Conversion therapy is a pseudoscientific and discredited practice that attempts to force LGBTQ+ individuals to change their sexual orientation or gender identity and instead identify as heterosexual or cisgender. Because it is now understood that sexual orientation is not a choice or something that can be changed, so-called conversion therapy—sometimes called reparative therapy, ex-gay therapy, or sexual reorientation therapy—is not only ineffective, it is often actively harmful. Research has co
The Conversion Therapy-Physical Health Connection
The relationship between conversion therapy and physical health is bidirectional and profound. Modern neuroscience has confirmed what clinicians long observed: psychological states directly impact bodily systems.
Physical Symptoms of Conversion Therapy
People managing conversion therapy commonly experience:
- Fatigue and low energy
- Headaches and muscle tension
- Digestive disruptions (IBS, nausea, appetite changes)
- Sleep disturbances affecting cellular repair
- Immune system dysregulation
- Cardiovascular effects (blood pressure, heart rate variability)
- Chronic pain amplification
How Conversion Therapy Affects Body Systems
Stress hormones: Conversion Therapy often elevates cortisol and adrenaline, which when chronically elevated cause inflammation, insulin resistance, and immune suppression.
Nervous system: The autonomic nervous system shifts toward sympathetic dominance ("fight or flight"), reducing digestive, immune, and reproductive function.
Inflammation: Psychological distress promotes inflammatory cytokines linked to heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions.
Physical Health Practices That Help Conversion Therapy
Research shows these interventions improve both conversion therapy and physical health simultaneously:
- Regular aerobic exercise — 30 min, 3–5× weekly reduces symptoms significantly
- Anti-inflammatory diet — Mediterranean diet pattern supports mood and reduces inflammation
- Sleep optimization — 7–9 hours consistently transforms conversion therapy outcomes
- Breathing practices — diaphragmatic breathing activates parasympathetic recovery
- Reducing alcohol and processed foods — both worsen conversion therapy symptoms
When to Seek Integrated Care
Look for healthcare providers who address both physical and psychological dimensions if conversion therapy is affecting your body. Integrative psychiatry, functional medicine, and psychosomatic medicine specialize in this overlap.