The Impact of Trauma on Women's Health
Guest blogger: Karen Robinson, MSW, ACSW, LCSW, CTTP-II Founder & CEO of Heal Thrive Dream, LLC
One of the common definitions of trauma describes it as an adverse event that deeply impacts a survivor's physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. For women, the impact of trauma is more complicated as it can also influence our hormonal balance. If you think this applies to you, taking the time to understand these effects is vital to your overall holistic well-being. It is in my opinion that this topic has not been researched enough, like most things related to women’s health.
Like Dr. Davidson’s work, my work as a trauma recovery expert empowers survivors to heal. I do this best by addressing mental and emotional health, while she addresses physical health and wellbeing. Since your body’s response to trauma isn't limited to your mind; please carefully consider the impact of your trauma history on your physical health.
It has been my experience that trauma impacts or can impact EVERY area of your life. Did you know that trauma can weaken your immune system? Making you more susceptible to illnesses and infections. Did you know that survivors have a high rate of chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, and cardiovascular problems? One of the most significant ways trauma affects physical health is through its impact on the endocrine system, which regulates hormones. You may know these things if you are a survivor, or I just made the connection for you.
The endocrine system produces hormones that regulate many of your bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproductive processes. Trauma disrupts this balance, leading to a range of hormonal imbalances. This may be why survivors have a higher rate of postpartum depression and more complications with developmental milestones including menstruation and menopause. When you are faced with a traumatic event or have a history of abuse, your body’s response is to release a stress hormone called cortisol. This suppresses your immune system and can contribute to weight gain, especially in the stomach area.
Abuse or trauma affects your reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone, leading to problematic menstrual cycles, severe PMS, PCOS, postpartum, and early menopause. Your thyroid gland also can be impacted by trauma. Leading to conditions like hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Hashimotos, etc. The list of physical issues is too long to list here, but the overall gist is that trauma can compromise your long-term health. Of course, this picture can be even more complicated if you also turn to food, drugs, or alcohol for coping.
In my practice, the most common medical issues reported by trauma survivors are migraines, sleep issues, fibromyalgia, PCOS, and chronic pain. Now that you know the impact trauma can have on your physical well-being, I hope you can agree that a holistic lifestyle is your best protection. I am proficient at treating trauma’s impact on mental and emotional health, through therapeutic evidenced-based modalities. But, my clients also need to be under the care of trauma-informed practitioners who can treat imbalances through medications or other alternative interventions. Other practitioners can assist you in the needed lifestyle changes including exercise, nutrition, and sleep hygiene options.
If you are a survivor and are ready to take action steps, here are my recommendations:
Seek Therapy: process experiences and develop HEALTHY coping skills.
Full Physical: Annual or as indicated. Full labs, dental, eyes, and see specialists as recommended.
Holistic Lifestyle: exercise, nutrition, and restorative sleep.
Mindfulness Practices: Meditation, deep breathing, yoga.
Support System: friends, family, church, clubs, and support groups.
Education: Research, read, and study trauma’s impact on your body.
Advocacy: Please don’t depend on someone else to do this for you. Be your own best advocate!
Would you like to learn more about how your abuse or trauma may have impacted your life and how to heal from it? Contact me for a free consultation!
Guest blogger: Karen Robinson, MSW, ACSW, LCSW, CTTP-II Founder & CEO of Heal Thrive Dream, LLC