By Dr. Rachel Drouilhet
HOW THE HOLIDAYS DISRUPT HORMONES
Our hormones work best with routine, but the holidays tend to shake that up. Even small changes to our sleeping and eating habits and sunlight exposure can have an impact.
SOME COMMON TRIGGERS INCLUDE:
- Less sunlight can lower serotonin, the brain chemical that helps stabilize mood.
- More sugar and alcohol can make PMS symptoms worse and affect sleep quality.
- Poor sleep can raise cortisol and make it harder to relax or focus.
When that balance is disrupted, you might notice more irritability, mood swings or trouble sleeping. Add in holiday meals, travel and long to-do lists, and it is easy to see why many women feel “off” by December.
MIXED EMOTIONS ARE NORMAL
Sometimes the season brings more than physical changes. It also can stir up grief, loneliness or emotional exhaustion. Maybe you are missing a loved one or simply trying to meet everyone’s expectations.
It is normal to feel mixed emotions. You can love your family and still need quiet time. You can be thankful and still feel overwhelmed.
If these feelings last longer than a few weeks or start to interfere with daily life, talk with your doctor. Hormones might be part of it, or you could be dealing with something deeper like anxiety or depression. Either way, help and support are available.
BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF
As women, we often feel it is our job to make everything happen for everyone else during the holidays. If you are experiencing the changes that come with postpartum recovery or perimenopause, give yourself the patience you deserve while navigating holiday events.
Your body deserves care just as much as everyone else around you. The holidays will come and go, but your health matters all year long.
Listen when your body asks for rest. Give yourself grace when things are not perfect. Remember, you must adjust your oxygen mask before helping others.
Dr. Rachel Drouilhet specializes in women’s health at Memorial Physician Clinics. Learn more at wearememorial.com.