Are you experiencing anxiety that doesn’t respond to traditional treatments? You might be dealing with a hormonal imbalance that’s fueling your symptoms.
Many people struggle for years with anxiety medications and therapy without seeing significant improvement, not realizing that their anxiety could stem from endocrine disorders. This ongoing battle with unexplained anxiety can affect your work performance, relationships, and overall quality of life, leaving you feeling frustrated and hopeless about finding relief. The solution may lie in consulting an endocrinologist.
At Hilltop Internal Medicine & Endocrinology, our highly experienced specialist, Dr. Kahinde Folawewo, understands that hormonal imbalances can impact your mental health. By identifying and treating these underlying endocrine issues, you could finally find relief from anxiety you have been searching for.
Understanding the Connection Between Hormones and Anxiety
Your endocrine system produces hormones that regulate nearly every function in your body, including mood and your response to stress. When those hormone levels shift out of balance, anxiety is often one of the first signs you’ll notice.
There are several hormonal conditions that are directly tied to anxiety:
Thyroid Disorders: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can trigger anxiety. An overactive thyroid speeds up your metabolism, leading to an increase in heartbeat, excessive sweating, and panic attacks. Even borderline thyroid imbalances can affect how you feel emotionally.
Adrenal Dysfunction: Your adrenal glands produce cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Conditions like Cushing’s syndrome (high cortisol) or Addison’s disease (low cortisol) can cause anxiety and mood instability.
Blood Sugar Imbalances: Diabetes and hypoglycemia can closely mimic anxiety. When blood sugar drops too low, you may experience shakiness, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and sudden panic attacks.
Reproductive Hormone Fluctuations: Changes in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, especially during menopause, pregnancy, or with conditions like PCOS, can significantly raise anxiety levels
When Should You See an Endocrinologist for Anxiety?
Consider an endocrine evaluation if you notice:
- Sudden Anxiety attacks without any obvious reason
- Physical symptoms alongside your anxiety, such as unexplained weight changes or hair loss
- Anxiety that worsens during specific times (menstrual cycle, menopause)
- Poor response to traditional anxiety treatment
- Family history of thyroid or other endocrine disorders
- Extreme fatigue despite adequate rest
- Increase in heart rate or irregular heartbeat
- Excessive sweating or heat intolerance
- Appetite change
- Irregular menstrual cycle
If the above symptoms persist, they may indicate the need for immediate attention from an endocrinologist.
Additional Reads: 12 Symptoms Endocrinologists Say You Should Never Ignore
What to Expect During Your Endocrinology Consultation
Dr. Folawewo at Hilltop Internal Medicine & Endocrinology will conduct a thorough evaluation that includes:
Detailed Medical History: Dr. Folawewo will need to understand your anxiety symptoms, including their triggers and previous treatments. A thorough assessment also involves reviewing your family history for endocrine conditions, current medications, and relevant lifestyle factors.
Physical Examination: She will look for physical signs of hormonal imbalance, including thyroid gland enlargement, skin changes, blood pressure, or signs of metabolic dysfunction.
Diagnostic Testing
Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Folawewo may order:
Blood Tests:
- Thyroid function tests (TSH, Free T4, Free T3)
- Cortisol levels (morning and evening)
- Blood glucose and HbA1c
- Reproductive hormones (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone)
- Vitamin D levels
- Inflammatory markers
Treatment Options for Hormone-Related Anxiety
Hormone Replacement Therapy
When a hormonal deficiency is driving your anxiety, targeted replacement therapy can make a real difference:
- Thyroid Hormone Replacement: For hypothyroidism, levothyroxine can restore normal thyroid function and reduce anxiety symptoms within a matter of weeks.
- Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: For menopausal or andropausal anxiety, customized hormone replacement can help stabilize mood and reduce anxiety over time.
- Cortisol Management: For adrenal deficiency, hydrocortisone replacement can normalize the stress response and ease anxiety symptoms.
