How stress can affect your menstrual cycle

Written By: Simone Sonnier, UT Physicians | Updated: August 2, 2022

Those who menstruate have all been there — your period is a day or two late and you’re wondering why. Of course, pregnancy is the first reason that comes to mind but there could be many reasons for an irregular cycle.

Randa J. Jalloul, MD

“Stress, whether emotional, nutritional, or physical, can cause an increase in endorphins and cortisol secretion which interrupt hormone production,” explained Randa J. Jalloul, MD, OB-GYN specialist with UT Physicians. “This can lead to an abnormal menstrual cycle. It’s the body’s way of expressing unreadiness for ovulation and pregnancy.”

If the stress is short-lived, you may miss a period or be a few days late. However, if the stress is chronic, more erratic or absent menstruation can occur. Extreme weight changes and physical activity are also common culprits of a delayed cycle.

“Some studies have observed that over 70% of women experience recovery with the resumption of menses if their absent periods were associated with psychological stress or weight loss. Women who recover typically have a higher body mass index and lower cortisol levels than those who don’t,” shared Jalloul, associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

If you experience irregular or absent periods for longer than three to six months, Jalloul recommends seeking out medical attention — especially if an at-home pregnancy test result is negative.

“If a patient does not believe they are pregnant and still has continuous issues with their cycle, they should come in for an evaluation,” she said. “We will need to investigate the cause of their menstrual abnormality and rule out many other causes of irregular periods such as hormonal disturbances like thyroid or pituitary problems, polycystic ovaries, or chronic anovulation syndrome. Stress is a diagnosis of exclusion.”

Treatment options for irregular menstrual cycles may include simple lifestyle changes — adequate nutrition, exercise, good sleep habits, and reversing the cause of the stress if known. If an abnormal or absent period is the result of an eating disorder, it’s imperative to establish a healthy weight by working closely with mental health experts to ensure long-term success. Often, hormone replacement therapy and contraceptives are prescribed to help re-establish a proper hormone level for good body function.

Jalloul’s advice is to listen and take care of your body: recognize the signs of stress, be active, take time to unwind and connect with loved ones, treat yourself to healthy foods, and get plenty of rest. To learn more about a healthy menstrual cycle, visit our medical conditions glossary. If you are experiencing abnormal periods and would like to schedule an appointment with one of our women’s health experts, call 832-325-7131 or schedule online.

Can Anxiety Affect Your Period?

Anxiety affects every aspect of your body.

It raises your blood pressure.

It increases your blood sugar.

Can anxiety affect your period?

Definitely.

We’ll take a closer look at stress and your period, how they interact, and help you find solutions to some common problems.

Can Stress Cause Irregular Periods?

Yes, particularly if you’ve been under a high level of stress for an extended period of time. To fully understand why, we have to look to the “fight or flight” response.

Stress causes your body to go into fight or flight mode—it’s just the way we’re wired. When you’re in this mode, it affects your hormones, which in turn affect your ovulation and, of course, your period.

This means you may have periods that are late or even stop completely for several months.

If you are having these irregular periods and you aren’t pregnant, you should schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. While stress can be a culprit, there could also be several other causes.

How Long Can Stress Delay Your Period?

It can delay your period by a month or two, but it shouldn’t stop completely. The absence of a period is called amenorrhea, and it could indicate a potentially serious condition. Hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems and even tumors on your pituitary gland can all trigger amenorrhea

The bottom line is if your period has stopped and you’re not pregnant, we need to see you. Please contact us. Often, we can schedule your appointment within the next week.

How to Avoid Stress

We’ve got some bad news for you—it’s impossible to avoid stress completely. It’s part of our world.

In some cases, stress can actually be a good thing. It alerts us to danger and may give us the motivation to accomplish tasks.

But too much stress is devastating to your health.

We want to be clear: We care about much more than your gynecological health. We care about every aspect of your wellness, from how you’re sleeping to your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. We know that stress can offset any of those.

