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According to a survey by Darnitsa Pharmaceuticals, conducted in partnership with Gradus Research, 86% of Ukrainians have been consistently feeling stressed, anxious, and depressed since the beginning of the war.
The most vulnerable to stress are women (88%) and men aged 55–60 (91%). Since February 24, 2022, Ukrainians have aged 10–15 years, as reported by the Minister of Health, Viktor Liashko.
The Ministry of Health predicts that chronic age-related diseases in our country will now appear earlier, along with increased cases of heart attacks, strokes, impotence, menopause, and much more. So, how to survive and preserve your health during a prolonged war has become one of the most pressing questions today.
How Stress Affects You
Stress is an integral part of life, and it can even be positive, enhancing productivity, but only if it’s short-lived. For example, a fragile girl might unexpectedly fend off attackers, or flee at lightning speed. Or, a woman in a foreign country might quickly master a new language, acquire a profession, and start working.
Our bodies are designed to trigger a defense mechanism during danger, producing a surge of energy. The brain sends signals that pass through the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, prompting the adrenal glands to release the primary stress hormone — cortisol. This hormone provides the energy needed for the "fight or flight" response (a surplus of which was experienced at the start of the war — lots of energy with minimal sleep).
However, when stress continues for a year and a half, like in our case, the adrenal glands become severely depleted, and the production of cortisol drops. Consequently, the energy for action — whether "fight" or "flight" — runs out.
Prolonged stress has a profoundly destructive impact on the body and its systems:
Endocrine — low energy, hair loss, brittle nails, early wrinkles.
Nervous system — irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and mental health disorders.
Cardiovascular — rapid heartbeat, blood pressure fluctuations.
Digestive system — digestive disorders, aggravated gastritis, etc.
Reproductive system — decreased libido, cycle disruptions, amenorrhea in women.
The Consequences of Stress
If you don't take care of your health in time, the consequences of prolonged stress during war can be disastrous for individuals, families, and even the nation. Aggravated disorders can develop into chronic diseases, many of which are irreversible.
For example, issues with the endocrine system will affect overall well-being: persistent fatigue, early wrinkles, cellulite, weight fluctuations, and a constant lack of energy. Resolving these issues may even require surgery, such as partial or complete thyroid removal. Digestive disorders, like gastritis, ulcers, liver problems, poor bile flow, and kidney stones, will significantly diminish quality of life. Cardiovascular and nervous system diseases can also severely limit your capabilities, potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes, and even sudden death.
The reproductive system, particularly in women, is especially vulnerable to the effects of stress—fertility decreases, early menopause occurs, and problems with conception and pregnancy arise. A notable example for Ukraine is the case of Croatia. After a war that lasted nearly five years, the country's birth rate plummeted, and the incidence of embryonic developmental pathologies and ectopic pregnancies increased sharply.
PTSD, anxiety, and depression also negatively affect fertility and sexual desire, leading to erectile dysfunction in men and decreased sperm quality.
Why Hormones Matter, Especially During Stress
Can the impact of stress be mitigated? Yes, one highly effective way to improve your well-being and health is by maintaining and, if necessary, regulating your hormonal balance. Stress disrupts the hormonal system, which acts as a regulator of overall health. You can think of it as a set of scales that must remain balanced: too little or too much of a particular hormone negatively affects well-being. For example, a lack of testosterone reduces the quality of your sex life and the ability to set and achieve goals. Insufficient melatonin causes insomnia or shallow sleep, preventing your body from fully recovering—leading to chronic fatigue and a cascade of health problems.
Want to learn more about how your hormonal system works? Check out Dr. Yevhen Shagov’s webinar on our YouTube channel. And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't yet—there’s a lot of valuable information there, for free.
What You Can Do to Support Your Body Now
To improve your condition, the first step is assessing the overall picture and the levels of your hormones. At GAMA CONSULTING, we have unique expertise in this area, including the Brussels Consultative Protocol, a test that forms the basis of our health assessment questionnaire. We’ve successfully helped thousands of Ukrainians regain their energy and well-being during the war.
We can help you too!
STEP #1: DIAGNOSTICS
Take our online questionnaire by answering 70 questions to discover your hormone levels and any vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Additionally, your age-manager will provide a list of lab tests and examinations to complete.
STEP #2: ONLINE CONSULTATION
Schedule a consultation with an age-manager. All our doctors hold medical degrees and are certified in age management, meaning they have specialized knowledge in managing both age and health. During the consultation, you’ll discuss your concerns, the well-being goals you want to achieve, and select a treatment plan.
STEP 3: PERSONALIZED TREATMENT PLAN
Based on the results of your lab tests and medical examinations, the age-manager will create a personalized treatment plan. You will receive a box of supplements—vitamins, minerals, prohormones (along with Big Pharma products and BHRT if you choose the intensive treatment plan)—complete with individualized dosages. You’ll also receive recommendations for diet and physical activity, considering your unique characteristics and lifestyle.
On average, our hormone-balancing programs last two months. Throughout this period, a personal client manager, in partnership with your age-manager, will be in constant contact to assist you and answer any questions that arise.
Remember, balanced hormones mean good well-being today and robust health tomorrow. Optimal hormone levels are also essential for preserving the health of the nation in the future. Take care of yourself, and we will gladly help you along the way.
Let’s maintain our quality of life and strengthen the nation’s health together today, so we can build a strong and successful country tomorrow!
Author: Yevhen Shagov, kmn. the first age manager of Ukraine
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