Can Hormone Imbalance Cause Anxiety? What Every Woman Should Know
You know that moment when you're lying in bed, exhausted but wide awake, overthinking everything—and suddenly you're diagnosing yourself with anxiety? All of the women in the room are like GIRL, ALL OF THE TIME. And you’re not alone. Anxiety is so common, especially for women juggling careers, relationships, and thinking about starting a family. But if you’ve been feeling anxious “for no reason,” or your anxiety seems to fluctuate with your cycle, it’s worth asking: “Could my hormones be behind it?”
And as a naturopathic doctor who works closely with women on hormone balance and fertility, I can tell you the answer is more often than not yes. Because hormones don’t just regulate your periods — they’re deeply connected to your brain chemistry and mood, including anxiety.
So if you’re a woman who has been feeling a little more “on edge” lately, this post is for you. Let’s break down the hormone-anxiety link, how to test your hormones properly, and what you can do to support your mental health naturally.
Why Hormones and Anxiety Are Connected
Hormones aren’t just about periods and pregnancy — they’re deeply tied to how we feel, think, and respond to stress. When they’re out of balance, it’s no surprise that your mood can feel off too.
Several key hormones directly affect the brain chemicals that regulate mood, calm, and focus:
Estrogen helps boost serotonin — one of the “feel-good” neurotransmitters that helps you feel emotionally steady and resilient. When estrogen drops (like before your period or during perimenopause), you might notice more anxiety, irritability, or low mood.
Progesterone naturally supports GABA, a calming neurotransmitter that acts like your brain’s brake pedal. Think of it as nature’s built-in anti-anxiety remedy. If progesterone is low or out of sync with estrogen, you may feel more wired, tense, or overwhelmed.
Cortisol, your main stress hormone, is designed to help you handle pressure. But when it stays elevated — or drops too low after long-term stress — it can lead to that on-edge, anxious feeling for no clear reason.
Thyroid hormones also play a big role in mood regulation. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can contribute to anxiety, brain fog, or emotional ups and downs.
So if you’ve been feeling anxious and can’t quite explain why — especially if it seems to ebb and flow with your cycle — it’s worth considering whether your hormones might be part of the picture.
What Does Hormonal Anxiety Feel Like?
Hormonal anxiety often has a rhythm to it. Many women notice that anxious, restless feeling ramps up right before their period or around ovulation — and this isn’t just a coincidence.
That’s because during these phases, your hormone levels are shifting fast. A drop in progesterone (your calming hormone) and sharp estrogen fluctuations can disrupt your brain’s ability to stay steady and calm. The result? You might feel wired but exhausted, emotionally fragile, or overwhelmed — even if nothing especially stressful is happening.
I see this pattern all the time in women who feel like they’re doing everything right — eating well, moving their bodies, setting boundaries, doing the inner work — and still can’t explain why they feel anxious, overwhelmed, or not quite like themselves. And the truth is, it’s not just in your head — it’s in your hormones. Realizing there’s a physiological reason behind how you feel can be incredibly validating — and a crucial first step toward healing.
Why Basic Blood Tests Might Not Be Enough
Standard blood work gives us a snapshot of hormone levels at a single point in time. But hormones fluctuate throughout the day and month, and sometimes the way your body processes hormones can cause symptoms even when blood levels look “normal.”
That’s why I often recommend functional hormone testing, especially the DUTCH test — it offers a more complete, dynamic picture.
What is the DUTCH Test and Why It’s Useful for Anxiety
The DUTCH test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) is one of the most advanced ways to assess hormone health — and it can offer key insights into why you're feeling anxious.
Unlike standard blood tests, the DUTCH test measures hormone metabolites — meaning not just how much hormone you have, but how your body is using and clearing it. It also tracks hormone patterns over the course of the day, giving a much deeper look at what’s really going on.
Here’s what it includes:
Estrogen and progesterone metabolites, which can reveal signs of estrogen dominance or low progesterone — both of which are tied to mood swings and anxiety.
Cortisol levels and rhythm throughout the day, showing how your body is responding to stress and whether your adrenal function may be contributing to that “wired and tired” feeling.
Organic acid markers for dopamine and norepinephrine/epinephrine metabolism — key players in your body’s stress response and ability to stay focused and emotionally regulated.
Androgens (like testosterone and DHEA), which can affect energy, motivation, and emotional resilience.
By pulling together all of this information, the DUTCH test helps connect the dots between your hormone patterns and your emotional well-being. If you’re curious to dive deeper, I’ve written a full blog post on what the DUTCH test is, how it works, and why it might be exactly what you need — you can check it out here.
Natural Ways to Support Hormonal Anxiety
Balancing your hormones and easing anxiety doesn’t have to mean jumping straight to medication. There are so many gentle, evidence-informed strategies that can make a meaningful difference. Some of the approaches I often recommend to clients include:
Prioritizing restorative sleep and managing stress through tools like mindfulness, yoga, or breathwork.
Supporting the adrenal glands with adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha or rhodiola.
Using herbs like vitex (chasteberry) to promote healthy progesterone levels.
Supplementing with magnesium, which helps calm the nervous system and ease tension.
Eating a nutrient-dense, whole-foods diet that keeps blood sugar stable throughout the day.
Reducing exposure to hormone disruptors, including BPA-containing plastics and synthetic fragrances.
These simple shifts can begin to rebalance your stress response and hormone rhythm — which often leads to a noticeable improvement in mood.
When to Seek Professional Testing and Guidance
If your anxiety feels overwhelming — or if it seems tied to your cycle but you’re not sure why — it might be time to dig a little deeper. Working with a provider who truly understands hormone testing can be a total game-changer.
Hormone imbalances are a very real contributor to anxiety in many women, including those who are cycle-aware and focused on fertility. The good news? Functional testing, combined with the guidance of an experienced provider, can reveal your unique hormone story and uncover hidden imbalances that standard labs often miss. This means you can stop guessing and start making informed, supportive changes that actually work.
If you’re curious about hormone testing or interested in exploring natural ways to ease anxiety, I’m here for you.
And if you’re ready to test your hormones and get started with a personalized plan tailored to your body, your goals, and your lifestyle — that’s exactly what I offer in my Hormone Reset Package.
Sound like just what you need?
