The Role of Hormones in Anxiety and Trauma
- Joanne Janvier
- Nov 12
- 3 min read
When we think of anxiety or trauma, we often focus on our thoughts, emotions, or past experiences but our bodies play an equally powerful role in how we experience and recover from distress.
The Body’s Stress System: A Survival Mechanism
At the centre of it all is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the body’s main stress-response system. When we perceive a threat whether that be real or imagined — this system releases a cascade of hormones that prepare us to survive.
Cortisol, often called the stress hormone, provides energy to handle danger by increasing blood sugar and sharpening focus.
Adrenaline and noradrenaline raise heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness, helping us enter “fight, flight, or freeze” mode.
In small doses, these hormones are essential. But when stress or trauma becomes chronic, the system doesn’t switch off easily. The body remains on high alert, and over time, that constant hormonal activation can lead to symptoms of anxiety, irritability, fatigue, and even physical chronic illnesses such as Fibromyalgia.
Trauma and Hormonal Dysregulation
Trauma during childhood can alter how our stress hormones are released and regulated. The body learns to stay in a state of vigilance, expecting danger even when none is present.
Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex trauma often have imbalanced cortisol rhythms — either too high or too low throughout the day. This dysregulation can manifest as:
Trouble sleeping
Hypervigilance
Emotional numbing or dissociation
Difficulty concentrating
Overreactions to minor stressors
In essence, the body’s hormonal system becomes “rewired” to anticipate threat, even when safety has been restored.
The Role of Other Hormones
While cortisol gets most of the attention, several other hormones influence anxiety and trauma responses:
Oxytocin, sometimes called the “bonding hormone,” supports connection, trust, and calm. Trauma can suppress oxytocin levels, making it harder to feel safe with others (particularly with romantic partners).
Serotonin and dopamine, though technically neurotransmitters, interact closely with hormones and the HPA axis to regulate mood, motivation, and pleasure.
Estrogen and progesterone also affect anxiety. Many women notice mood and anxiety changes around their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause — times when these hormones fluctuate dramatically.
Healing Through Regulation
Understanding the hormonal component of anxiety and trauma helps us see that healing is not just about changing thoughts — it’s also about helping the body feel safe again. Approaches that support hormonal and nervous system regulation include:
Therapeutic work (like Internal Family Systems, EMDR, or somatic therapies) to process trauma and reestablish a sense of safety.
Mind-body practices such as deep breathing, yoga, or grounding techniques to calm the HPA axis.
Healthy routines — consistent sleep, balanced nutrition, gentle movement — to stabilize cortisol levels.
Social connection and compassion, which naturally boost oxytocin and counter feelings of isolation.
The Takeaway
Hormones tell the story of how our body responds to the world — and that story can change with healing. By understanding the role of hormones in anxiety and trauma, we can approach recovery with greater compassion for both the mind and body. Healing isn’t just about “thinking differently”; it’s about helping your whole system feel safe again.
If you’re ready to explore healing from anxiety or trauma in a safe, supportive space, online therapy can be a flexible and confidential way to start. Together, we can help your body and mind reconnect and move toward peace and stability.
