How does stress affect menstrual cycles. What are the signs of stress-induced period delays. When should you consult a doctor about missed periods. How can you manage stress to regulate your menstrual cycle.

The Connection Between Stress and Menstrual Cycle Disruptions

Stress can indeed cause a delay in your menstrual cycle. This phenomenon is more common than many people realize. The intricate relationship between stress and your menstrual cycle is rooted in the body’s hormonal balance and the complex interplay of various physiological systems.

When you experience stress, your body releases cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone.” Elevated cortisol levels can interfere with the normal functioning of the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle. This interference can lead to hormonal imbalances, potentially causing a delay in ovulation and, consequently, a late period.

How Stress Affects the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis

The HPA axis is a complex system involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. This system is responsible for the body’s stress response and plays a significant role in regulating reproductive hormones. When stress activates the HPA axis, it can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones necessary for normal menstrual function.

Chronic stress can lead to prolonged activation of the HPA axis, which may result in:

• Suppression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) production
• Decreased luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels
• Reduced estrogen and progesterone production
• Irregular or absent ovulation

Identifying Stress-Induced Menstrual Delays

Recognizing when stress is affecting your menstrual cycle can help you take appropriate action. Here are some signs that stress might be causing your period delay:

• Irregular cycle lengths that coincide with stressful events
• Changes in menstrual flow or duration
• Increased premenstrual symptoms
• Mood swings or heightened emotional sensitivity
• Physical symptoms like headaches or digestive issues

Is it possible to differentiate between stress-related delays and other causes? While it can be challenging, paying attention to your stress levels and life events can provide valuable clues. If you notice a pattern of delayed periods during or after particularly stressful times, it’s likely that stress is a contributing factor.

The Impact of Different Types of Stress on Menstrual Cycles

Not all stress affects the menstrual cycle in the same way. Various types of stress can have different impacts on your period:

Acute Stress

Short-term, intense stress (such as from an exam or a sudden life change) may cause a temporary delay in your period. Once the stressor is resolved, your cycle often returns to normal relatively quickly.

Chronic Stress

Long-term, persistent stress (like ongoing work pressure or relationship issues) can lead to more significant and prolonged menstrual irregularities. Chronic stress may result in consistently irregular cycles or even cause amenorrhea (absence of periods) in some cases.

Physical Stress

Extreme physical stress, such as intense athletic training or significant weight loss, can also disrupt menstrual cycles. This type of stress can lead to a condition called functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, where the body temporarily stops ovulating.

When to Seek Medical Advice for Missed Periods

While occasional stress-induced period delays are common, persistent irregularities warrant medical attention. You should consult a healthcare provider if:

• You miss three or more periods in a row
• Your periods become extremely irregular
• You experience severe pain or heavy bleeding
• You suspect you might be pregnant
• You have other concerning symptoms alongside menstrual changes

A healthcare professional can help determine whether stress or another underlying condition is causing your menstrual irregularities. They may perform various tests, including hormone level assessments and physical examinations, to rule out other potential causes such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or reproductive system abnormalities.

Strategies to Manage Stress and Regulate Your Menstrual Cycle

Effectively managing stress can help restore balance to your menstrual cycle. Here are some strategies to consider:

Lifestyle Modifications

• Regular exercise: Engage in moderate physical activity to reduce stress and promote hormonal balance
• Balanced diet: Consume a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
• Adequate sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night
• Time management: Prioritize tasks and set realistic goals to reduce daily stress

Stress-Reduction Techniques

• Meditation and mindfulness practices
• Deep breathing exercises
• Yoga or tai chi
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Journaling or creative expression

Social Support and Professional Help

Building a strong support network and seeking professional help when needed can significantly impact stress levels. Consider:

• Talking to friends and family about your concerns
• Joining support groups or online communities
• Consulting a therapist or counselor for stress management strategies
• Working with a healthcare provider to address any underlying health issues

The Role of Hormonal Balance in Menstrual Regularity

Maintaining hormonal balance is crucial for menstrual regularity. Stress can disrupt this balance, but there are ways to support your body’s natural hormone production:

Nutrition for Hormonal Health

Certain nutrients play a vital role in hormone production and regulation. Include these in your diet:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts)
• Vitamin D (from sunlight exposure and fortified foods)
• B vitamins (found in leafy greens, legumes, and whole grains)
• Magnesium (present in nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate)
• Zinc (found in oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds)

Herbal Supplements

Some herbs may help support hormonal balance and reduce stress. However, always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen. Potentially beneficial herbs include:

• Ashwagandha
• Chasteberry (Vitex)
• Maca root
• Rhodiola

Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Chronic Stress on Reproductive Health

Chronic stress not only affects your menstrual cycle but can also have broader implications for your reproductive health. Prolonged stress may lead to:

• Reduced fertility
• Increased risk of pregnancy complications
• Exacerbation of conditions like endometriosis or PCOS
• Early onset of menopause

Addressing chronic stress is essential for maintaining overall reproductive health and well-being. This may involve making significant lifestyle changes, seeking professional help, or even considering a career change if work-related stress is a major factor.

The Importance of Tracking Your Menstrual Cycle

Keeping track of your menstrual cycle can provide valuable insights into how stress affects your body. By monitoring your cycle, you can:

• Identify patterns in cycle length and regularity
• Recognize potential stress-related delays
• Better predict ovulation for fertility purposes
• Detect early signs of hormonal imbalances

There are numerous apps and methods available for tracking your menstrual cycle. Choose one that suits your lifestyle and consistently record your cycle details, including start dates, duration, and any associated symptoms.

Combining Cycle Tracking with Stress Management

Integrating cycle tracking with stress management techniques can be particularly effective. Consider:

• Noting stressful events alongside your cycle data
• Tracking stress levels throughout your cycle
• Adjusting stress management strategies based on cycle phases
• Using cycle tracking to predict potentially stressful periods and prepare accordingly

By understanding the interplay between your menstrual cycle and stress levels, you can take proactive steps to maintain hormonal balance and overall well-being.

Can stress cause long-term changes to your menstrual cycle? While occasional stress-induced delays are usually temporary, chronic stress can lead to more persistent cycle changes. However, with proper stress management and lifestyle adjustments, most women can restore their menstrual regularity over time. If cycle irregularities persist despite stress reduction efforts, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out other potential underlying causes.

The relationship between stress and menstrual cycles is complex and can vary from person to person. By understanding this connection, implementing effective stress management strategies, and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers, women can take control of their menstrual health and overall well-being. Remember that your menstrual cycle is a vital sign of your overall health, and paying attention to its patterns can provide valuable insights into your body’s needs and responses to stress.

When Stress Delays Your Period and How to Bring it Back

Best seller

Foundational FLO Protocol™

For those wanting to optimize fertility with average menstrual symptoms

Best seller

Cycle Syncing® Membership

For those wanting to optimize fertility with average menstrual symptoms

Best seller

Cycle Syncing® Supplements

For those wanting to optimize fertility with average menstrual symptoms

Woman Code

For those struggling with absent or infrequent periods, heavy bleeding, and other more intense menstrual symptoms

Read Woman Code

In the Flo

For those struggling with absent or infrequent periods, heavy bleeding, and other more intense menstrual symptoms

Read In the Flo

We can help you address your underlying issues and understand your hormones like never before

Take our assessmentLearn more about our program

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Alisha A   /  46 years old

Heavy bleeding

Fibroids

Infertility

Flo Care Plan

Can Stress Delay Your Period? Yes, and It’s a Common Reason

Can Stress Delay Your Period? Yes, and It’s a Common Reason

Jump to

1. Main content
2. Search
3. Account

Insider logoThe word “Insider”.

ReviewsThe word Reviews
Account iconAn icon in the shape of a person’s head and shoulders. It often indicates a user profile.
Account iconAn icon in the shape of a person’s head and shoulders. It often indicates a user profile.

Back to TopA white circle with a black border surrounding a chevron pointing up. It indicates ‘click here to go back to the top of the page.’

Back to Top

Reviews

Health

Save Article IconA bookmarkShare iconAn curved arrow pointing right.
Read in app

Your mental health can affect when your period arrives.

