04/03/2026
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that happen before age 18 — such as abuse, neglect, or growing up with household dysfunction — and research shows that higher ACE scores are strongly linked to increased risks of anxiety, depression, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders later in life.
For women specifically, childhood trauma can deeply shape emotional patterns, self-worth, and relationship dynamics. Studies, including the original ACE research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Kaiser Permanente, found that women with high ACE scores are more likely to experience chronic stress, hormonal imbalances, higher rates of PTSD, and reproductive health challenges in adulthood.
Trauma doesn’t just live in memories — it can affect the nervous system, stress response, and even how safe a woman feels in her own body. The hopeful part: with therapy, supportive relationships, and nervous system healing practices, the brain and body can begin to recover. 💚
