Frequently Asked Questions about Stress, Rushing, Hormones, Digestion, Fertility, Weight, and Health
Does stress really cause weight gain?
Yes, it does. Stress sets off a cascade of hormonal changes that make weight control much harder. When cortisol levels are consistently high, the body shifts into “storage mode,” particularly around the stomach and waist. At the same time, stress interferes with insulin sensitivity, meaning blood sugar spikes and crashes more easily. This leads to tiredness, irritability, and strong cravings for high-carbohydrate foods.
Another issue is how stress alters eating behaviour. Some people comfort eat, finding themselves reaching for chocolate or bread late at night, while others skip meals completely and then overeat later. Both patterns destabilise weight. Over time, this stress–hormone imbalance can contribute not only to gradual fat gain but also to conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome.
Why do I feel so exhausted during the day but struggle to sleep at night?
This is what many call the “tired but wired” state. Normally, cortisol should peak in the morning to give you energy and then gently fall as the day goes on. With chronic stress, this rhythm gets reversed. You feel flat and foggy when you need to be alert, then restless and overstimulated when you finally want to switch off.
This can also trigger a cycle of relying on coffee or energy drinks during the day, followed by cravings for sweet foods in the evening, which further disrupt sleep quality. Over time, poor rest means the brain and body cannot repair properly. Symptoms often include irritability, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and a sense of never quite recharging. Breaking this cycle involves restoring a healthier daily rhythm through nervous system retraining, improved sleep hygiene, and targeted nutritional support.
Can stress upset digestion and cause IBS-type symptoms?
Absolutely. The gut and brain are in constant communication, and stress strongly affects how digestion works. When you’re rushing, blood is redirected away from the digestive system to muscles and the brain. This means food isn’t broken down as effectively, leading to bloating, cramps, indigestion, or reflux.
Stress also speeds up or slows down gut motility. Some people experience urgent diarrhoea before stressful events; others swing the other way and develop constipation. On top of this, stress can change the balance of gut bacteria, making the digestive system more sensitive and reactive to certain foods. This is why many people with IBS notice flare-ups during busy or overwhelming times. Restoring calm to the nervous system often eases these digestive issues as much as dietary adjustments.
Can stress affect women’s fertility?
Yes. The female reproductive system is finely tuned, and stress signals can disrupt it. High cortisol can interfere with the release of luteinising hormone, which is needed for ovulation. This may result in delayed ovulation, irregular cycles, or even missed periods. For women trying to conceive, this can significantly reduce the chances of pregnancy.
Conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and endometriosis are particularly sensitive to stress. Cortisol can worsen insulin resistance in PCOS, contributing to weight changes and cycle disruption. In endometriosis, stress-driven inflammation may aggravate pain and symptom severity. Women often notice their symptoms becoming more difficult during periods of rushing, high workload, or emotional strain. Supporting both the nervous system and hormone balance is an essential part of improving reproductive health.
Does stress impact men’s fertility too?
Yes, and it is often underestimated. Chronic stress can lower testosterone, the hormone responsible for energy, muscle strength, and libido. It also affects semen quality, reducing sperm count, movement, and shape. This means that even if lifestyle factors such as diet are good, prolonged stress alone can affect male fertility.
Men under high stress often also struggle with fatigue, poor sleep, reduced motivation, and lowered interest in intimacy. Addressing stress biology can therefore have a positive effect on both fertility outcomes and overall wellbeing.
Can stress make autoimmune conditions worse?
Yes. Stress and autoimmunity are closely connected through inflammation. When the stress response stays switched on, inflammatory signals such as cytokines remain elevated. For people with autoimmune conditions—such as thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, or lupus—this can trigger flare-ups or worsen existing symptoms.
For example, someone with rheumatoid arthritis may notice more joint pain and stiffness during stressful months. A person with psoriasis might see their skin flare more severely after weeks of pressure at work. The cycle can be very frustrating, because the physical symptoms add to the emotional burden. Supporting stress regulation helps calm this inflammatory drive, reducing both frequency and severity of flares.