Getty/Royalty-Free

• It’s normal for stress to delay a period, or even cause you to skip it entirely. 
• Stress hormones are known to affect menstruation, and research has found that those with higher levels of perceived stress are more likely to miss a period. 
• If your period is irregular or doesn’t occur for three months, you should talk with a gynecologist. 
• This article was medically reviewed by Jamie Lipeles, DO, OB/GYN and founder of Marina OB/GYN. 
• Visit Insider’s homepage for more stories.

The majority of the time, periods arrive like clockwork. But sometimes, periods are late or skipped entirely.  

There are all sorts of reasons for a missed period. Pregnancy tops the list, of course. But other factors — including taking some medications, hormonal issues, and menopause — can also delay your period. 

In fact, stress is a common reason for a period that doesn’t arrive on schedule. 

“A woman’s menstrual cycle can be a great barometer for her stress level — both acute stress and chronic stress,” says Lisa Valle, DO, OB/GYN at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. 

Yes, stress can delay a period 

Stress leads to an increase in cortisol, known as the stress hormone. As this hormone increases, it “can wreak havoc on the menstrual cycle by altering the normal hormonal patterns that allow for ovulation and menstruation to occur,” says Valle. 

Hormones play an essential role in the menstrual cycle, so it’s not surprising that an increase in the cortisol hormone has an impact. 

Here’s how your cycle typically progresses: Hormones are released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which in turn cause a response in the ovaries. “It is a fine, delicate balance between your hormones — estrogen and progesterone — that determines your menstrual flow,” Valle says. Stress upends these hormonal patterns. 

“This can result in a missed period, delayed bleeding, breakthrough bleeding, or an early period depending on when the stress occurs during the cycle,” Valle says. 

Stress can cause amenorrhea, or a missed period

According to Cleveland Clinic, amenorrhea is the absence of a monthly period. This can occur as a result of issues with the ovaries, reproductive organs, or hormones — and stress is a known cause. 

In a study that examined the connection between menstrual problems and stress, female students who had high perceived stress were four times more likely to experience amenorrhea. Other studies have found a similar connection between stress and irregular menstruation. 

Stress can also lead to a longer cycle, a condition known as oligomenorrhea, says Briana Livingston, MD, OB/GYN at MemorialCare Medical Group. A late or skipped period can be a cause of additional stress, notes Livingston, especially if you’re not trying to get pregnant. 

From your body’s perspective, the type of stress you’re experiencing doesn’t matter. “Any type of stress can affect your period. This can be emotional, mental or physical,” says Valle. 

 If you are stressed, Livingston advises trying meditation, exercising regularly, and discussing problems with loved ones or a mental health professional. The good news is that once your stress passes, your period should go back to normal. 

“When major stress in your life resolves, your period will almost always resume its regular schedule without any long lasting effects on your cycle or your fertility,” says Livingston.  

Depression can also affect your period 

Like stress, depression can also have an effect on hormones. Depression is one of the factors that can lead to amenorrhea, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The two conditions are often linked — people with chronic stress in their life have a higher risk of developing depression, notes the Mayo Clinic. 

There’s another consideration when it comes to depression and your period: Some antidepressant medications — including SSRIs — can increase the levels of a hormone called prolactin, according to a March 2015 review published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. This can delay your period or skip it entirely. 

Plus, people experiencing depression often shift their eating habits and experience a loss of appetite. Not eating sufficiently, and having a low body weight, are potential causes of amenorrhea, per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

If your period is irregular — or doesn’t occur at all — for more than three months, you should talk to your gynecologist, Livingston says.  

• How many periods you can miss before you should worry
• Why you might be cramping a week before your period — from pregnancy to a UTI
• Heating pads, exercising, ibuprofen, and other ways to get rid of period cramps
• Yes, you can safely swim while on your period with or without a tampon
• Birth control pills can help treat acne, but some types are better than others
• The best diet for endometriosis that can help relieve painful symptoms
• How to treat vaginismus through dilation training and counseling

Madeleine Burry

Madeleine Burry is a freelance writer for Insider.

Read moreRead less

Health
Period
Stress

More…

Stop on demand. Should I “turn off” my period while on vacation?

• July 28, 2017

Stop on request. Should I “turn off” my period while on vacation?