This is why we will address issues of anxiety that you’ve been having. In the meantime, the following are some stress relief methods we’ve found that help our patients. We encourage you to try them and then schedule an appointment with us to let us know how you’re doing.

Tips for Managing Stress

Take Care of Your Body

There’s a reason you reach for chocolates and ice cream when you’re feeling stressed. However, these “comfort foods” can actually compound your problem. Although it’s tempting to eat fast food and unhealthy meals, by keeping your nutritional schedule, you can help your body deal with stress more effectively.

Have a Regular Exercise Routine

Burning calories can go a long way toward relieving stress. It also lowers your blood pressure, cholesterol, and helps prevent heart disease and strokes.

Meditate

Guided meditation is a wonderful way to calm your anxiety and help alleviate stress. Not sure where to start? Take a look at this handy guide from the Mayo Clinic. All you need is a quiet setting, a comfortable position and an open mind.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Sleep usually goes out the window at the first sign of stress, and that’s a shame because rest gives your body a chance to “reboot. ” Be sure you get enough sleep by avoiding caffeine later in the day, eliminating “screen time” a few hours before sleeping, and keeping bedtime at the same time each night.

Reduce (or Eliminate) Caffeine

We’re not saying you have to give up that morning cup of Joe. What we are saying is that too much caffeine can make you anxious and jittery. Back off of coffee and sodas for a while. Try decaffeinated varieties or even a relaxing cup of decaffeinated tea instead.

Talk to a counselor

Sometimes, anxiety can be so overwhelming that it interferes with your day-to-day life. If that’s the case, we encourage you to talk to a licensed counselor who can help you adjust and adapt new coping skills to help you.

Problems With Your Period? Contact Us Today

Your period tells us a lot about your gynecological health. If you have severe cramps or unusually heavy periods we want to know. Sometimes these are an indicator of another health problem.

Most importantly, we want you to know we’re on your side. Our doctors are women who have been providing care for women for decades. Our compassion and dedication set us apart, and we consider it a privilege to care for you.

Schedule your appointment today.

The link between stress and lack of menstruation: what does the science say?

Content

• 1 No menstruation due to stress
  • 1.1 Relationship between stress and no menstruation: what does the science say?
  • 1.2 Related videos:
  • 1.3 Studies show that stress can affect the menstrual cycle
  • 1.4 How does stress affect the body’s hormonal balance?
  • 1.5 Relationship between emotional stress and lack of menstruation
  • 1.6 Adaptive response of the body to stress and changes in the menstrual cycle
  • 1.7 Pathological absence of menstruation due to stress factors
  • 1.8 Stressful situations as a possible cause of amenorrhea
  • 1.9 Prevention and treatment of amenorrhea caused by stress
  • 1. 10 Recommendations for stress relief and normalization of the menstrual cycle
  • 1.11 Relaxation techniques as a method of preventing stress and amenorrhea
  • 1.12 Relationship between psychological well-being and regular menstruation
  • 1.13 Stress and lack of menstruation: a path to restoring hormonal balance
  • 1.14 Q&A:
    • • 1.14.0.1 How are stress and lack of menstruation related?
      • 1.14.0.2 Can stress affect the regularity of menses?
      • 1.14.0.3 What other factors besides stress can cause missing periods?
      • 1.14.0.4 How long can the lack of menses last due to stress?
      • 1.14.0.5 Can menstruation disappear during periods of severe stress and then return?
      • 1.14.0.6 How can you tell if a lack of menstruation is due to stress?
      • 1.14.0.7 Can menses return after stress relief?
      • 1.14.0.8 How are stress and hormones related?
      • 1.14.0.9 Can stress cause a complete cessation of menstruation?

Stress can be the cause of missed periods – find out how stress affects your monthly cycles and what you can do to restore normal regularity.

Menstruation is a natural process that occurs in women during their reproductive years. However, sometimes a situation may arise when menstruation is delayed or the cycle becomes irregular. One factor that can affect menstruation is stress. The modern rhythm of life, constant stress and stress can have a negative impact on the hormonal background of a woman, which in turn can lead to disruption of her cycle.

