern of flight/flight/dorsal due to past or present trauma, chronic pain/stress, generational patterning, or relationship issues, the ability for your nervous system to keep up with the general pace of life could be paralyzing.
How does this relate to your emotions/health (pain or hormones)?
The polarities of masculine and feminine aspects are within us all. To be truly balanced as an individual, we should be connected to both our logical, driven side and our intuitive, flowing side. In today's society, however, the left side of the brain is very dominant, and the constant drive, determination, and distractions are leaving our nervous system burnt out, pleading with us to slow down and connect with our inner being. We are living on adrenaline, which then releases cortisol into our bloodstream, the stress hormone. If we are not listening to the subtle signs, the body will eventually slow us down through its own means: chronic conditions, illness, fatigue, and burnout.
Women hold the superpower of being able to multitask; however, it can also be to our detriment, as it leaves our blood with excessive amounts of cortisol. On the outside, it can look like you have it all together, but inside there can be panic, anxiety, lack of efficiency, and/or the inability to function at your best. From a hormonal perspective, sex hormones naturally fluctuate and drop during perimenopause, which also leads to an increase in cortisol in the system. With both contributing factors, it can lead to the perfect storm, affecting quality of life considerably.
Increased cortisol levels leave the body feeling exhausted. This can result in engaging in respite activities that keep cortisol high instead of engaging in activities that will reduce cortisol levels. Screen time is often an activity of choice; however, the blue light simply contributes to the heightened emotional state even further and also impacts sleep quality. When there is no cortisol reduction, it leaves the stress cycle unfinished, and the body is unable to rest and repair.
Another aspect of living in a container of compounding external or internal stress is suppressed or restricted emotions. Life can become a pressure cooker, and the psychological life transition point of 40 will surely shine a light on any emotional imbalances you may have unhealed. If we do not address these aspects, the smallest of things can break the camel's back, so to speak, simply because we have no 'space' left. This can result in increased physical pain and fluctuating hormones due to the overproduction of cortisol in the bloodstream.
Symptoms of a stressed-out nervous system can look very similar to hormonal changes: weight gain, anxiety, hair and skin changes, digestive issues, vitamin deficiencies, sleep issues, irritability, brain fog, emotional and mental health impacts, lymphatic issues, and body aches/pains.
The change of life is a very natural process with its natural symptoms and is a rite of passage for all women into their crown years. However, studies have shown that stress "may worsen" physical and psychological symptoms during this stage of life. Concentrating on regulating the nervous system should be the first point of call, whether that is through reviewing current life situations, environments, career/work, habits, diet, or relationship dynamics. It is about making sure what is in your life is aligned and supportive for you. Once the nervous system is more regulated, you may have more clarity and a clearer picture of your true hormone levels, which could assist in reducing the risk of overmedicating. Stress, depression, and anxiety: psychological complaints across menopausal stages - PMC
5 early physical symptoms that your nervous system is out of balance
1. Muscle tension
There is a direct link between autonomic imbalance and chronic muscle tension and pain, especially with lower-back pain (LBP), as studies have proven. Heart rate variability in patients with low back pain: a systematic review - PubMed.
The fascia that encompasses muscles, bones, and organs also contains the lymphatic and nervous systems. So, if we have elevated sympathetic activity, the fascia and breathing muscles will be directly affected. This can put significant strain on areas such as the diaphragm, which leads to pelvic misalignment, LBP, and bloating.
2. Chronic jaw pain and grinding teeth
Jaw tension or bruxism can be a very obvious sign of stress and heightened sympathetic activity, which emphasizes the role of chronic stress on the nervous system.
Cardiovascular Implications of Sleep Bruxism–A Systematic Review with Narrative Summary and Future Perspectives - PubMed.
3. Digestive issues
Studies have proven that digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and bloating have a strong link to lower vagal modulation and increased sympathetic reactivity due to chronic stress.
Bloating can also be a cause of LBP. This can present as bloating in the lower abdomen, which deactivates the transverse abdominal muscles, leading to pelvic misalignment due to reduced abdominal activation and support.
4. Brain fog and concentration issues
When vagal function is reduced due to chronic stress, cognitive symptoms can start to present. Difficulty focusing, fatigue, and memory issues can become prominent, making daily tasks difficult and frustrating.
5. Feeling easily triggered, overwhelmed, irritable, or aggravated
Studies have linked lower heart rate variability and reduced parasympathetic function to emotional challenges due to chronic stress, where frequent mood swings, irritability, difficulty regulating emotions, and overwhelm present as symptoms.
