Stress in Your Body Systems Template

G

Gastrointestinal System

• Stress affects brain-gut communication, causing pain, bloating, and gut discomfort
• Impacts the bacteria which influences health, affecting the ability to think and feel

• Stress causes either increased or decreased appetite
• Increases heartburn
• Swallowing can become difficult, increasing air being swallowed which causes burping, gassiness, and burping

• Stress leads to pain, bloating, and nausea
• Vomitting may occur

Female Reproductive System

• Stress causes irregular menstrual cycles and more painful periods
• Sexual desire is reduced
• Conception is reduced
• Health during pregnancy is decreased
• Postpartum adjustment becomes more difficult

Respiratory System

• Stress causes shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and airway constriction
• Exacerbates breathing problems for people with pre-existing respiratory diseases
• Acute stress can trigger asthma attacks
• Hyperventilation can lead to panic attacks

Cardiovascular System

• Acture stress causes increased heartrate and stronger heart muscle contractions
• Stress horomones such as adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol increase these effects
• Blood vessels directing blood to the heart dilate, increasing blood pressure (fight or flight response)
• Chronic stress causes long term health problems, leading to hypertension, heart attack, and stroke
• Stress can inflame the circulatory system