Why do I crave sugar, caffeine, or carbs when I’m stressed?
It’s a biological survival mechanism. Stress hormones raise blood sugar to provide quick energy for “fight or flight.” Once that sugar is used up, blood sugar dips, and the body pushes you to replenish it quickly—usually with sugary snacks, caffeine, or refined carbohydrates.
This explains late-night fridge raids or the sudden need for chocolate mid-afternoon when stress is high. Unfortunately, giving in to these cravings creates spikes and crashes that make mood, sleep, and cravings worse. Learning to stabilise blood sugar with protein- and fibre-rich meals, along with stress regulation techniques, helps break the cycle and reduce cravings naturally.
Can stress make PMS, peri-menopause, and menopause symptoms worse?
Yes. Stress reduces progesterone, a hormone that balances oestrogen. This can make PMS symptoms more intense—such as mood swings, anxiety, headaches, and heavy periods. During peri-menopause and menopause, when hormone levels are already shifting, stress can amplify hot flushes, insomnia, brain fog, and irritability.
Women often feel they are “falling apart” during these transitions when in reality stress is simply adding fuel to hormonal changes. Once the nervous system is calmed and nutrition is tailored to support hormone production, many symptoms become far more manageable.
Can stress slow down the thyroid?
Yes, it can. The thyroid gland works closely with the pituitary and adrenal glands in a system called the HPT axis. Chronic stress interferes with this communication, sometimes reducing thyroid hormone production or conversion. This can result in fatigue, cold intolerance, hair thinning, weight gain, constipation, and low mood.
Because the symptoms overlap with everyday stress complaints, thyroid imbalance is often overlooked. Supporting stress recovery and checking thyroid function where appropriate can provide answers for those who feel constantly drained despite rest.
How is stress linked to inflammation?
Stress triggers the release of inflammatory messengers that prepare the body for potential injury or infection. In short bursts, this is protective. But when stress is unrelenting, inflammation lingers in the background, quietly damaging tissues and raising the risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and arthritis.
This chronic “low-grade inflammation” often explains why people with ongoing stress also report aching joints, skin flare-ups, frequent infections, or slow recovery from illness. Addressing stress physiology helps calm the immune system and reduce the inflammatory load, which is vital for long-term health.
Why do I get reflux or indigestion when I eat in a hurry?
When eating on the go, the body doesn’t have time to prepare for digestion. The stomach may not produce the right amount of acid or enzymes, leading to indigestion, reflux, or pain. The diaphragm also tightens with stress, which can worsen acid reflux symptoms.
Slowing down at mealtimes—taking a few deep breaths, chewing thoroughly, and avoiding distractions—can make a surprisingly big difference to symptoms. It allows the nervous system to switch into “rest and digest” mode, which is essential for proper absorption and comfort.
Can PCOS and endometriosis get worse with stress?
Yes. With PCOS, stress raises cortisol and insulin, making cycles more irregular and weight harder to manage. With endometriosis, stress worsens inflammation and may heighten pain perception. Women often describe more intense pelvic pain, fatigue, or mood changes during high-stress phases of life.
Managing stress biology, balancing blood sugar, and addressing hormonal imbalances can help ease symptoms and make these conditions more manageable.
Can stress affect my sleep quality even if I’m very tired?
Yes. High cortisol suppresses melatonin, the hormone that signals sleep. Even if you feel exhausted, you may find your mind racing, your body restless, or that you wake at 3am unable to fall back asleep. Over time, this erodes mental health, focus, and energy further.
Simple steps like dimming lights in the evening, reducing late caffeine, and practising calming techniques before bed can help restore a healthier sleep pattern. When combined with counselling or hypnotherapy to retrain stress responses, sleep quality improves significantly.
How does stress affect the immune system?