Scientific studies show that stress can affect the work of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, which regulates the hormonal balance in the body. This can lead to hormonal imbalances and the absence or delay of menstruation. Some research also points to a link between stress and levels of prolactin, a hormone responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle.

Interestingly, often stress can also cause the opposite reaction – an increase in the duration or intensity of menstruation. This is because stress activates the secretion of adrenaline and other stress hormones, which can constrict blood vessels and increase blood flow, resulting in more profuse bleeding.

Stress, of course, is not the only cause of menstrual irregularities. It may be a concomitant factor or the way the body reacts to other causes, such as poor nutrition, physical stress, thyroid or genital disorders. It is important to understand that each body is unique, and the response to stress can be different for different women. Therefore, in case of a violation of the menstrual cycle, it is always recommended to consult a doctor who can conduct a comprehensive examination and identify the underlying cause.

The link between stress and lack of menstruation: what does the science say?

The question of the effect of stress on the menstrual cycle is quite relevant and urgent for many women. Research done on this topic allows some conclusions to be drawn about the relationship between stress and lack of menstruation.

One of the main discoveries of science is that a high level of stress can affect the regularity of the menstrual cycle. Intense emotional experiences, work in conditions of increased stress, conflicts and problems in personal life can lead to a malfunction in the hormonal system and, as a result, to the absence of menstruation.

Stress causes an increase in the production of the hormone cortisol, which affects the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. This can lead to a reduction in the duration of the ovulation phase or even to its complete absence.

However, the direct relationship between stress and lack of menstruation is not absolute. Many factors can affect the regularity of the cycle, such as sexual infections, weight changes, thyroid problems and other diseases. Therefore, if you are having problems with your period, it is important to see a specialist to diagnose and find out the cause.

If you are under a lot of stress and have problems with your period, it is important to take steps to relieve the discomfort. Tips that can help include practicing yoga, meditation, exercising, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding situations that cause emotional stress.

Related videos:

Research shows that stress can affect the menstrual cycle

Scientific research confirms that stress is one of the causes of menstrual irregularities in women. Under the influence of stressful situations, changes occur in the body that can adversely affect the functioning of the hormonal system.

Stress affects the release of hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which can shift the balance of reproductive hormones responsible for the functioning of the ovaries and uterus. This can lead to menstrual irregularities, including missed or missed periods.

In addition, stress can cause uterine smooth muscle spasms, which prevents the endometrium from shedding, which in turn can delay menstruation.

Various studies also indicate that prolonged and excessive stress can lead to a decrease in estrogen levels, which can lead to menstrual irregularities.

Therefore, it is important to learn how to manage stress effectively in order to avoid affecting the hormonal balance and to maintain the normal functioning of the reproductive system.

Yes

100%

How does stress affect the hormonal balance of the body?

Stress is one of the main causes of hormonal imbalance in the body. When we are under stress, our body produces large amounts of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones cause a chain reaction in the body, which can result in negative changes in the functioning of the hormonal system.

Stress can affect various body systems, including the hormonal system. It can cause changes in hormone production, distribution and processing. Elevated levels of stress hormones can lead to decreased production of female sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Hormonal imbalance caused by stress can have various consequences for the body. It can lead to disruption of the regularity of menstruation in women, which can manifest itself in periods of delayed or absent menstruation. In addition, stress can worsen PMS symptoms and lead to soreness and discomfort during menstruation.

To maintain hormonal balance in the body, it is important to be in a state of psychological well-being. Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and relaxation and stress management techniques can help reduce stress levels and keep your hormonal system functioning properly.

Relationship between emotional tension and lack of menstruation

Scientific studies show that emotional tension and stress can have a negative effect on the regularity of the menstrual cycle in women. A psychological factor, such as stress, can lead to changes within the body, including changes in hormone levels, which in turn can cause menstrual dysfunction.

Periods of emotional stress, such as those caused by work, family problems or other stressors, can lead to hormone imbalances that can affect the normal course of the menstrual cycle. Studies show that chronically stressed women may experience changes in the length and intensity of their periods, and in some cases, even a complete cessation of periods.