AiF Zdorovye No. 30 07/25/2017

I so want to go on vacation to the sea, swim in plenty! But what if this time coincided with menstruation? To reconcile or use modern hormonal means with the help of which this trouble can be “cancelled” for a while?

Today, women more and more confidently choose the second option, especially since these funds are widely available, and articles appear in the press saying that there is no need to be afraid of hormones: they are our reliable friends and helpers. Let’s see if this is actually the case.

Our expert is the head of the department of the branch of the State Clinical Hospital named after. V.V. Veresaeva, obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category, candidate of medical sciences Ekaterina Kiryanova.

Mindless games

In cases where a woman is already taking combined contraceptives prescribed by a doctor, the problem is solved quite simply: instead of the usual seven-day break, you should immediately switch to taking pills from a new pack.

If a woman has not taken contraceptives before, she can consult a doctor who can help you choose the pills that are most suitable and start taking them on the same schedule. In this case, menstruation does not begin. Then you can return to the previous course or cancel it.

Critical days postponed for the time of certain events, many begin to practice constantly: in the case of a tourist trip, competitions, going to the pool or spa, romantic dates or job interviews. Not only that: not everyone goes to the doctor about this. Someone gets by with the advice of a girlfriend or a pharmacist at the nearest pharmacy. It would seem how simple and convenient: I took a pill – and there was no premenstrual syndrome and subsequent bleeding.

Such experiments with the female menstrual cycle are not as safe as it might seem at first glance. “Cancelling” or postponing the onset of critical days at our discretion, we inevitably interfere with one of the most important functions for a person – the reproductive system. She is quite fragile and vulnerable. Such games in the masters of their nature can end very badly.

Don’t risk it!

The most formidable complications of taking hormonal contraceptives, sometimes fatal, are venous and arterial thrombosis and hepatic coma, when the patient does not always have time to get to the hospital. From obstetric and gynecological – first of all, these are menstrual irregularities, uterine bleeding, various neoplasms. Against this background, there may be problems with the onset of pregnancy, up to infertility. Negative consequences are also possible from the side of the mammary glands.

Obstetrician-gynecologists know many such stories. Often they are approached by young women who, against the background of self-started taking hormonal drugs, literally in the first cycle experienced thromboembolism of small branches of the pulmonary artery, and this is a deadly condition. Even more often, as a result of taking this kind of remedy, menstruation stops completely, amenorrhea sets in, which also has to be treated for a long time and not always successfully.

Correct solution

A woman who thinks she has deceived her nature so cleverly is actually deceiving herself. There is no medical indication for the abolition of menstruation, even the Olympic Games.

Doctors who often have to deal with the consequences of uncontrolled intake of hormonal drugs come to the conclusion: it is better to adjust the vacation so that it does not coincide with critical days than to reshape your body for the sake of the vacation.

And if this fails, there are alternative ways to mitigate this condition. Today, pharmacies sell special fortified preparations for women that help to survive PMS more easily and make bleeding less profuse and painful. It is better to take them in courses, at least two or three months, and in the summer.

In order not to deprive yourself of the possibility of bathing, there are tampons. Gynecologists do not prohibit swimming in reservoirs if, after going ashore, the tampon is immediately replaced with a new one.

Let’s not forget that menstruation is not forever. They will definitely end, but good vacation memories will remain, especially if they are without health consequences.

How to induce menstruation – Lifehacker

January 28

Likbez

Health

There is only one really effective and safe way.

Menstruation can be controlled. Call them ahead of time, for example, so that the first and most difficult days of the cycle do not coincide with an important event like a competition or a wedding. Or still provoke their onset when they are delayed not because of pregnancy (such experiments during it are deadly), spoil plans and make you nervous. But even if you are not pregnant, once again think about whether the game is worth the candle.

How to induce menstruation

To understand this, it is important to understand how menstruation works.

While the female body is going through ovulation, the uterus is preparing to accept the fertilized egg and create the most comfortable conditions for it for further division and growth. Under the influence of hormones (mainly estrogen and progesterone), the lining of the uterus – the so-called endometrium – becomes thicker, softer, looser so that the egg can hook on and find nutrition.