5 ways to start regulating
1. Personal development
By addressing the unhealed parts of yourself and the limiting beliefs you are running on, you can free yourself from the restrictions that bind you, those that hold you stuck in fear, exhaustion, and burnout. Limiting beliefs are subjective to the individual and have developed due to past experiences, and we all have them. By starting to regulate your nervous system, you can lighten your load and give yourself and your emotions space so you can begin to live from clarity and coherence.
Seek out healing modalities that resonate with you and directly work with regulating the nervous system. These can include modalities like reiki and energy healing, root-cause therapy, talk therapies, and coaching, to name a few. These modalities can guide you through the process. Find the right practitioner who is aligned with you so you can move through your healing safely.
2. Start to live with the rhythms of nature
The red light emitted by the sun at sunrise and sunset activates melatonin in the system naturally. Instead of absorbing blue light frequently, opt to head outside so you can have a better night's rest. Become more attuned to the natural world around you: the lunar cycle and its effects, the animals, the surroundings, and all the natural sounds. Immerse yourself in the earth's grounding and supportive connection, as this will teach you a lot about yourself and your personal rhythms, helping to regulate your nervous system.
3. Stop drinking caffeine
Caffeine elevates levels of adrenaline and cortisol in your bloodstream, which can worsen feelings of anxiety and depression. If you have an unregulated nervous system, caffeine should be the first thing to go. Caffeine affects the ability to build muscle, is linked with high blood pressure, fatigue, premature aging, and fat deposition. Replacing coffee with another drink of choice could lead to a calmer, happier you. However, if you love coffee, you could opt for decaf, or alternatively, add a pinch of cardamom as an Ayurvedic antidote. This will balance the catabolic action of the coffee and reduce the stressful effects it has on your endocrine and digestive systems.
4. Allocate time for you
This requires dedication and a commitment to whatever self-care practice resonates and aligns with you. You cannot give from an empty cup; fill yours up first so you can give from an overflowing one. This is not a selfish practice. You never know who is watching and being inspired by your actions. Create rituals with your practices so your body knows when it is time to relax and let go.
5. Do somatic activities that get you back in your body
There are many forms of yoga, and all of them can assist your nervous system and health. Kundalini Yoga is great for women due to its focus on the glandular and nervous system. It is a style of yoga that hasn’t taken spirituality out of the practice and consists of kriya, meditations, breathwork, mudra, focus points, and mantra. This form of yoga will naturally guide you through the stress response cycle, helping you build resistance and begin the process of regulation.
Dancing is fantastic for shifting energy through your body, naturally elevating you. It assists with releasing tension and energy from our fascia and muscles that have become stagnant and stuck.
Energy movement practices like Qigong and Tai Chi are great for targeting the energetics of the body. These are meditation-in-movement practices, ideal for all age groups and abilities.
Apply nerve glides to the arms with ulnar, radial, and median nerve stretches. Movement optimizes the health of nerves by promoting blood flow throughout the nerve and anchor points at the cervical and brachial plexuses. This will also assist in regulating the vagus nerve, which is responsible for helping switch your sympathetic nervous system to the parasympathetic nervous system.
Bodywork through massage is wonderful for getting you back in your body and will assist the body in relaxation. Advanced Remedial Massage or Myotherapy is fantastic for nervous system and vagus nerve regulation and is a multisystem bodywork modality.
Honesty matters
In conclusion, the ability to sit with oneself and honestly reflect on where things might be out of balance is the first step in regaining balance. Once the nervous system feels safe, secure, and grounded, you can make clear, cohesive decisions about your health, hormones, and life. This is where we can start to take action from a calm, happy place, which will balance your life, health, and hormones. Only from this space can you truly monitor the truth of your hormonal health, where you are in control, not your nervous system.If you want to start the process of regulating, Remedial Movement can walk this path with you so you can start tapping into yourself today.
Read more from Carly Allen
Carly Allen, Root-Cause Therapist and Integrative Bodywork Specialist
Through her service, Carly is a lighthouse for individuals seeking to navigate their way out of pain/darkness and into their highest potential/freedom. She believes that physical body pain, conditions & circumstances tend to have deeper meaning in an individual's life. By addressing all layers of a being, it presents an opportunity to view troubling aspects from a different perspective and can shift trapped pain from our physical life and body. Empowering an individual to take back their power and to truly gain balance in their life positively affects them and those around them, which can have a ripple effect spanning across time and space.
