Rushing woman’s syndrome

IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD, IT CAN BE CHALLENGING TO KEEP UP WITH THE DEMANDS OF WORK, FAMILY, AND PERSONAL LIFE. WOMEN, IN PARTICULAR, ARE OFTEN EXPECTED TO BALANCE MULTIPLE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A STATE OF CONSTANT STRESS AND ANXIETY.

Women typically bear the brunt of managing the household and family commitments, along with their own personal and work lives. All this juggling can lead to ‘rushing woman’s syndrome’, a term coined by Dr Libby Weaver, a nutritional biochemist and author. It can have a significant impact on women’s physical and mental health, including a state of chronic stress.1

Women who suffer from this condition often feel like they’re in a constant rush, with little time for self-care or relaxation. They may also experience physical symptoms such as fatigue, weight variance, and disrupted sleep patterns.

It’s important to note that rushing woman’s syndrome is not a medical diagnosis, but rather a term used to describe a collection of symptoms.1

The causes

Many factors contribute to rushing woman’s syndrome. One of the primary drivers is societal expectations around work, family, and personal appearance. Women are often expected to excel in their careers while also maintaining a happy home life and perfect appearance. This pressure can lead to a sense of being overwhelmed and not being able to keep up.2

Another factor is the pace of modern life. With smartphones, social media, and other technologies, it can be challenging to switch off from work and personal demands.2 This constant stimulation can lead to a state of hyper-vigilance, where women feel like they need to be ‘on’ all the time.3

The impact of hormones

Hormones can play a significant role in the development of rushing woman’s syndrome. Women may have imbalances of cortisol, oestrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones, for example.3

Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. When cortisol levels are constantly elevated, it can lead to a range of negative health outcomes, including weight gain, mood swings, and disrupted sleep patterns.4

Low levels of oestrogen can lead to a decrease in bone density, while imbalances in progesterone can lead to mood swings and anxiety. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and mood. Imbalances can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and mood swings.5

These hormones are designed to help us cope with acute stress, but when they are constantly elevated, they can lead to a range of negative health outcomes.

The effects

One of the most common symptoms of rushing woman’s syndrome is fatigue. Women who are always in a rush may not be getting enough sleep or expending too much energy throughout the day. This can lead to exhaustion, which can make it challenging to perform well at work, feel energised or supported in their family life, or engage in enjoyable activities outside of work.6

Weight gain is another common symptom, especially around the midsection. When stress hormones are constantly elevated, they can lead to an increase in appetite and a decrease in metabolism.6

The syndrome can also cause physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension and gastrointestinal issues. Women may also feel less able to concentrate, and like they are constantly in a state of mental fog.3

Mood swings and irritability may also occur as a result of rushing woman’s syndrome. When stress hormones are elevated, they can impact our emotional regulation, leading to feelings of anxiety, anger, or depression. Women may find themselves snapping at loved ones or feeling like they are on an emotional rollercoaster. Finally, there’s the effect on women’s sexual health. When stress hormones are elevated, they can impact libido and sexual function, leading to decreased desire and difficulty achieving orgasm.

Managing the syndrome

Fortunately, there are steps that women can take to manage rushing woman’s syndrome and improve their overall health and wellbeing. One of the most important of these is prioritising selfcare. This means taking time each day to engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises.6

Another important step is to set boundaries around work and personal time. This means being intentional about when you check your email or respond to work-related messages, and setting aside time each day for activities that bring you joy and relaxation.3

Women may also benefit from speaking to a mental health professional. Therapy can help identify patterns of thought and behaviour which contribute to stress and anxiety, and help us develop strategies for managing those patterns in a healthy and productive way.

In addition to these individual steps, there are also broader societal changes that could help support women who feel overwhelmed. This includes promoting flexible work arrangements for a better work/life balance and reducing the stigma around mental health issues.

For more information on rushing woman’s syndrome, visit drlibby.com

1Rushing woman’s syndrome: https://shop.drlibby.com/product/rushing-womanssyndrome?v=13b249c5dfa9

2Gender role perspectives and job burnout: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC8375289/

3Do you have rushing woman’s syndrome?: https://www.womenshealth.com.au/doyou-have-rushing-womans-syndrome/

4High cortisol levels in women and negative effects on the body: https://www. womenshealthnetwork.com/adrenal-fatigue-and-stress/negative-effects-of-highcortisol/

5Thyroid gland: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/ thyroid-gland

6Don’t dismiss rushing woman’s syndrome; https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/dontdismiss-rushing-womans-syndrome-20140617-zsaqb.html