Anxiety in Woman — and how Magnesium can help manage it

Over eight years ago, I went from relying on four different prescription anti-anxiety medications to being medication-free, and it was life-changing. The medications made me feel like a zombie, numbing my emotions to the point where I couldn’t even cry. It was a hollow existence, where anxiety was still present but my ability to process and release emotions was stifled. That’s when I discovered topical magnesium—and I haven’t looked back since.

Using topical magnesium to manage my anxiety allowed me to regain my full range of emotions, and it also helped to finally sleep through the night, something so many of us that have anxiety struggle with. My energy levels increased because I wasn’t so tired anymore. Now, I’m now living a more balanced, emotionally connected life without the need for prescription meds—and it’s been a transformative journey.

Why Are Women More Prone to Anxiety?

Anxiety is a silent epidemic that affects millions of people around the world, and women are disproportionately impacted. According to the American Anxiety and Depression Association of America, women are twice as likely as men to experience anxiety disorders. In this blog post, we’ll explore why anxiety is so common among women and how magnesium can offer a natural way to help manage it.

Several factors contribute to the higher incidence of anxiety among women. These can be biological, hormonal, psychological, and social in nature.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormones play a significant role in mental health, and women experience more fluctuations in hormones than men, particularly during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. These hormonal changes can trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms. For instance, the drop in estrogen levels during premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or menopause is linked to heightened anxiety and mood swings.

Biological Differences

Research suggests that women may have a different brain chemistry than men, which can affect the way they respond to stress. This means that women may be more likely to develop anxiety disorders in response to stressors.

Social and Cultural Factors

Women often juggle multiple roles—caregiver, professional, partner—which can lead to chronic stress and anxiety. We’re supposed to do it all with only 24 hours in each day. Societal pressures and our own inner expectations for career and family life, can also contribute to a higher anxiety rate among women.

Past Trauma

Women are more likely to experience certain types of trauma, such as sexual assault, that may contribute to the development of anxiety disorders. This can lead to conditions like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), which often involves intense feelings of anxiety.

The Impact of Anxiety on Women’s Health

Anxiety doesn’t just affect the mind; it takes a toll on our bodies as well. Chronic anxiety can lead to sleep disturbances, headaches, digestive problems, fatigue, and muscle tension. If left unaddressed, anxiety can increase the risk of developing other health conditions, such as depression and heart disease. All the stress reduces our magnesium levels, so we then need to get even more to meet daily requirements.

Fortunately, there are natural ways to manage anxiety, and one of the most promising approaches involves topical magnesium. It is absorbed well — unlike oral supplements — and it causes no upset stomach.

How Magnesium Can Help with Anxiety

Magnesium is a crucial mineral that plays a vital role in the body’s ability to relax and function properly. Unfortunately, many people—especially women—are deficient in magnesium, which can worsen symptoms of anxiety and stress.

Here’s how magnesium helps with daily functioning:

Regulates the Nervous System

Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain that send signals throughout the nervous system. By supporting proper neurotransmitter function, magnesium helps the brain handle stress more effectively and promotes feelings of calm and relaxation.

Balances Cortisol Levels

Cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone,” is released by the body in response to stress. Magnesium helps to regulate cortisol production, preventing the body from going into a constant “fight-or-flight” state. This can be especially helpful for women who experience anxiety during stressful times, such as during hormonal fluctuations or when juggling multiple responsibilities. This is why we can gain weight when cortisol levels are high, even when we’re not eating more.

The Cleveland Clinic says this about how magnesium regulates cortisol levels:

First, magnesium has been shown to help with leveling out your cortisol — one of the stress hormones in your body. “Cortisol is very important for acute stress, but in times of chronic stress, it can actually worsen depression and anxiety,” warns Dr. Austerman.

In other words, too much stress, and therefore, cortisol, can magnify your anxiety. Many studies have explored the effect that magnesium has on reducing cortisol levels. Magnesium can tackle this excessive anxiety by diminishing or blocking the neuroendocrine pathways that send cortisol to your brain.

Improves Sleep

Magnesium is known for its ability to improve sleep quality. Since anxiety often leads to restless nights, magnesium’s calming effects can help women achieve a more restful sleep, which, in turn, can alleviate anxiety symptoms the next day. This is why we recommend using our topical products at bedtime.

Reduces Muscle Tension

Chronic anxiety often manifests in physical tension, especially in the muscles. Magnesium is used for pain relief and is essential for muscle relaxation. Supplementing with it can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as tightness in the shoulders, neck, or jaw.

Supports Mental Clarity

Anxiety can cloud mental clarity and focus, making it difficult to think clearly. Magnesium supports cognitive function and may help improve focus and concentration, which can be beneficial for women trying to manage stress in their daily lives.

Food Sources of Magnesium

Due to soil depletion, magnesium is no longer in our food supply as it was with our ancestors. The good news is that magnesium can be found in specific foods. Some of the best dietary sources of magnesium include:

• Leafy greens like spinach and kale
• Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds
• Whole grains like quinoa and brown rice
• Legumes, including black beans and chickpeas
• Avocados
• Dark chocolate (choose varieties with at least 70% cacao)
• Learn more about foods high in magnesium here.

Our topical magnesium whips are made with the highest concentration of absorbable magnesium on the market today. Start with ½ teaspoon for one week, and then use a maintenance dose of one teaspoon daily, preferably at bedtime to help you get a good night’s rest.

Because our products are all applied to the skin, there is no risk of stomach upsets like with oral supplementation.

Do you have children that experience anxiety?  Take a look at our special product made just for them, Orange Dream Cream Magnesium Whip. Start with ¼ teaspoon of a nice magnesium rub onto the bottom of their feet, or on their calves. (Avoid broken skin or anywhere near their faces.)

If you suspect magnesium deficiency or want to supplement for anxiety, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the right dosage and form.

Conclusion

Anxiety is a common challenge that many women face, and it can be exacerbated by hormonal changes, stress, and lifestyle factors. While anxiety is complex and multifaceted, magnesium can offer a natural, science-backed way to reduce its symptoms.

Magnesium deficiency is relatively common (studies show that over 75% of Americans are deficient) and can contribute to symptoms of anxiety, depression, muscle cramps, and fatigue.

If you’re new to topical magnesium and want to learn about its benefits, here is some general information for how it can benefit you:

Magnesium plays a crucial role in maintaining physical and mental well-being, especially when levels are optimized.  Make sure you’re getting your daily dose of this magic mineral!