One of the mechanisms that explain the relationship between emotional stress and the absence of menstruation is the effect of stress on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which regulates the production of hormones, including hormones necessary for the normal functioning of the menstrual cycle. Prolonged stress can lead to dysfunction of this axis and, as a result, to a violation of the regularity of menstruation.

It is important to note that every body is different and the perception of stress can vary from woman to woman. For some women, a strict regimen and extra stress may be contributing factors to menstrual irregularities, while for other women, emotional state may be less of an influence.

To maintain a normal menstrual cycle and reduce the risk of missing periods due to emotional stress, it is recommended to take care of your psycho-emotional health. This may include relaxation practices such as yoga or meditation, as well as setting healthy boundaries in daily life and building supportive relationships with people around you.

Adaptive reaction of the body to stress and changes in the menstrual cycle

Stress is a physiological and psychological reaction of the body to various negative environmental influences. Under stress, the body releases large amounts of stress hormones such as cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are designed to cope with the threat. However, when stress becomes chronic and prolonged, it can lead to malfunctions in various body systems, including the reproductive system.

The menstrual cycle depends on a complex interaction between the brain, which controls the hormonal system, and the ovaries, which produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The level of stress hormones affects the normal functioning of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which are the main regulators of the menstrual cycle. This can lead to hormonal imbalances that eventually cause changes in the menstrual cycle, including shortening or lengthening.

The body’s adaptive response to stress is that with elevated levels of stress hormones, the body limits its energy expenditure for reproduction and enhances survival under stress. This may cause a temporary cessation of menstruation or their change. Thus, the absence of menstruation or a violation of the cycle is a protective mechanism of the body in response to stressful influences.

However, prolonged and excessive stress on the body can lead to serious problems in the reproductive system, including problems with pregnancy planning and uterine disease. Therefore, it is very important to be able to manage stress and take care of your psycho-emotional state in order to maintain the normal functioning of the body and the menstrual cycle.

Pathological absence of menstruation due to stress factors

Stress is one of the main factors that can affect the regularity of the menstrual cycle in women. With a strong effect of stress on the body, serious disturbances in the work of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and ovaries can occur, which can lead to a pathological absence of menstruation.

As a result of increased levels of stress in the body, the hormonal system is activated, which can lead to egg retention in the ovary and disruption of the correct functioning of estrogens and progesterone. This can lead to amenorrhea – the absence of menstruation in women for several cycles in a row.

Under constant or prolonged stress, the body produces large amounts of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones have a pronounced vasoconstrictor and vasodilator effect, which can lead to impaired blood circulation in the pelvic organs, including the ovaries. This can create additional barriers to the normal functioning of the reproductive system and cause a delay in menstruation.

In addition, stress contributes to eating and sleeping disorders, which can also have a negative effect on the menstrual cycle. Nutritional deficiencies and improper sleep patterns can cause hormonal imbalances and disruption of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries, which can lead to a pathological lack of menstruation.

Stressful situations as a possible cause of amenorrhea

Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstruation, can be caused by various factors, including physical and psychological health. One of the possible causes of amenorrhea is stressful situations.

Stressful situations can have a negative effect on the functioning of the hormonal system, including areas of the brain that control the menstrual cycle. Under the influence of stress, the level of hormones responsible for the regulation of the menstrual cycle can decrease, which can lead to a violation of its regularity and the occurrence of amenorrhea.

One mechanism through which stress can affect the menstrual cycle is through activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Under stress, the hypothalamus, which plays an important role in the regulation of the hormonal system, produces more corticotropin-releasing hormone, which leads to an increase in the release of cortisol, the main stress hormone. An increase in cortisol levels can disrupt the hormonal system and lead to menstrual irregularities.

Stressful situations can take many forms, including emotional stress, physical stress, diet or malnutrition. All of these factors can trigger the body’s response to stress and affect the functioning of the hormonal system.

However, it is worth noting that stress is not the only cause of amenorrhea. Perhaps there are other factors that can affect the regularity of the menstrual cycle. If you’re having problems with your period, it’s important to see a gynecologist to diagnose and identify possible causes of the condition.

