Americans are feeling more stressed than ever before, and it’s taking a serious toll on our well-being. From pressures at work to financial concerns, health issues, and relationship conflicts, it can feel like we are in a constant state of worry.
The modern world makes it very difficult to find relief from this stress. Because of technology, most people are never truly disconnected from work and their responsibilities. If this sounds familiar, it’s crucial that you proactively monitor and manage your stress levels.
When stress levels go unchecked, it can have serious consequences for your mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life.
Amy Brenner, MD & Associates is a wellness clinic in Cincinnati dedicated to helping you live a healthier and happier life. We know what stress can do to the body, and we are here to help you find solutions to improve your well-being.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most effective stress management techniques in Cincinnati, so you can start living your best life again.
Understanding Stress
Stress is a natural response that occurs when our body perceives a threat or challenge. While this is normal and helps us in the short term, our bodies are not meant to be in this state for the majority of our day. When in a chronic state of stress, it can wreak havoc on our body.
Chronic stress can manifest in both physical and psychological symptoms, including:
- Gastrointestinal issues (stomachaches, bloating, diarrhea, etc.)
- Headaches and migraines
- Constant fatigue
- Hair loss
- Disruption in sleep patterns (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep)
- Changes in eating habits (leading to weight gain or weight loss)
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Irritability and mood swings
- Feelings of sadness and hopelessness
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and thinking clearly
It’s important to note that the above list is not all-inclusive. Chronic stress can impact nearly every system of the body and show up in many different ways.
At Amy Brenner, MD & Associates, some patients come to our clinic seeking treatments for stress management in Cincinnati, while other patients come in with physical complaints (such as difficulty falling asleep at night or fatigue throughout the day) that can be traced back to unmanaged stress.
Our providers create customized treatment plans to help patients take control of their stress. As functional medicine specialists, we don’t just treat your symptoms—we identify the root of the issue. From cortisol testing to supplements, medications, and lifestyle modifications, we can help you get back on track.
Cortisol and Stress
If you’re experiencing symptoms related to chronic stress, the first thing we might investigate is your cortisol levels. Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone.” It’s produced by the adrenal glands, and it is released when you are under physical or psychological stress.
Cortisol helps prepare the body to respond to the stressor. It does this by increasing essential physiological functions while suppressing non-essential functions (like digestion and immune system function).
Cortisol is essential for survival, but excessive cortisol levels are connected to:
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Weight gain
- Weakened immune system
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood disorders
- Impaired cognitive function
Related: Treating Stress Hormones near Blue Ash
Cortisol Testing
Cortisol testing is an easy way to determine the amount of stress hormone your body produces throughout the day. At Amy Brenner, MD & Associates, we use the Adrenocortex Stress Profile, an at-home salivary test that measures your cortisol and adrenal function.
You’ll take 4 saliva samples throughout the day to give us data on your cortisol release over a 24-hour period. This is often more accurate than a traditional blood test (which only looks at adrenal hormone production at one moment of your day).
After collecting your samples, you’ll use a prepaid FedEx mailer to send your test to the lab. In a few weeks, we’ll have your results and can start your customized treatment plan for stress management in Cincinnati.
Want to learn more about cortisol and stress? In this podcast, Dr. Jennifer Thieman, an expert in addressing adrenal issues, breaks down how cortisol can affect your overall well-being and shares more about testing your cortisol levels!
Episode #45 Address the Stress: Solving Your Cortisol Problem with Dr. Jennifer Thieman
Treatments for Stress Management
After we have the results from your cortisol and adrenal testing, we can determine the best treatment course for your body’s needs. This may include any of the following:
Supplementation
Supplements can help support your body’s response to stress. Your healthcare provider in Cincinnati will determine which supplement is right for you, but they may recommend:
AB Relaxed Focus
AB Relaxed Focus contains a combination of ingredients that address stressful situations in the moment or ahead of time to prepare for stressful events. This supplement can help:
- Support a calm and relaxed state (without causing drowsiness)
- Promote a balanced mood
- Enhance cognitive performance and memory
AB DHEA
AB DHEA 5mg can help balance the stress response system by improving cortisol-to-DHEA ratios. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) functions as the counterpart to cortisol, keeping this stress hormone in check.
