Anxiety is one of the most common experiences reported by adults in the UK. Racing thoughts, a sense of dread, physical tension, heart palpitations, and an inability to switch off — these symptoms are familiar to many.
While anxiety is often approached as a purely psychological condition, emerging research highlights the significant role that hormones and neurotransmitters play in how anxious we feel. For many people, addressing the biological side of anxiety may be an important piece of the puzzle.
What Is Anxiety — and Why Does It Vary So Much?
Anxiety exists on a spectrum. Some people experience occasional worry tied to specific situations. Others live with persistent, low-level anxiety that affects sleep, concentration, relationships, and daily functioning.
The variation in how anxiety presents — and how severely — may partly reflect differences in individual hormone and neurotransmitter profiles.
The Role of Cortisol in Anxiety
Cortisol is the body's primary stress hormone, released by the adrenal glands in response to perceived threat. In short bursts, cortisol is helpful — it sharpens focus and prepares the body for action.
However, when cortisol remains chronically elevated, it can contribute to:
- Persistent feelings of worry or dread
- Difficulty relaxing or switching off
- Sleep disruption
- Irritability and emotional reactivity
- Physical tension and fatigue
Conversely, chronically low cortisol — sometimes seen after prolonged stress — can also contribute to anxiety, low energy, and poor stress resilience.
The Neurotransmitter and Cortisol Test measures daily cortisol patterns alongside key neurotransmitters, providing a combined view of how stress physiology and brain chemistry may be influencing anxiety symptoms.
Neurotransmitters and Anxiety: GABA, Serotonin and Dopamine
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that regulate mood, stress response, and emotional balance. Three are particularly relevant to anxiety:
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
GABA is the brain's primary calming neurotransmitter. It reduces neuronal excitability and promotes a sense of calm. Low GABA activity is strongly associated with anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty relaxing.
Serotonin
Serotonin influences mood stability, emotional resilience, and sleep. Low serotonin is linked to anxiety, low mood, and heightened emotional sensitivity.
Dopamine
Dopamine supports motivation, reward, and focus. Imbalances in dopamine can contribute to anxious rumination, low motivation, and difficulty feeling pleasure.
The Advanced Neurotransmitter & Hormone Test measures GABA, serotonin, dopamine, and other key neurochemicals alongside saliva hormone levels — offering a comprehensive view of the neurochemical factors that may be driving anxiety.
How Hormones Influence Anxiety in Women
Many women notice that anxiety worsens at specific points in their cycle — particularly in the days before menstruation, when oestrogen and progesterone levels drop. This is not coincidental.
Progesterone has a calming, GABA-like effect on the brain. When progesterone falls before menstruation, this calming influence is reduced, which can increase anxiety and emotional reactivity.
During perimenopause and menopause, declining oestrogen can further disrupt serotonin and dopamine signalling, contributing to anxiety, mood instability, and sleep problems that many women find difficult to explain.
The Comprehensive Female Saliva Hormone Profile (LCMS) measures oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol — helping women understand how hormonal fluctuations may be contributing to anxiety across different life stages.
Can Testing Help?
Anxiety should always be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional. However, understanding the biological factors that may be contributing to how you feel can be a valuable complement to clinical care.
For a broad overview of hormones and neurotransmitters together, the Women All-In-One Test – Hormones, Neurotransmitters & Heavy Metals provides a comprehensive starting point, measuring female hormones, key neurotransmitters, and toxic element exposure in a single test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hormone imbalance cause anxiety?
Yes. Hormonal fluctuations — particularly in oestrogen, progesterone, and cortisol — can significantly influence anxiety levels, especially during the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, and menopause.
What neurotransmitters are linked to anxiety?
GABA, serotonin, and dopamine are the most closely associated with anxiety. Imbalances in these neurochemicals can contribute to persistent worry, restlessness, and emotional reactivity.
Can cortisol cause anxiety?
Chronically elevated cortisol can contribute to anxiety, poor sleep, and difficulty relaxing. Assessing daily cortisol patterns can provide useful insight into stress-related anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Anxiety is rarely one-dimensional. While psychological and lifestyle factors are important, the biological landscape — hormones, neurotransmitters, and stress physiology — plays a significant role in how anxious we feel and how well we cope.
Understanding your own biology may be a meaningful step towards feeling more in control.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.