Trauma can actually have a profound effect on your hormone levels. 

But here’s the thing, how can you see trauma on a medical test? There’s no blood test to show that your trauma is what is impacting your hormones, so how can you know that’s the case?

Often, these types of issues are left as unknowns. They know there’s something wrong with your hormones (that you can see on a blood test), but they tell you there are a large number of things that could have caused this issue. You’re usually left with more questions than you came with.

Let’s discuss how trauma can impact your hormones and what you can do to support your mental wellness.

How does stored trauma affect your hormones?

Trauma and stored trauma can significantly impact the hormonal system, influencing both physical and emotional health. Here’s how trauma might affect various hormonal systems:

1. Stress Hormones (Cortisol and Adrenaline):

• Trauma can lead to prolonged activation of the stress response system, which is regulated by hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. This continuous activation can result in a state known as hyperarousal or chronic stress.
• Over time, elevated cortisol levels can disrupt almost all your body’s processes. This can increase the risk of numerous health problems, including anxiety, depression, digestive problems, heart disease, sleep problems, weight gain and memory and concentration impairment. Sound familiar? 

2. Thyroid Hormones:

• Chronic stress or trauma can affect your thyroid function, leading to alterations in thyroid hormone levels. The thyroid gland might become dysregulated, resulting in symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which can impact your metabolism, energy levels and mood.

3. Sex Hormones (Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone):

• Trauma can influence the production and regulation of sex hormones. For example, chronic stress can lead to irregular menstrual cycles in women by impacting the release of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. In men, prolonged stress can lead to decreased testosterone production, which can affect libido, mood and physical health.

4. Oxytocin:

• Known as the “bonding hormone,” oxytocin plays a crucial role in you forming social bonds and maintaining emotional well-being. Trauma, particularly early-life trauma, can impact your oxytocin production and functioning, potentially leading to difficulties in forming and maintaining close relationships.

5. Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis:

• The HPA axis is a central stress response system. Trauma can lead to dysregulation of your HPA axis, resulting in altered cortisol levels and other related symptoms. This dysregulation can perpetuate a state of stress, influencing both your mental and physical health over time.

The interplay between trauma and hormones is complex, and it can vary greatly among individuals. Therapy, counselling, stress management techniques and sometimes even medical interventions are typically used to help manage the effects of trauma on hormonal balance.

While the trauma you faced, especially in early life, was not your fault, this does not mean there is nothing you can do to help yourself overcome these challenges. There are a number of things, entirely in your control you can do to help yourself lead a healthy and happy life.

It takes some work, but you can build healthy habits to support your overall wellness. Seeking professional help from a therapist, exercising, eating a well-balanced diet, mindfulness activities, etc., all can support you in working through your trauma and re-balancing your hormones.

What nutrients are good for supporting/healing mental wellness to help overcome trauma?

Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting mental wellness. Here are some key nutrients that are particularly beneficial:

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

• These essential fats are vital for brain health, influencing the function of neurotransmitters and reducing inflammation. 
• Sources include fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel, as well as flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts, which can provide plenty of Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

2. B Vitamins:

• This group of vitamins plays a role in producing brain chemicals that affect your mood and other brain functions. Low levels of certain B vitamins, such as B12, B6 and folate, can contribute to depression.
• Sources include whole grains, meats, eggs, beans, peas, nutritional yeast and lentils.

3. Vitamin D:

• Often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is important for brain health. Deficiency has been linked to a variety of mental health issues, including depression and mood disorders.
• Sources include sunlight exposure, fortified foods, mushrooms and supplements.

4. Magnesium:

• This mineral supports your nervous system and helps you manage stress (helping decrease the impacts of trauma). It’s also essential for neurotransmitter function.
• Rich sources include leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

5. Zinc:

• Zinc plays a crucial role in neurotransmitter function and can affect your brain and body’s response to stress.
• Foods rich in zinc include beef, poultry, oysters, beans, nuts and seeds.

6. Probiotics:

• These beneficial bacteria can improve gut health, which is significantly linked to mood and cognitive function through the gut-brain axis (a key system in understanding trauma).
• Sources include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh and miso.

7. Antioxidants:

• Vitamins A, C and E, as well as the minerals copper and selenium, help prevent cellular damage and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in your brain.
• Rich sources include berries, nuts, dark chocolate, sweet potatoes, oranges and bell peppers.

8. Amino Acids:

• Amino acids such as tryptophan are precursors to neurotransmitters like serotonin, which is known as the “feel-good” hormone.
• Tryptophan is found in turkey, chicken, eggs, cheese and nuts.

9. Iron:

• Iron is essential for brain function, and deficiency can lead to experience fatigue, brain fog and mood changes.
• Sources include red meat, poultry, fish, legumes and fortified cereals.

10. Complex Carbohydrates:

• Whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans contain complex carbohydrates. These help regulate your blood sugar levels and influence your mood and energy stability.

Incorporating a variety of these nutrients into a balanced diet can significantly contribute to your mental wellness by supporting brain function and mitigating factors like stress and inflammation.

The trauma you experienced was not your fault. It can be difficult not to take the blame on, but you never asked for what happened to you.

Trauma can show up in the body in various ways, not just mentally. It wreaks havoc on so many systems, but it heavily impacts your hormones.

There are many things you can do to support your hormones and your mental wellness and work through the trauma you have.

If you’re looking to go deep into your healing from trauma and dive into the subconscious with tailored visualizations, affirmations, hypnoses and neural-energetic practices, check out the Intentional Manifestation Club.

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Trauma impacted a huge part of your life, but you can still begin your healing journey and manifest the life of your dreams.

Learn more about the Intentional Manifestation Club, and start making a real difference in your life!