Other than the psychological/psychosocial signs and symptoms indicated at the end of this article, finding a root cause or how stress hormones affect the brain is not well known. There are plenty of theories out there. But that's all that they are. Just theories.
When the body experiences any type of stress, a little endocrine gland (secretes hormones directly into the blood rather than through ducts) known as adrenal gland is stimulated. (For those interested, it is stimulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone which is secreted by the pituitary in the brain) As a result, cortisol is secreted. Cortisol is a major player in the regulation of blood sugar levels, the production of energy, and suppresses inflammation and immune system. Normally, the cortisol levels in the body are higher in the morning and slowly taper off throughout the day. But under stress, the levels never taper off. Stress is not the only factor in the secretion of cortisol. When the body experiences a stressor, especially when the "fight or flight" response is triggered, cortisol is secreted in much higher levels. Small increases in cortisol levels have been proven to be beneficial, but if the body does not have time to recover/relax, chronic secretion can have detrimental effects. Some of these effects include:
- depressed thyroid function
- imbalances in blood sugar levels
- decreased bone density
- decreased muscle mass/tissue
- elevated blood pressure
- increased abdominal fat - leading to heart disease, metabolic syndrome, stroke, cancer
There are 3 definite stages with a potential fourth stage that the body goes through in the response to stress.
- Reaction. The body experiences some type of stressor. The adrenal glands respond/react to this stress by releasing a large amount of cortisol and other hormones (i.e. epinephrine) into the blood. This results in the heart beating faster, blood pressure increasing, and pupils dilating.
- Adaptation. Once the adrenal glands have released its hormones, the initial symptoms of the stressor dissipate. However, the individual has only psychologically adapted to the stressor and is no longer aware that it is still present. Now he/she is able to function normally in the presence of the stressor.
- Exhaustion. If stage 2 goes on for some time, the body becomes weary. It has to search for fuel within the body in order to maintain function. This results in the body's ability to recover to be more difficult. The symptoms of the original stressor resurface and relief from the stress is nonexistent.
- Death. This occurs when the body is no longer able to adapt to the stress and all of its reserves have been depleted.
Therefore, with prolonged elevated cortisol levels there are higher levels of sugar in the blood resulting in diabetes. This is a major risk factor for the development of heart disease and stroke.
The effects of stress on the cardiovascular system is not very well understood. However, many professionals/experts agree that there is some type of relation between the two. Stress causes the adrenal glands to secrete epinephrine. Epinephrine directly affects the cardiovascular system by increasing heart rate and narrowing the arteries. If the heart has to continually pump against narrowed vessels, it too grows (since the heart is muscle). This can lead to what is known as cardiomyopathy. The heart has grown to a point where it is actually weaker than it was originally. The heart does not pump as efficiently resulting in another condition known as heart failure. Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) can develop. If the arrhythmia continues, blood clots can form in the heart and be sent through the arteries to the brain resulting in a stroke.
So, as you can see, consistent stress can be very detrimental to the body's health.
Everybody reacts to stress differently. Therefore, signs and symptoms of stress will vary. The signs and symptoms will be broken down into physical and psychological/behavioural categories. Each category will be briefly listed.
Physical signs and symptoms:
- heart disease - high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, arrhythmias, dizziness
- gastrointestinal disturbances - heartburn/acid reflux, colitis, ulcers, constant nausea
- skin - eczema, rashes, itching, hives
- immune system - herpes (cold sores), frequent colds
Psychological/behavioural signs and symptoms:
- emotional - loss of happiness and/or enthusiasm, irritable and/or angry, agitated, feeling overwhelmed, depression, sense of loneliness or isolation
- cognitive - difficulty in concentrating or speaking, unable to make decisions, constant replaying of events (negative ones), nightmares/disturbing dreams, memory problems, constant worrying
- behavioural - increased alcohol/drug consumption, loss of efficiency, weight gain or loss, insomnia, neglecting responsibilities, nervous habits (i.e. nail biting, grinding teeth, etc.)
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