Prevention and treatment of stress amenorrhea

To prevent and treat stress amenorrhea, it is recommended to take comprehensive measures aimed at reducing stress levels and restoring the normal functioning of the reproductive system.

Stress management is an important part of the prevention and treatment of amenorrhea. Psychotherapy, relaxation practices, and meditation can be helpful tools for reducing stress levels. Regular physical activity, such as yoga, swimming, or walking, can help relieve stress and improve overall well-being.

Proper nutrition also plays an important role in preventing stress and restoring the menstrual cycle. Nutrition should be balanced, rich in vitamins and minerals. It is recommended to increase the intake of food containing iodine, magnesium, iron, zinc and B vitamins.

In some cases, medical intervention may be required. Hormone therapy, such as oral contraceptives or progesterone, is sometimes prescribed to restore the menstrual cycle. Treatment of stress and anxiety associated with amenorrhea may include anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) drugs.

It is important to remember that in order to choose the most effective method for the prevention and treatment of stress-induced amenorrhea, consultation with a specialist – a gynecologist or endocrinologist – is necessary.

Tips for relieving stress and normalizing the menstrual cycle

Stress can have a negative effect on menstruation and cause menstrual irregularities. To relieve stress and normalize the menstrual cycle, there are several recommendations that you can try:

• Relaxation practices: Engage in regular stress relief exercises such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing. These techniques will help you relax and reduce your stress levels, which can have a positive effect on your menstrual cycle.
• Regular exercise: exercise regularly. Physical activity helps release endorphins, happy hormones, which in turn help reduce stress and normalize your menstrual cycle.
• Proper nutrition: watch your diet and eat right. Eat foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, such as vegetables, fruits, green vegetables, and healthy fats. This will help reduce stress levels and improve overall health, including the menstrual cycle.
• Social network support: connect with friends, loved ones or attend support groups. Talking and supporting others can help you cope with stress and improve your mental state, which in turn can have a positive effect on your menstrual cycle.
• Creating a private space: find a place where you feel comfortable and calm. It could be your room, a park, or another place where you can retire and relax. Regularly spending time in such a space will help you relieve stress and normalize your menstrual cycle.

But remember that every body is different and what works for one person may not work for another. If your stress and menstruation problems continue, see your doctor for personalized advice and help.

Relaxation techniques as a method of preventing stress and amenorrhea

Stress and amenorrhea are often linked, and therefore relaxation techniques can be useful in preventing and treating both problems.

One of the main relaxation techniques is deep breathing. During times of stress, our breathing often becomes shallow and uneven, which can lead to additional physiological and psychological problems. To restore harmonious breathing, you can try the following exercise: sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes and slowly inhale through your nose, filling your stomach with air. Then exhale slowly through your mouth, emptying your lungs. Repeat this sequence for several minutes, focusing only on the breath.

Another effective relaxation technique is progressive muscle relaxation. This exercise consists in sequential tension and relaxation of various muscle groups of the body. You can start, for example, with the muscles of the face, then move on to the neck, shoulders, chest, arms, abdomen, legs and back. By tensing and relaxing each muscle group, you can feel how the body becomes more relaxed and calm.

It is also worth paying attention to meditation and yoga as effective relaxation techniques. Meditation allows you to improve self-awareness and focus on the present moment, which is useful for both relieving stress and restoring menstrual function. Yoga combines elements of physical exercise and breathing practices to help relax the body and mind, reduce stress levels, and improve overall well-being.

It is important to understand that relaxation techniques can be effective in preventing stress and amenorrhea, but work best as part of a holistic approach that also includes a healthy lifestyle, improved nutrition, and regular physical activity. If stress and amenorrhea persist with these techniques, a doctor should be consulted for further assistance and advice.

Relationship between psychological well-being and regular menstruation

Menstruation is a natural physiological process in women, which is associated with cyclical changes in the body. However, various factors, including psychological well-being, can affect the regularity of menstruation.