This supplement is also used to help:
- Promote healthy hormonal balance
- Support mood regulation
- Maintain healthy aging and normal inflammatory balance
- Support bone health
AB Adrenal Support – HC
AB Adrenal Support – HC is a unique blend of botanicals and nutrients that support the stress response and promote cortisol balance during the initial alarm phase when your body perceives a stressor.
In addition to strengthening the body’s stress response and improving stress resilience, we also use this supplement for:
- Improving memory, focus, and attention
- Supporting cognitive health
- Improving mental and physical performance
- Supporting healthy cortisol and energy levels
See all of our recommended supplements to support adrenal health.
IV Infusion Therapy
IV drip therapy can be a beneficial part of stress management in Cincinnati. IV therapy delivers vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream.
At Amy Brenner, MD & Associates, we offer a range of drips customized to your needs and goals. In addition to delivering stress-reducing nutrients, IV therapy can help support your overall health and wellness through:
- Immune support
- Improved cognitive function
- Weight loss and metabolism support
- Enhanced blood flow and circulation
- Improved energy levels
- Cellular support
- Improved mitochondrial function
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormones play a crucial role in our overall well-being. When our hormone levels are balanced, our bodies can function at their best. However, as we age, it’s common for our hormone levels to get thrown off.
When our hormones are imbalanced, it can lead to a domino effect of unwanted and stressful symptoms in our lives, such as poor sleep, low energy, and low libido. Additionally, research shows that hormone imbalances are associated with higher levels of cortisol—meaning hormones themselves can cause stress levels to rise when they aren’t balanced.
For patients ages 40+ with a hormone imbalance, hormone replacement therapy can help get your hormones and stress levels back on track by improving your:
- Emotions and mood
- Quality of sleep
- Energy levels
- Libido and sexual function
Take our HRT quiz to find out if you’re a candidate!
Treating the Cause of Your Stress
Sometimes, patients are under high stress because they are facing a certain health condition or experiencing unwanted symptoms. For example, a patient with hair loss might be very stressed about losing their hair—and this excessive stress can lead to worsening hair loss.
It’s important to stop this continuous cycle of stress with treatments to support your needs. Everybody is different, but some of our most common treatments to stop this stress cycle include:
Hair Restoration
We offer PRP hair restoration in Cincinnati to help men and women facing premature hair loss.
Sexual Wellness Treatments
Whether you’re experiencing pain during sex or just don’t have the drive you used to, hormone therapy for libido in Cincinnati may be able to help. Take our HRT quiz to find out if hormone therapy could be right for you!
If sexual dysfunction is causing you stress, it’s important to find a treatment that can help. At Amy Brenner, MD & Associates, we offer a range of sexual wellness treatments for women and men, including:
Weight Loss Treatments
If weight is causing you stress, our weight loss programs are designed to help you reach your weight loss goals. We offer a range of effective weight loss solutions, including:
Related: Are you a candidate for Semaglutide weight loss? Find out with our semaglutide quiz!
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to supplementation and treating the cause of stress, lifestyle changes can play an important role in stress management. In Cincinnati, our providers may recommend incorporating the following activities into your life:
Relaxation Techniques
Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and mindfulness meditation, can promote mental clarity and reduce the physical symptoms of stress.
Exercise Regularly
Moving your body is one of the best tools for stress management. Exercise is a natural mood booster and can help reduce cortisol levels.
Prioritize Sleep
Most Americans don’t get adequate sleep for our bodies to function properly. Prioritize restorative sleep by setting a consistent sleep schedule, limiting screen exposure before bed, and using relaxation techniques before going to sleep.
Practice Self-Care
When was the last time you put yourself first? Make sure you take time to participate in the activities that bring you joy—whether it’s going out with friends or having a quiet night with a bubble bath and a book.
Visit Amy Brenner, MD & Associates for Stress Management in Cincinnati
Patients visit us from all over the country for expert, transformative wellness services. We offer a friendly environment and provide the highest-quality treatments and wellness plans to help you feel your best.
Conveniently located in Mason, OH, we serve patients from Cincinnati, Kenwood, Hyde Park, Blue Ash, Beckett Ridge, and other surrounding areas.
Get started by using our virtual consultation tool or by scheduling an appointment online.