Before attributing anxiety to stress or mental health alone, consider that physical imbalances can cause or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Physical Issues That Can Cause Anxiety
- Hyperthyroidism: Can cause racing heart, tremors, anxiety
- Blood sugar swings: May mean reactive hypoglycemia
- Caffeine sensitivity: Can exacerbate anxiety
- Magnesium deficiency: May promote anxiety
- B vitamin deficiency: Can affect nervous system
- Iron deficiency: Can cause restlessness
- Hormonal changes: PMS, perimenopause
The Anxiety Lab Panel
Thyroid
Hyperthyroidism can be a classic cause of anxiety. Test:
- TSH, Free T3, Free T4
- Thyroid antibodies (Graves' disease can cause anxiety)
Blood Sugar
- Fasting glucose
- Fasting insulin
- HbA1c
Nutrients
- Magnesium (RBC magnesium preferred)
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
- Ferritin
Hormones
- Cortisol (morning)
- Estrogen and progesterone (if symptoms are cyclical)
Inflammation
- hs-CRP
When Anxiety Is Cyclical
If anxiety worsens at certain times of your cycle, hormones may be involved. Track symptoms alongside your cycle and consider hormone testing.
Important Note
Physical causes don't exclude psychological ones - they can coexist. Addressing physical imbalances can make other treatments more effective.
References
- Bauer, M., et al. (2002). Thyroid hormones, serotonin and mood: of synergy and significance in the adult brain. Molecular Psychiatry, 7(2), 140-156. PMID 11840307
- Boyle, N. B., et al. (2017). The effects of magnesium supplementation on subjective anxiety and stress: a systematic review. Nutrients, 9(5), 429. PMID 28445426
