Well. Now you've done it. You've let your body run the show and provide different chemicals that make OCD symptoms worse. Well, you might not have had a choice. Did you know that different hormones in our body contribute to various symptoms such as OCD and anxiety and now I'm not just talking about someone's time of the month. Guys this applies to you too.

Have you ever wondered why, despite your best efforts, OCD sometimes feels like an unrelenting storm, getting worse and worse? Well, today, we're going to unravel the mystery behind it and give you the tools to weather the storm. So, grab your mental umbrella because it's about to get interesting!

Serotonin, You've probably heard of this one. Low levels of serotonin are often associated with OCD. Picture serotonin as the star of the show, the happy hormone. Boost your serotonin levels with activities like exercise, good nutrition, and getting enough sunlight. It's like giving your brain a serotonin smoothie to keep those moods in check!

Dopamine is another neurotransmitter that may play a role in OCD. An imbalance in dopamine levels can contribute to obsessions and compulsions. When it's stuck at the red light, you need to reroute it. Engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment, like pursuing hobbies, setting and achieving goals, or even just trying something new. It's like a dopamine road trip, with adventures at every turn!

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Low GABA levels can contribute to anxiety and obsessive thoughts. Find your inner zen with relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. It's like a GABA retreat, where you relax your way to a calm and balanced mind.

Cortisol is the body's primary stress hormone. Elevated levels of cortisol are associated with increased anxiety. If cortisol's causing chaos, make sure you get your sleep, manage stress with mindfulness, and maintain a balanced routine. It's like turning down the volume on stress and turning up the peace and tranquility.

Norepinephrine, also known as noradrenaline, is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in the "fight or flight" response.

Imagine serotonin as the green light for good feelings, dopamine as the red light for caution, and cortisol as the yellow light for stress. In the world of OCD, serotonin isn't shining bright enough, dopamine is stuck at red, and cortisol is causing a never-ending traffic jam in your brain. You're caught in a loop of worry and compulsion.

As you can see the fluctuation of different hormones in the body affect the way someone is going to experience symptoms of OCD and anxiety. This is something that we often actually have control over. Instead of waiting for hormones to regulate, we do all of the things mentioned to give us a better self.

One thing that I've seen is for people to start changing routines. Do something different than you normally do. Exercise more, talk to more people, slow, social media, use, drink, more water, sleep more, meditate. Do various treatment strategies for what you're going through. Mindfulness and meditation can help reroute those traffic lights in your mind.

And for you women out there, I have heard time, and time again that during your time of the month, symptoms seem to skyrocket. This is due to the hormonal, fluctuations and often individuals are prepared for these moments to take treatment to the whole next level, allow for relaxation, and expect symptoms to possibly feel worse. But have a plan ready to go for those women having babies, there are so many different hormones happening. Which is why some may experience have what it's called. Postpartum OCD. a drop in estrogen and progesterone levels and an increase in prolactin can all be contributed to why somebody may have some challenges with intrusive thoughts, stress, and anxiety.

Some choose to get regular, check ups, understand how your body functions and control what you actually have control over. Something you may do is pull out a calendar and write a few things that you're willing to do each day that are different than the day before. Things that are completely out of your routine. Allow yourself grace and allow yourself sometimes to do nothing. Sit with the uncomfortableness of this. Allow your body to regulate on its own. Don't fall for the traps of problem-solving things in the future because this only makes symptoms worse. Treatment is important. To help retrain your brain and body, make sure you check out my master your OCD online course that can help teach you what to do. All link that down in the description.

I want to know your experiences with hormones and symptoms. Does your anxiety increase? How long does it last? Let's talk about it down in the in the comments.