In the short term, stress can temporarily strengthen immunity, but with chronic stress the opposite happens: immunity weakens. People under constant pressure often pick up more colds, infections, or notice wounds heal slowly. At the same time, background inflammation rises, fuelling autoimmune problems and chronic illness.
This double impact—lower defence and higher inflammation—explains why stress is so strongly linked to both frequent minor illness and long-term conditions.
What’s the best way to break the cycle of rushing and stress?
The most effective approach is one that works on multiple levels:
- Counselling and Psychotherapy to address the mental habits behind overthinking, perfectionism, or feeling never good enough.
- Clinical Hypnotherapy & RTT to retrain the nervous system, reduce urgency, and promote deep rest.
- Nutritional strategies to support energy, hormone balance, and stable blood sugar.
- Practical tools such as breathing exercises, slowing meals, and improving sleep environments.
It is not about “slowing down” in a superficial sense—it is about restoring a balanced state where body and mind can function as they should.
Where can I find professional support?
I provide an integrated service combining Counselling, Psychotherapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, RTT, and Nutritional Support. Appointments are available online and in-person in Limerick, Adare, Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale, Fermoy, Midleton, Youghal, Cork, and Dungarven. This means support is accessible no matter where you are based.
Book a Consultation Now
If you feel caught in a cycle of rushing, exhaustion, digestive discomfort, weight issues or weight changes, fertility struggles, mood issues, hormonal symptoms, or autoimmune flare-ups, there are proven solutions that can restore balance and wellbeing.
Book a Consultation Now – Available Online or In-Person in Adare, Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale, Fermoy, Midleton, Youghal, Cork, and Dungarven.
Ring or Text Claire at Claire Russell Therapy today on 087 616 6638 or 087 716 88 44 to arrange an appointment
Extended Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do I gain weight around my middle when I’m stressed?
When cortisol stays high, the body tends to store fat around the stomach. This is sometimes called “stress belly.” It isn’t just about calories – it’s a hormonal stress response. Many people search “stress belly fat Ireland”, “cortisol belly Cork”, or “why do I gain weight under stress” because this is such a common experience.
Can stress stop me losing weight even if I diet?
Yes. Stress slows the thyroid and affects insulin, meaning calories are stored differently. Even with careful eating, the body may resist weight loss if it’s under constant pressure. That’s why searches like “why can’t I lose weight stress Ireland” and “stress making me fat Cork” are rising.
Why do I feel bloated and uncomfortable when stressed?
Stress diverts blood away from digestion. This can lead to bloating, wind, diarrhoea, constipation, or reflux. People often type “bloating stress Ireland”, “IBS stress Limerick”, or “stress stomach cramps Cork”.
Can stress delay my period or make cycles irregular?
Yes. High stress hormones can delay or stop ovulation, making cycles longer, shorter, or unpredictable. It’s one reason people search “stress late period Ireland”, “stress irregular cycles Cork”, and “stress ovulation problems Limerick”.
Does stress make fertility harder?
It can. Stress affects ovulation, sperm quality, hormone balance, and even early pregnancy. Women often search “stress fertility Ireland”, “stress miscarriage risk”, or “can stress stop me getting pregnant”. Men frequently type “stress sperm count Ireland” or “stress low libido Cork”.
Can stress cause thyroid problems?
Chronic stress is linked with thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and hypothyroidism. Many people google “stress thyroid Ireland”, “autoimmune thyroid stress Cork”, or “fatigue thyroid stress Limerick” when they notice overlapping symptoms.
Can stress make autoimmune conditions worse?
Yes. Stress increases inflammatory chemicals that can trigger autoimmune flares. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis are all sensitive to stress. Common searches include “stress autoimmune flare Ireland”, “stress psoriasis Cork”, and “stress arthritis Limerick”.
Why do I wake at 3am with racing thoughts?
