How the “Fight-or-Flight” Response Impacts Women’s Hormones

The classic “fight-or-flight” reaction is an acute survival mechanism. But especially for women, frequent or chronic activation of this response can lead to meaningful hormonal disruption. Below is a breakdown of what happens, why it matters for women’s reproductive and metabolic health, and how clinical care can address the cascade.

Symptoms of the Fight-or-Flight Response

The fight-or-flight response is a complex physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived threat or acute stressor. This adaptive mechanism, rooted in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, prepares the body to either confront (“fight”) or evade (“flight”) danger. While this response evolved to enhance survival in life-threatening situations, in modern life, psychosocial stressors (for example, deadlines, interpersonal conflict, and financial worries) may trigger a similar reaction without an imminent physical threat. Recognizing the underlying physiology and common symptoms of the fight-or-flight response is essential for understanding both its protective and sometimes maladaptive roles in human health.

In our modern world, chronic stress has become an epidemic. Many people find themselves trapped in a perpetual state of "fight or flight," where their nervous system remains on high alert even when there's no immediate danger. This constant activation of the sympathetic nervous system can lead to anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, chronic pain, and a host of other health problems. But what if there was a time-tested solution that could help rewire your nervous system and build lasting resilience? Enter acupuncture—an ancient healing modality that modern science is increasingly validating for its profound effects on stress reduction and nervous system regulation.

Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care—and increasingly, it’s also why they turn to acupuncture. This ancient healing practice, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has gained mainstream acceptance as a safe, effective, and drug-free method for managing both chronic and acute pain.

Many women with PCOS experience irregular or absent periods due to hormonal imbalances. Acupuncture may help restore a regular cycle by promoting hormonal balance. Studies suggest that acupuncture can stimulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis, which regulates the reproductive system. This helps improve ovulation and, consequently, the regularity of periods.

Acupuncture for Anxiety. As an acupuncturist, I have had the privilege of treating many patients struggling with anxiety. Anxiety is a pervasive and complex condition that can impact a person's physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, offers a holistic approach to addressing anxiety and restoring balance to the body.

Acupuncture treats all types of pain. The insights of an acupuncturist who has treated pain. How many acupuncture sessions to get rid of pain conditions. Painful shoulder, neck, back, knees, feet and ankles. Acupuncturist in West LA that treats pain.

The acupuncture treatment that we provide before and after the embryo transfer plays a crucial role in supporting the body and creating an optimal environment for the embryo to implant and thrive. We have seen firsthand the positive effects that acupuncture can have on the success of the transfer, and it is incredibly rewarding to be able to contribute to the success of our patients' fertility treatments.

Acupuncture is a complementary therapy in the treatment of addiction, particularly for substance use disorders such as alcohol, nicotine, opioids, and stimulants.

Regular Acupuncture treatments can help with depression, anxiety, sleep, and PTSD.

Soulful Conceptions™ is a proven and comprehensive system of mind-body concepts, exercises, and coaching for the many challenges that arise during the fertility, pregnancy & postpartum journey.