04/13/2026
If you’re constantly overwhelmed, exhausted, or on edge…
that’s not just “life.” That’s stress talking.
It’s Stress Awareness Month, and we want to share with you ways to be aware of how stress may show up in unexpected ways.
👉 Hair loss/alopecia: Stress can cause hair follicles to enter what is known as a “resting phase,” in which they don’t produce any new strands. Over time, the old strands start to shed easily.
👉 Skin irritation: Chronic skin problems like acne, psoriasis, and eczema can be exacerbated with stress, because cortisol increases inflammation. Symptoms may be provoked more so if we neglect our normal skincare routine. Stress may also cause hives, new rashes, or even cold sores.
👉 Irregular menstrual cycles: Cortisol has a direct impact on women’s estrogen and progesterone levels, which can make periods late, longer or shorter, or stop entirely.
Shortness of breath/dyspnea: Stress causes all muscles to tighten, including those in the respiratory system. This can feel scary, leading to panic that can make you feel even more out of breath.
👉 Muscles and joints: Stress can cause pain, tightness or soreness in your muscles, as well as spasms of pain. It can lead to flare-ups of symptoms of arthritis, fibromyalgia and other conditions because stress lowers your threshold for pain.
You don’t have to keep pushing through it. There are better ways to cope, and we can help you find them 💙 Book an appointment with us through the link in the comments.