Scientific studies show that stress and psychological tension can be associated with menstrual irregularities. Constant emotional experiences and increased levels of stress can lead to a change in the production of hormones responsible for regulating the cycle. This can lead to a violation of the regularity of menstruation, both to its delay, and to too frequent or more abundant and painful menstruation.

On the other hand, psychological well-being and stress levels may be positively associated with a regular menstrual cycle. Studies show that women with low levels of stress and high levels of psychological well-being have a more stable and regular menstrual cycle. They also report less problems with menstruation in the form of pain and discomfort.

It is important to note that psychological well-being and stress are complex and multifaceted concepts that can depend on many factors, including individual characteristics of a person, situation and external conditions. However, research suggests that psychological well-being matters for the regularity of menstruation and their pain-free flow.

For women experiencing menstrual irregularities due to stress or other psychological factors, it is important to see a specialist for appropriate assistance. Taking steps to reduce stress and increase psychological well-being can have a positive impact on menstrual regularity and overall well-being.

Stress and lack of menstruation: a way to restore hormonal balance

Stress can have a negative impact on many aspects of our health, and one of them is the menstrual cycle. Numerous studies suggest that stress can lead to no or unmanageable changes in the menstrual cycle in women.

Stress causes activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, resulting in increased release of cortisol, the stress hormone. Excessive amounts of cortisol can affect the work of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which regulate hormonal balance in the body. As a result, signaling failures occur, which lead to disturbances in folliculogenesis and ovulation, which can lead to the absence of menstruation.

Recovery of hormonal balance after stress can be lengthy and require an integrated approach. One of the key points is stress management. Regular relaxation practices, such as yoga or meditation, can help reduce stress levels and restore normal functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

In addition, women are advised to pay attention to their lifestyle and diet. Regular physical activity, moderate consumption of foods rich in vitamins and minerals, and a balanced sleep and rest regimen can help restore menstrual cycle and hormonal balance.

It is also important to see a doctor who can conduct a detailed examination and identify any possible medical reasons for not having a period. In some cases, medical intervention may be required to restore the normal function of the reproductive system.

Q&A:

How are stress and lack of menstruation related?

Stress may be one of the reasons for the lack of menstruation. When the body is subjected to chronic stress, it can affect the functioning of the hormonal system and cause disturbances in the regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Can stress affect the regularity of menstruation?

Yes, stress can affect the regularity of your periods. When the body is under stress, the pituitary gland, which is responsible for ovulation and cycle regulation, can malfunction.

Other than stress, what other factors can cause missed periods?

The absence of periods can be caused not only by stress, but also by factors such as extreme physical activity, malnutrition, weight changes, the use of certain drugs, thyroid disorders and other diseases.

How long can the lack of menses last due to stress?

The period of absence of menstruation due to stress can be different for each woman. For some, this condition can last for several weeks or months, while for others it can last longer. If the absence of menstruation persists for a long time, it is recommended to consult a doctor to find out the causes and prescribe treatment.

Can menstruation disappear during periods of severe stress and then return?

Yes, during times of great stress, menstruation may disappear for a while and then be restored. The restoration of the menstrual cycle usually occurs after the elimination of the causes of stress and the restoration of a normal psycho-emotional state.

How can you tell if a lack of menstruation is due to stress?

Stress can be used to determine if a missed period is due to stress by ruling out other possible causes. If you don’t experience other medical conditions, haven’t had surgery, haven’t taken medication, ruled out pregnancy, and have a high level of stress in your life, then it could be stress related.

Can menses return after stress relief?

After stress is relieved and a normal psycho-emotional state is restored, menstruation usually returns. When the body ceases to be under the influence of chronic stress, the hormonal system begins to function normally and menstruation returns to its regular cycle.

How are stress and hormones related?

Stress can affect hormones. During stress, the body experiences changes in hormone levels that can disrupt the regulation of the menstrual cycle. Stress can cause levels of cortisol, a hormone that can signal to the pituitary gland that the body is under stress and not ready to reproduce, to rise.

