Bloating. PMS. Mood swings. Constipation. Period pain. If your body feels like it’s constantly trying to tell you something—you’re not imagining it. And you’re not broken.
We’ve been conditioned to treat these symptoms as isolated problems: gut issues here, hormone imbalances over there. But the truth is, they’re all deeply connected. And at the root of it all?
Chronic stress.
Let’s break it down.
Stress Isn’t Just “In Your Head”—It’s In Your Gut, Hormones, and Entire Nervous System
We often think of stress as something mental. But the effects of stress show up everywhere in the body—especially the gut and hormones.
Here’s what stress actually does:
1. Stress switches off digestion.
When we’re stressed, blood flow is directed away from the digestive system. Digestive enzymes stop flowing. The body prioritises survival—not breaking down your lunch. This can lead to bloating, gas, reflux, constipation, diarrhoea, and that sluggish “food just sits there” feeling.
2. Cortisol impacts gut health.
Cortisol (your main stress hormone) gets dumped directly into the gut, where it can alter gut bacteria, damage the gut lining, and create inflammation. Over time, this can lead to increased intestinal permeability—aka “leaky gut”—which allows inflammatory compounds to escape into the bloodstream and spark immune reactions.
3. Stress disrupts hormonal balance.
The brain controls hormone production through a system called the HPA-HPO axis (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal and hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis). When we’re constantly under stress, this entire communication loop becomes dysregulated.
-
Ovulation can become delayed or stop altogether
-
Progesterone levels drop (hello mood swings, anxiety, short cycles)
-
Estrogen becomes unbalanced (think heavy periods, breast tenderness, irritability)
-
PMS becomes more intense
-
Periods can become irregular, painful, or disappear altogether
And let’s not forget—stress and low energy are a toxic duo. It’s not laziness. It’s your nervous system crying out for regulation.
Why Magnesium Glycinate Matters for Stressed Women
Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical processes in the body. But we burn through it rapidly when we’re under stress. And most women aren’t getting nearly enough.
Magnesium glycinate is one of the most absorbable and gentle forms of magnesium, making it ideal for restoring depleted stores without the laxative effect other forms can cause.
Here’s what it helps with:
✅ Calms the nervous system – Magnesium glycinate supports GABA (your calming neurotransmitter), promoting deeper sleep and a more balanced mood.
✅ Eases muscle tension and period pain – Low magnesium is linked to cramps, spasms, and tightness.
✅ Supports digestion – Magnesium plays a role in gut motility and enzyme activity, both of which get sluggish under stress.
✅ Helps regulate cortisol and reduce anxiety – It helps buffer the stress response and brings the body back to a more balanced baseline.
Meet Ashwagandha: The Nervous System’s Plant-Based Ally
Alongside magnesium glycinate, ashwagandha is one of the most powerful tools we have to support women’s health in a stress-driven world.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen—meaning it helps the body adapt to physical, mental, and emotional stress. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine and is now one of the most researched stress-supportive herbs.
Here’s what it does:
✅ Balances cortisol – Ashwagandha helps regulate cortisol levels, smoothing out the peaks and crashes that come with chronic stress.
✅ Supports thyroid and hormone health – Because it works via the brain’s master control centres (HPA and HPO axes), it indirectly supports reproductive hormone balance too.
✅ Improves mood and reduces anxiety – Studies show ashwagandha may reduce symptoms of anxiety and low mood in women.
✅ Supports energy, resilience, and mental clarity – A must-have when you’re burnt out, wired-tired, or just over it all.
The Bottom Line
If you’re struggling with:
-
Gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhoea
-
PMS, period pain, or irregular cycles
-
Mood swings, fatigue, brain fog or anxiety
…there’s a good chance that stress is playing a major role. And unless we address the root cause—chronic stress—it’s like putting a bandaid on a leaking pipe.
Magnesium glycinate and ashwagandha aren’t quick fixes. But together, they can help restore nervous system regulation, support hormone health, and bring the gut back online—so you can finally start feeling like you again.
Want to Support Your Stress Response from the Inside Out?
Adapt by Glowable is a once-daily, naturopath-formulated stress support supplement containing therapeutic doses of magnesium glycinate, ashwagandha, and other key nutrients.
It’s your no-BS, science-backed reset for the stress that’s silently running the show.