Stress in Your Body Systems Template

Info

• chronic stess = chronic muscle tension
• aches, pains, stiffness/soreness in areas with muscle tension (eg: headaches/migraines from tension in neck/shoulder area, lower back pain)
• muscle atrophy from disuse

Musculoskeletal System

Musculosketal DSydyrtl

• pain, bloating, acid reflux and heartburn
• extreme increase or decrease in appetite

• spasms in esophagus, difficulty swallowing

• nausea and vomiting
• irregular bowel movement, diarrhea, constipation
• changes in digestion and nutrient absorption, gas production
• changes in gut microbiome, weaker gut immune responses
• those with IBS/IBD most sensitive

Gastrointestinal System

• absent, irregular, altered (length) menstrual cycles
• difficulty coping with/heightened PMS and menopause symptoms
• decresed sex drive
• impaired ability to conceive
• jeopardized pregnancy health and postpartum adjustment
• maternal stress also affects fetal and child development and bonding with mother
• increased risk of developing reproductive cancers or contracting HSV or PCOS

Female Reproductive System

• acute stress increases heart rate, strengthens heart muscle contractions, dilates blood vessels to increase amount of blood being pumped to heart and large muscles (elevated blood pressure)
• chronic stress increses risk of hypertension, heart attack/disease, and stroke due to consistently elevated heart rate, stress hormone levels and blood pressure
• both acute and chronic stress can increase inflammation in circulatory systems (arteries)
• Postmenopausal women at greater risk of heart disease due to decreased estrogen levels

Cardiovascular System

• stress constricts airway between nose and lungs
• shortness of breathrapid breathing
• can exacerbate asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) symptoms
• acute stress can trigger asthma or panic attacks

Respiratory System