If the egg is successfully fertilized, it descends into the uterus and settles in the prepared loose endometrium – the development of the fetus begins.

If not, the egg dies. The thickened endometrium is no longer needed, and the body gets rid of it. First, the level of progesterone, on which the nutrition of the mucosa depends, sharply decreases. Due to the lack of nutrients, the endometrium withers and atrophies. The vessels that connect it to the uterus become thinner and eventually rupture. The onset of bleeding washes out of the uterus an already unnecessary layer of mucous.

Around the same time, estrogen levels rise. In this case, it causes the uterus to contract, pushing out everything unnecessary.

As you can see, there are only two ways to induce menstruation:

1. Hormonal, that is, taking hormone-based drugs that will create conditions for rejection of the mucous membrane. This method is especially good if you are preparing for some important event and you have a couple of months left.
2. Non-hormonal, that is, creating conditions under which the vessels connecting the endometrium with the walls of the uterus will burst. But by artificially causing rejection of the mucosa, you risk damaging large vessels and provoking uterine bleeding. Especially if there is a possibility of pregnancy.

Be sure to take a pregnancy test. If he shows two stripes, do not risk it and go to the doctor!

Anyway, before doing anything, consult a gynecologist.

How to induce periods hormonally

The most effective and safest way to induce periods at the right time is to prepare for it in advance.

If you have an important event ahead of you, such as a vacation or a competition, start taking hormonal birth control a couple of cycles before it. Naturally, those that the gynecologist will recommend to you.

A couple of days before the day you would like to schedule your period, just stop taking the drug (or switch to dummy tablets, if they are provided in the dosage form). Your hormones will change and cause your period, or withdrawal bleeding, to be premature.

The second option is to start a new pack without interruption (no placebo), and then quit at the right time.

Finally, you can start taking contraceptives on the eve of an important event. Most likely, in this case, there will be no menstruation. But if the drug does not work, side effects may appear: nausea, breast engorgement, and so on.

All three options are not dangerous. You just need to remember that contraceptives should not be taken without consulting a doctor. Also, you can’t throw them away when you want to. If you have already started, drink at least for a long time (after all, this is a good method of contraception)

How to induce menstruation in non-hormonal ways

Let’s repeat the important thing: if a pregnancy test shows you two strips, go to the doctor. The fetus has already begun to develop, which means that the vessels connecting the endometrium to the walls of the uterus can be quite large.

Rupture of vessels is fraught with extensive uterine bleeding and deadly blood loss.

If there is no pregnancy, but there is a delay, do not panic. There are a dozen reasons why menstruation may come later. Among them, stress, acclimatization, diet, fatigue, physical overstrain … Such conditions affect the hormonal background and sometimes delay the onset of menstruation. So, perhaps you just need to wait: within a few days, menstruation will come on its own.

But if there is neither pregnancy nor time, you can try to speed up the process. However, none of these methods has been scientifically proven to be effective.

1. Eat oranges

Or any citrus fruits and other fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C: black currants, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, red and green peppers… It is believed that ascorbic acid can increase estrogen levels and reduce the amount of progesterone. That is, perhaps the endometrium will begin to die, and the uterus will actively contract. And menstruation will come faster.

2. Drink ginger or parsley tea

Boil a small piece of peeled and finely chopped ginger root in a glass of water for 5-7 minutes. Strain, add sugar or honey to taste.

You can also make parsley tea: pour 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs into a glass of boiling water and let it steep for about 5 minutes.

Both drinks can cause mild uterine contractions. And this, perhaps, will accelerate the arrival of menstruation.

3. Take a hot bath

Firstly, high temperature will improve blood circulation, including in the pelvic organs. This means that the risk of uterine contractions and the chances of a rapid onset of menstruation will increase.

Secondly, a hot bath is relaxing and helps relieve stress, which sometimes slows down the onset of menstruation.

You can also apply a warm compress to the lower abdomen. Even a working laptop will do.

4. Relax properly

The meaning of this is to relieve all the same stress. Take a day off, lounge on the couch with a book, do yoga, do breathing exercises, or use any other relaxation technique.

If you are a professional athlete, reduce the load: overexertion can also cause a delay in menstruation.