This is a stress-driven cortisol spike, often called the “3am wake-up.” Many clients search “stress waking at 3am Ireland”, “why do I wake anxious at night”, and “stress insomnia Cork”.
Does stress make PMS and menopause symptoms worse?
Yes. Many women find stress increases PMS cramps, mood swings, and breast tenderness. During peri-menopause or menopause, stress worsens hot flushes, poor sleep, and anxiety. Searches like “stress menopause symptoms Ireland”, “peri-menopause anxiety Cork”, and “stress PMDD Limerick” are common.
Can stress cause low libido?
Yes. Stress lowers testosterone and disrupts sex hormones, reducing libido in both men and women. Clients often search “stress low libido Ireland”, “stress intimacy problems Cork”, or “low libido counselling Limerick”.
Can stress cause cravings for salty food or caffeine?
Yes. Cortisol affects salt balance and energy regulation, making cravings for crisps, chips, or coffee stronger. Many people search “stress cravings salt”, “stress caffeine dependence Ireland”, and “coffee anxiety Cork.”
Is there a link between stress and skin problems?
Yes. Stress and rushing trigger inflammation that worsens acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. People often type “stress acne Cork”, “stress eczema Limerick”, and “skin flare stress Ireland.”
Does stress affect the immune system?
Chronic stress weakens immunity but also raises inflammation, leaving you more likely to catch infections and experience flare-ups. That’s why searches like “stress weak immune system Ireland” or “stress inflammation Limerick” are so frequent.
Can stress make me feel constantly dizzy or lightheaded?
Yes. Stress and anxiety can change blood pressure, breathing, and even inner ear sensitivity, leading to dizziness. Many clients search “stress dizziness Ireland” or “lightheaded anxiety Cork.”
Why do I clench my jaw or grind my teeth when stressed?
This is a stress reflex called bruxism. It can cause headaches, jaw pain, and even cracked teeth. People search “stress jaw clenching Cork”, “teeth grinding anxiety Ireland”, or “bruxism stress Limerick”.
Can stress trigger migraines or headaches?
Yes. Stress is one of the most common migraine triggers. Searches like “stress migraine Cork”, “stress headache Ireland”, or “migraine counselling Limerick” are widespread.
Can stress affect blood sugar and diabetes?
Yes. Cortisol makes blood sugar more unstable, which can worsen type 2 diabetes risk or cause energy crashes. Clients often search “stress diabetes Ireland”, “stress high blood sugar Cork”, or “stress hypoglycaemia Limerick.”
Why do I keep getting sick when stressed?
Stress weakens immune defence, making colds, flu, or viral infections more likely. Many people type “stress weak immune Ireland” or “stress colds Cork.”
Can stress really affect memory and concentration?
Yes. High cortisol shrinks the hippocampus (memory centre in the brain), reducing focus and recall. Many people search “stress brain fog Ireland”, “stress poor concentration Cork”, or “forgetful stress Limerick.”
Where can I find professional support in Ireland?
I provide Counselling, Psychotherapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, RTT, and Nutritional Support for stress, hormones, digestion, fertility, weight, autoimmune issues, and mood — available both online and in-person in Adare, Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale, Midleton, Youghal, Cork, and Dungarven.
People often search “stress counselling Cork,” “psychotherapy Limerick,” “hypnotherapy Midleton,” and “nutritionist Youghal.” All of these services are available here, as well as to adults, teenagers and children throughout Ireland, UK, UAE, USA, Australia and worldwide ONLINE
Book a Consultation Now
You don’t have to stay trapped in the cycle of rushing, stress, fatigue, cravings, fertility struggles, or flare-ups. With expert, science-backed support, balance is possible.
Book a Consultation Now – Online Therapy or In-Person Nutrition Services, Functional Medicine Counselling, Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy, RTT in Limerick, Adare, Newcastle West Limerick, Abbeyfeale, Midleton, Fermoy, Youghal, Cork, and Dungarven Waterford