Ask The Expert (ATE): When Motherhood Stress Impact Your Health

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Motherhood often comes with a silent burden—stress that accumulates quietly and takes a toll on your body and mind. Beyond sleepless nights and endless responsibilities, chronic stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, fatigue, emotional strain, and even health issues down the line. Join Dr. Sue Ho, Lead Doctor—Women’s Health at PROLOGUE The Lifestyle Medical Clinic, as she sheds light on this hidden stress and offers practical advice for healing and support.

Are there really silent impacts of stress?

Dr. Sue Ho: Don’t be stress now after reading the title. This means if we are stress and it is accumulated over a period of time, then only symptoms may occur.

Why is my period still irregular two years postpartum?

Dr. Sue Ho: After giving birth, the hormones may take some time to regulate and hopefully your menses may return to normal again. Then again, being a mother to a 2 year old can be stressful and this can cause the hormonal imbalance. One option is to find ways to help reduce stress such as meditation or yoga. If your issue persist, I suggest you see a doctor to find out the cause of the irregular menses.

What are the signs our bodies are too stressed?

Dr. Sue Ho: The list is long but the most common signs include sleep disturbances, fatigue, mood changes, irregular menses, headaches(tension-typed) headaches, palpitations/anxiety, stomach issues such as bloating, reflux.

I love my kids, but sometimes I really miss the old me. Is it normal to feel lost even years after becoming a mum?

Dr. Sue Ho: Yes its normal. I feel that way too sometimes. For me I try to find time for myself to do activities that I enjoy such as exercise and reading.

What kind of check up can we do as women to make sure we’re okay and healthy? Does diet also take part in this matter?

Dr. Sue Ho: A full health check up that consisted of physical examination, detailed medical history, blood test (depending on your needs), radiological tests such as breast ultrasound and mammogram and papsmear is recommended. A proper nutrition and diet is important for us to stay healthy. And don’t forget exercise!

How can full-time working mums manage constant exhaustion?

Dr. Sue Ho: Do you have any support at home? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. And remember to have some time for yourself.

Can stress cause changes in appetite or nausea?

Dr. Sue Ho: Need to find out in what situation do you overeat? Nausea can occur when we over eat and under eating. Need to find out the root cause before can solve this.

What if Panadol doesn’t help with tension headaches anymore?

Dr. Sue Ho: Maybe you can try other methods such as warm compress over your shoulders which can help relax the muscles, stretching (yoga) and meditation may also help.

Can stress really affect the body even when medical results appear normal?

Dr. Sue Ho: Yes stress can cause “tension-typed” headache. Nausea is can also occur with these headaches. Try meditation, which can help reduce the stress.

Is it okay to cry after the kids sleep and feel not okay?

Dr. Sue Ho: Have you spoken to someone about how you feel? It is important to share your situation. Do not bottle this up! Sometimes is ok to cry and let go your emotions but it is also important to find out your worries and seek help.

How can I explain to my husband that I’m mentally and physically drained—not just tired?

Dr. Sue Ho: Try to have a deeper conversation with him and share your situation with your husband. Can also consider sharing your situation with close friends/family/support group. Or maybe consider a “hobby” or an activity you may like to do that can help alleviate your problems

Why does my skin look dull and tired from stress?

Dr. Sue Ho: Are you working too hard till you forget to drink water? Sometimes when we are too caught up with work, he tend to drink less. The air-conditioning at work may also contribute to this. Try to put more moisturiser ( 2‑3x/day), can use lip balm on lips. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Try these methods and hopefully it can help.

Can long-term stress lead to physical illnesses or autoimmune issues?

Dr. Sue Ho: There is a probability that long term stress may lead to some physical illness. It is good to speak about your feelings. (Can consider journaling to help cope with the stress) or consider practicing yoga or meditation which can also help alleviate the stress.

How to cope when mental load and household expectations never stop?

Dr. Sue Ho: Have you discussed with your partner regarding your mental load. Maybe he could share the house chores with you. Sometimes, maybe also be beneficial to get your parents/family or in-laws to help take care of your children while you take a break.

Why do I feel mentally suffocated at home and resentful?

Dr. Sue Ho: Have you thought of speaking to your friends or do you have any support groups who can be there to help you through this. It is good to speak to someone. You may also consider discussing this with your partner. Going out of the house once in awhile may help reduce the stress.

Are headaches and nausea during tantrums really due to stress?

Dr. Sue Ho: Yes this kind of headaches is what I call tension‑typed headache and usually it is caused ny emotional stress. Can be due to muscle tension and the increase in cortisol and adrenaline may also cause the blood vessels to tightened (especially near the temples), hence causing headaches. It is common for nausea to accompany these headaches.

Can long-term stress disrupt hormonal health?

Dr. Sue Ho: Yes stress and if you have long term stress it may cause hormonal imbalances. I would recommend you see your healthcare provider or us and we can ask more questions pertaining to your health and lifestyle. There is also hormonal blood test and healthscreening (blood test) which you can consider. If we can solve the root cause, this may help reduce your stress levels. Hope this helps

Why am I constantly exhausted and unable to enjoy life—even physically?

Dr. Sue Ho: The reason for your fatigue could be a variety of reasons. For example, it could be due to nutritional deficiency, lack of exercise, lack of quality sleep, vitamin D/Iron deficiency. For some of the deficiencies you can consider blood test. It maybe helpful if we can find out the cause of your fatigue. I hope this helps.

Why am I still tired despite adequate sleep?

Dr. Sue Ho: Was just thinking, do you have 10 hours of quality sleep? Do you wake up or do you have interrupted sleep from snoring? Sometimes we may feel that we have 10 hours of sleep but may not be good quality sleep. The other reasons could be lifestyle and nutritional reasons. Such as deficient in Vitamins D or iron deficiency may cause fatigue. Or a hormonal imbalance, such as thyroid. I recommend that you consider health screening with hormone blood testing with your health care provider if you have not done so in a while. Hope this helps

Silent Stress Is Real—And It’s Affecting Moms’ Health

Unseen stress can blur boundaries long before symptoms become apparent, impacting hormones, energy, emotions, and wellness. Recognising the signs and seeking support isn’t indulgent—it’s essential. Your well-being matters, and recovery is possible.


About the Expert

Dr. Sue Ho is Lead Doctor—Women’s Health at PROLOGUE The Lifestyle Medical Clinic, specialising in holistic and preventive care for women facing motherhood stress, hormonal imbalance, and wellness challenges.

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