How stress hormones affect your body

The first spark of anger activates the amygdala, whether we are conscious of it or not. This activates the hypothalamus.  The hypothalamus the pituitary gland to release corticotrophin-releasing hormones. The pituitary gland activate the adrenal glands by releasing ACTH.  The adrenal glands secrete hormones like cortisol , adrenalin and noradrenalin.

Sources of anger can be from being disappointed, frustrated, let down, judgment, fear or rejection.

This changes your brain.  Elevated levels of cortisol causes the neurons to accept too much calcium through their membranes.  A calcium overload can make the cells fire too frequently and die. The hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex are vulnerable to this.

High levels of cortisol in the prefrontal cortex causes cortisol inhibition…we can’t think clearly.   High levels of cortisol in the hippocampus decreases our ability to remember.

Too much cortisol also decreases serotonin..the happy hormone.  A decrease in this can make you aggressive , feel angry and pain more easily .

The impact on your body is:

Cardiovascular system:    heart rate increases, blood pressure increases, increase in arterial tension, increase in blood glucose levels, and increase in blood fatty acid.  When these become chronic, blood vessels become clogged and damaged and can lead to stroke or heart attack.

Immune system:  decreases thyroid function, decreases the number of natural pain killer cells, increases the number of virus-infected cells, increase the incidence of cancer.  research has shown that 5 minutes of anger decrease the immune system for up to 6 hours.!

Digestive system:   decreases blood flow, decreases metabolism , increases dry mouth.

Stress also increases the body’s capacity for headaches, migraine, and loss of bone density

This is another reason why it is so important to be aware of what you are feeling!

This is also why it is important to have a great “stress” management program!