Before attributing anxiety to stress or mental health alone, consider that physical imbalances often cause or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Physical Causes of Anxiety
- Hyperthyroidism: Racing heart, tremors, anxiety
- Blood sugar swings: Reactive hypoglycemia
- Caffeine sensitivity: Exacerbates anxiety
- Magnesium deficiency: Promotes anxiety
- B vitamin deficiency: Affects nervous system
- Iron deficiency: Causes restlessness
- Hormonal changes: PMS, perimenopause
The Anxiety Lab Panel
Thyroid
Hyperthyroidism is a classic cause of anxiety. Test:
- TSH, Free T3, Free T4
- Thyroid antibodies (Graves' disease causes 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 often coexist. Addressing physical imbalances can make other treatments more effective.
References
- Bauer, M., et al. (2008). Thyroid hormones, serotonin and mood: of synergy and significance in the adult brain. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 33(10), 1285-1298.
- Boyle, N. B., et al. (2017). The effects of magnesium supplementation on subjective anxiety and stress: a systematic review. Nutrients, 9(5), 429.