Medication Management
She may also prescribe medications for:
- Anti-thyroid medications for hyperthyroidism
- Medications to regulate blood sugar levels
- Medications to suppress excess hormone production
- Supplements to address nutritional deficiencies
Lifestyle Modifications
Effective treatment often includes practical, sustainable lifestyle changes, such as:
Dietary Adjustments:
- Blood-sugar-stabilizing meal plans
- Anti-inflammatory eating patterns
- Adequate protein and healthy fats
- Reduced caffeine and alcohol intake
Stress Management:
- Regular physical activity suited to your condition
- Sleep optimization strategies
- Mindfulness and relaxation practices
- Consistent meal timing throughout the day
Benefits of Working with an Endocrinologist
Specialized Expertise
Unlike a general practitioner, an endocrinologist specializes in the complex interactions between hormones and their effects on overall health, including mental health. They use advanced testing to catch subtle imbalances that standard evaluations often miss, and they coordinate hormonal treatment with mental health care for a more complete approach.
Long-Term Management
Working with an endocrinologist means ongoing support, not just a one-time diagnosis. You’ll benefit from:
- Regular hormone level monitoring
- Treatment adjustments based on how you’re responding
- Prevention of future hormonal imbalances
- Management of related health conditions
- Continued education and support
How Endocrine Treatment Resolves Anxiety?
When hormonal causes are properly identified and treated, patients often experience meaningful, lasting relief. Common outcomes include:
- Complete resolution of panic attacks after thyroid treatment
- Significant anxiety reduction through blood sugar management
- Improved mood stability with hormone replacement therapy
- Better stress management through adrenal support
- A noticeably higher overall quality of life
Take the Next Step
If you think your anxiety might have a hormonal imbalance, then do not wait. Early detection and treatment of endocrine disorders can prevent complications and meaningfully improve your quality of life.
At Hilltop Internal Medicine & Endocrinology, Dr. Kehinde Folawewo specializes in finding and treating the hormonal causes of anxiety. She offers thorough evaluations, advanced diagnostic testing, and personalized treatment plans built around your specific needs.
Contact Hilltop Internal Medicine & Endocrinology today to schedule your endocrine evaluation and take your first step toward lasting anxiety relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hormonal imbalances really cause severe anxiety?
Yes, hormonal imbalances can absolutely cause severe anxiety. Conditions like hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, and significant hypoglycemia can trigger intense anxiety symptoms, including panic attacks, constant worry, rapid heartbeat, and sweating. These symptoms often feel indistinguishable from a primary anxiety disorder but require an entirely different treatment approach.
How do I know if my anxiety is hormonal or psychological?
Hormone-related anxiety tends to come with physical symptoms such as unexplained weight changes, temperature sensitivity, fatigue, or changes in appetite. It may appear suddenly without clear psychological triggers, or worsen during hormonal transitions like menopause. If traditional anxiety treatments haven’t helped, or if you have other unexplained physical symptoms, a hormonal evaluation is worth exploring.
What hormones should be tested for anxiety?
Key hormones to check include thyroid hormones (TSH, Free T4, Free T3), cortisol, blood glucose, reproductive hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone), and vitamin D. Your endocrinologist at Hilltop Internal Medicine & Endocrinology will determine the right panel based on your symptoms and medical history.
How long does it take to see improvement after starting hormone treatment?
Timelines vary by condition. Thyroid medication typically produces noticeable improvement within four to six weeks. Blood sugar management can reduce anxiety within days to weeks. Hormone replacement therapy may take two to three months to take full effect. Your endocrinologist will monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Can I see an endocrinologist without a referral?
Many endocrinologists, including Hilltop Internal Medicine & Endocrinology, accept self-referrals. However, your insurance plan may require a referral from your primary care physician. Contact our office to confirm your insurance requirements and get scheduled.
Will treating my hormonal imbalance cure my anxiety completely?
If hormonal imbalance is the root cause, proper treatment often leads to significant or complete resolution of anxiety symptoms. That said, some patients benefit from combining hormonal treatment with therapy or anxiety management techniques for the best possible results. Your endocrinologist will work with you to develop a plan tailored to your situation.