Can stress cause a complete cessation of menstruation?

In some cases, stress can cause a complete cessation of menstruation. If the body is under the influence of prolonged and severe stress, this can lead to disruption of the pituitary gland and the hormonal system, which can cause a complete cessation of menstruation. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a doctor to find out the causes and prescribe treatment.

Delayed periods due to stress: how long does it last and what effect does it have on the body

Delayed periods due to stress: how long does it last and what effect does it have on the body

The menstrual cycle is a significant indicator of women’s health. If it is regular and there are no disturbing symptoms, then the gynecologist can be visited for preventive purposes 1-2 times a year. Failures in the cycle and a delay in menstruation can indicate both the onset of pregnancy and possible problems, so an urgent consultation with a specialist is necessary.

To know the average cycle time, you need to understand what it is. The menstrual cycle is the period from the first day of menstruation to the first day of the next discharge. The body of each woman is unique, so the average cycle time can vary between 21-32 days. The main thing is that it should be regular. For example, in one woman in different months, the cycle should fluctuate within 1-2 days, but no more. The normal duration of menstruation is also individual. For different women, it can be from 3 to 7 days. Failures in the cycle and the duration of menstruation can appear for various reasons, including due to a change in the psycho-emotional state.

How stress affects menstruation

Stress is one of the common causes of irregular periods. It is a protective reaction of the body and develops in response to various factors: physical overstrain, problems at work or in the family, and more. Irritability, feeling of depression, apathy, insomnia, loss of appetite are true companions of stress. Not only the emotional state is negatively affected, but the whole organism, including the reproductive system.

Influence of prolactin. Under the influence of strong emotions, changes occur in the endocrine gland, increased production of the hormone prolactin in the pituitary gland begins. This is the same protein substance that is normally synthesized during pregnancy and contributes to normal lactation. But in a normal situation, it does not work. Under its influence, the activity of the thyroid gland slows down, communication with the pituitary gland is disrupted, and the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone increases. This, in turn, can lead to disruption of the menstrual cycle, which usually manifests itself in an increase in the interval between periods. If the concentration of prolactin is too high, menstruation may be absent altogether.

Influence of cortisol. During stress, the activity of the adrenal cortex is activated, where another hormone is synthesized that affects the menstrual cycle – cortisol. This is a substance of a steroid nature, the excess of which negatively affects the hormonal background of a woman. What can manifest itself in the growth of body hair (male type), body fat, deterioration of the skin. If cortisol levels are elevated over time, it can lead to weight gain. Obesity negatively affects the reproductive system and may be the cause of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Types and causes of stress

Stress can be short-term or long-term. In the first case, it is a natural reaction of the body to negative events and can even be beneficial. It helps to mobilize forces to solve the problem and leaves the opportunity to recover. Prolonged stress can cause a number of health problems. Each type of stress can be caused by different causes, the most common of which are the following:

• heavy physical exertion;
• emotional upheavals;
• acclimatization;
• lifestyle changes;
• previous injuries, operations;
• problems at work;
• lack of mutual understanding in the family, etc.

What delay is considered the norm

As mentioned above, each organism is individual, therefore failures in the menstrual cycle are also individual. If pregnancy has not occurred and there are no serious reasons for concern, then the delay in menstruation usually does not exceed 5 days. In severe cases, the absence of menstruation can last for several months and requires treatment.

It is worth noting that in adolescents during puberty, the menstrual cycle is unstable. Within two years from the beginning of the first bleeding, it should be established.

How to deal with stress

Stress is a problem that can and should be dealt with. Check out a few methods that are available to everyone, but do not lose their effectiveness.

Let yourself rest. Everything can be put into action: from a warm bath with oils to a bike ride, from shopping to traveling. Choose what will allow you to relax as much as possible and forget about problems.

Add positive emotions. Do something that brings you joy: meet up with friends, go on a romantic date, ride the rides.

Get a good night’s sleep. It is important for a woman to sleep at least 8 hours a day. A quality night’s rest is a guarantee of health, well-being and a beautiful appearance.

Eat well.