What is Anxiety
“Anxiety” is defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually over an impending or anticipated ill.”
American psychological association defines anxiety as “An emotion characterized by apprehension and somatic symptoms of tension in which an individual anticipates impending danger, catastrophe, or misfortune. The body often mobilizes itself to meet the perceived threat: Muscles become tense, breathing is faster, and the heart beats more rapidly.
Anxiety may be distinguished from fear both conceptually and physiologically, although the two terms are often used interchangeably. Anxiety is considered a future-oriented, long-acting response broadly focused on a diffuse threat, whereas fear is an appropriate, present-oriented, and short-lived response to a clearly identifiable and specific threat.”
According to report from the National Comorbidity Study Replication (NCS-R), An estimated 31.1% of U.S. adults experience any anxiety disorder at some time in their lives, the prevalence is much higher in women compare to men.
There are seven types of anxiety disorders categorized in the DSM-V (Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders):
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Panic disorder
- Social phobia
- Specific phobia
- Selective mutism
- Separation anxiety disorder
This article is about general anxiety disorder, common symptoms include:
- Feeling nervous, restless or tense.
- Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom.
- Having an increased heart rate.
- Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation).
- Sweating.
- Trembling.
- Feeling weak or tired.
- Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry.
- Having trouble sleeping.
- Having an upset stomach or other problems with digestion.
- Having difficulty controlling worry.
- Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety
- Chronic, excessive, worrying about many topics
- Worrying that is difficult to control
- Irritably
- Muscle tension
- Easily fatigued
Factors associated with increased risk of Anxiety
- Chronic stress: high level of cortisol has been linked to general anxiety disorder.
- Studies have shown an association between childhood emotional, physical and sexual abuse and developing anxiety disorder in adulthood.
- Excessive inflammation: a bidirectional relationship where excess inflammation can trigger anxiety in some people and psychological stress can cause inflammation in others.
- Chronic high level of oxidative stress has been associated with anxiety disorders.
- High intake of process food: study has shown a link between intake of high processed food and occurrence of anxiety disorder.
- Genetic causes: anxiety disorders are 4 to 6 times more common in people with diagnosed 1st-degree relatives. This involved single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes associated with serotonin and amino acid lysine.
- Environmental pollutant: studies have shown an increased incidence of anxiety disorder in people exposed to organic solvents.
How does Anxiety and Stress affect Fertility
A number of neurobiological pathways demonstrate how stress can heighten risk of a woman’s infertility.
- First, HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) axis may directly exert its effect on reproductive hormones such as estrogen and progesterone and potentially interfere with normal follicle development, menstruation, and fecundity. For example, Nakamura and colleagues have found that stress-related alteration of progesterone secretion may increase the risk of abortive responses.
- Second, stress, as measured by increases in physical activity and fasting, has been shown to acutely raise melatonin, sustained increases in melatonin have been linked to amenorrhea. Further, altered melatonin secretion is associated with GnRH suppression and altered ovulation.
- Third, heightened stress has been shown to reduce innervation to the reproductive organs and this effect may influence ovary and follicle size.
- Fourth, stress may reduce the likelihood of conception through decreased uterine receptivity.
Vitamins and minerals important for Anxiety and Stress
- Inositol (Vitamin B8): affects dopamine and serotonin receptors, studies have shown it to be effective in panic disorder.
- Choline: precursor of acetylcholine which affects mood and concentration. Low levels have been linked to anxiety.
- Serine: Exerts a calming effect by buffering the adrenal response to physical or emotional stress.
- Copper: Integral part of certain chemicals in the brain (such as endorphins) that calm anxious feelings.
- Magnesium: Regulates the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis which controls physical and psychological reactions to stress; Deficiency can induce anxiety and emotional hyper-reactivity.
- Vitamin B6: Cofactor in synthesis of calming neurotransmitters such as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), serotonin and dopamine.
- Vitamins D & E: Low vitamin D status is linked to anxiety; animal studies confirm the role of vitamins D and E in reducing anxiety-related behavior
- Folate: Aids in production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which have a calming effect on mood.
Acupuncture for anxiety and Stress
Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system and releases neurochemicals like endorphins and serotonin, which promote relaxation and emotional balance.
- One study assessed the use of Acupuncture for Anxiety in women undergoing IVF treatment which showed patients who received acupuncture experienced less anxiety compare to the control group (who did not receive acupuncture).
- Another study measured acupuncture response to anxiety for women with substance abuse problem, this study found patients who received acupuncture and counseling had a lower Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and depression compare to patients who received only psychotherapy.
- Another study assessed the effect of acupuncture in women with MDD (Major depressive disorder), the treatment acupuncture group showed a significant reduction in BDI (Beck depression inventory) compare to nonspecific acupuncture group.
- Two studies evaluated MDD in pregnant patients, both studies showed a significant reduction of BDI in patient receiving specific acupuncture treatments for depression during pregnancy.
- A study looked at depression among menopausal women suffering from vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats). The study showed acupuncture group had significantly higher reduction in BDI than the non-acupuncture group.
- Three studies measure remission rates in patients who received acupuncture for anxiety and depression, Manber et al. (in the 2004 study) found significantly greater rates of remission at 10 weeks in patients who received depression specific acupuncture versus nonspecific acupuncture. Courbasson et al. found nonsignificant reduction in BDI at 1 and 3 months. Gallagher et al found rates of remission in patients with MDD treated with acupuncture similar to other treatments (i.e., psychopharmaceuticals, psychotherapy).
- Two studies assessed the adverse reaction of acupuncture for pregnant women with MDD and found no adverse reaction to the mother or the fetus in acupuncture groups.
Navigating fertility challenges can be emotionally overwhelming—and many women experience heightened stress and anxiety during this journey. At Yarrow Holistic Center in West Lafayette, Indiana, we offer a compassionate, integrative approach to help you feel more grounded and resilient.
Our Holistic Support Includes:
- Acupuncture to calm the nervous system and promote emotional balance
- Nutraceuticals and herbal medicine tailored to support hormonal health and reduce stress
- Personalized nutrition guidance to optimize your body’s response to stress
Our goal is to help you feel more in control, more at ease, and better equipped to handle the ups and downs of fertility care. Whether you’re preparing for conception or managing the emotional toll of treatment, we’re here to support your mind and body every step of the way.
