1. Weekend headaches. Sudden relaxation from a high-stress state can trigger migraines, according to Dr. Todd Schweitzer, director of the University of Washington Headache Research Center. Maintaining your usual sleep and eating patterns on the weekend can help minimize other headache triggers.
2. Menstrual cramps. A Harvard University study found that women who are too stressed are twice as likely to have menstrual cramps as the average woman. Fitness can help relieve menstrual cramps and stress.
3. Oral pain. Dr. Matthew Misner, a consumer advisor for the American Dental Association, says pain in the upper jaw of the mouth can be caused by grinding your teeth at night, and stress can worsen grinding symptoms; try protective braces.
4. Weird dreams. Too much stress can lead to multiple awakenings during sleep, which can interfere with “good dreams” and then lead to unpleasant, strange dreams. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime to ensure adequate quality sleep.
5. Bleeding gums. Brazilian studies have found that people who are stressed are at greater risk for periodontal disease. Regular exercise and adequate sleep can help relieve stress and help protect your teeth.
6. Sudden onset of acne. Stress increases the chances of developing acne inflammation, according to Jill Yuspavich, a professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University. You can clean the wound with salicylic acid and apply a noncomedogenic moisturizer. If several weeks of treatment doesn’t work, see your doctor.
7. Preference for sweets. The University of Pennsylvania study found that stress is more likely to be a trigger for women’s preference for sweets like chocolate than estrogen.
8. Itchy skin. A Japanese study involving more than 2,000 people found that people with chronic body itching were twice as likely to experience stress overload than normal people. Anxiety and stress can also exacerbate dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis symptoms.
9. Allergies are exacerbated. A trial at Ohio State University College of Medicine found that allergy sufferers had more and more severe symptoms after anxiety.
10. Tummy aches. In addition to headaches, back pain and insomnia, anxiety and stress can also cause stomach pain. A study involving 1,953 male and female participants found that people with the highest stress levels were three times more likely to have tummy aches than those who were relaxed.