How Stress Affects Women’s Health with Calee Shea

Most of us think daily stressors are a part of life you just have to put on your big girl panties and deal with, yet mental health and hormone issues are at an all time high. I sat down with my friend and hormone health coach, Calee Shea, and had her share a bit about how stress affects our female bodies. I’ve worked with Calee on my own personal journey, learning SO much how stress affects women’s health. I believe the info she shares on a daily basis is pertinent to our lives as business owners, wives, mamas, and friends. Grab ya mug, here’s the tea my friends:

Who are you, what do you do, and why did you start doing it?

I go by a few different titles, but the best way to put it is that I’m a Women’s Holistic Health Practitioner and I specialize in hormones, period problems, and sexual health (from libido to infections). I work with clients who are looking to finally feel comfortable in their bodies again. They crave connection to themselves and want to move away from feeling like they’re constantly at war with a body that doesn’t ever seem to feel good. I started this work, similarly to how most people get started, through my own health issues.

My hair was falling out, my weight was inconsistent, my cycles were 60-75 days long, and I was covered in acne, rosacea, and rashes that not only left me in a lot of pain and discomfort, but quite frankly made me depressed as hell. I was determined to not spend my life feeling this way, so I began my education and training to heal myself. In turn, I became passionate about spreading this information to other women because this isn’t common knowledge, but it is something every woman deserves to know about her body.

In a nutshell, what do we women need to know about how stress affects our bodies?

I know you said in a nutshell, but bear with me. Our bodies are designed for minimal stress. We haven’t adapted to 21st century stressors like getting cut off in traffic, a rude email, or terrible customer service. Stress serves as something that makes us alert, turns on the adrenaline, and saves our lives. Little does our body know, we don’t necessarily need our lives saved from some jerk who forgot to use a blinker at 5pm in Atlanta traffic. Nonetheless, our bodies react by shutting down the “unnecessary” systems like digestion and reproduction. Here’s what happens:

The adrenals are triggered to pump adrenaline and cortisol to keep us alert. Next, the liver is triggered to pump out extra glucose for energy. The heart beats faster and muscles tense. Ideally, this would save our lives every few months when running from a tiger in the woods. The problem? This is likely happening 2, 3, 4, 10, 25 times per day (hello fellow business owners and moms!). This can lead to digestive issues, reproductive problems, anxiety, adrenal fatigue, depression, headaches, and more. It can affect organ health and the health of entire systems. But don’t worry, there are solutions!

What are 3 symptoms most women think are normal, but can be addressed through hormone health work? 

This list could go on forever, seriously, but I think the top 3 most “common” symptoms would include digestive pains, headaches, and the afternoon crash. 

What are 2-3 easy steps women can take to address the effects of stress on their body?

Look into a magnesium supplement – Magnesium can help us to have a healthier stress response. It regulates many processes in the body such as muscle contractions and blood sugar. Studies show Magnesium combats insomnia, digestive issues, and high blood pressure, and aids in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is hands down my favorite supplement.

Meditation – Most people pitch a FIT when I suggest this because we have a preconceived notion of what it should look like. I want to reassure you that there is no way to meditate incorrectly. It is simply about sitting with your emotions, thoughts, and feelings and cultivating a healthy response to them, aka none. When we learn to observe our thoughts and behaviors without reaction, it becomes much easier to do the same when life’s stressors inevitably present themselves.

Cultivate some sort of self-care routine. I don’t care if its 60 minutes or 3, find some peace in your day. This isn’t something you’re going to need every day, but it is something you need on the day that it feels like the world is out to get you. Coincidentally, that’s going to be the absolute last day you want to try out some self care. If it is already a habit– your cup is already partially full–it is much easier to show up for yourself.

I’d like to add gut health, Bob! This has been a huge role in my health journey! I’ve had digestive issues that have altered my daily life, and worsened my anxiety which triggered depression. Learning and implementing habits directed at my gut, especially during times of stress, has been life-changing! You can read more about it on Calee’s blog!

Can you give us a couple resources to learn more about women’s health?

• Lara Briden’s book Period Repair Manual is the greatest piece of work I’ve ever seen for understanding women’s health. I can’t recommend it enough, no matter how young or old, you are or where you are in your cycle. 
• Dr. Axe has so many free resources for any and everything that you may want to know about. His suggestions for healing are practical, factual, and typically pretty unbiased.
• Period Bootcamp is my signature program where I guide women through healing their period problems, and teach them everything they’ve ever wanted to know about their menstrual health.
• I’ll also be speaking at Revīv Retreat–you know, your wellness retreat for women in business leadership along with Dr. Emily Shupert this January in Puerto Rico! You can bet there will be plenty of talk on how stress affects women’s health!

For A LOT more goodness from Calee, follow her on Instagram! (She’s one of my faves to follow because her profile is CRAMMED with educational information I’ve been SO uninformed about.)

If you are a small business owner, and want to dive into your mental, physical, and emotional health, we’d love for you to join us at our Revīv Retreat! Learn all you need to know at revivretreat.com.

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