Why is my period late. What causes menstrual cycle irregularities. How does stress affect your period. When should I be concerned about a missed period. What lifestyle factors can delay menstruation.

The Impact of Stress on Your Menstrual Cycle

Stress is a common factor that can significantly affect a woman’s menstrual cycle. The hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for regulating your period, is particularly sensitive to external stressors. When you’re under stress, your body produces cortisol, a hormone that can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones controlling your menstrual cycle.

How does this disruption occur? Normally, the hypothalamus releases chemicals that stimulate the pituitary gland, which in turn signals the ovaries to release estrogen and progesterone. However, high cortisol levels can interfere with this process, potentially leading to irregular, delayed, or even missed periods.

The Stress-Period Connection

The relationship between stress and menstrual irregularities is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. The impact of stress on your period depends on various factors, including:

• The intensity of the stress
• The duration of the stressful period
• Your individual stress tolerance
• Your overall health and lifestyle habits

For some women, even minor stressors can cause noticeable changes in their menstrual cycle, while others may only experience disruptions during periods of intense or prolonged stress.

Hormonal Imbalances and Menstrual Irregularities

Hormonal imbalances are another significant factor that can lead to late or missed periods. These imbalances can be caused by various conditions, including:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects many women of reproductive age. It’s characterized by an imbalance in reproductive hormones, which can lead to irregular periods, among other symptoms. Women with PCOS may experience infrequent, prolonged, or unpredictable menstrual cycles.

Thyroid Disorders

Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can affect the menstrual cycle. An underactive thyroid may cause heavier or more frequent periods, while an overactive thyroid can lead to lighter or less frequent periods.

Birth Control and Its Effects on Menstruation

Many forms of hormonal birth control can affect your menstrual cycle. Some common effects include:

• Lighter periods
• Shorter periods
• Less frequent periods
• No periods at all (amenorrhea)

These effects are generally considered normal and are often one of the reasons women choose certain types of birth control. However, if you’re concerned about changes in your menstrual cycle after starting birth control, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider.

Lifestyle Factors That Can Delay Your Period

Various lifestyle factors can contribute to menstrual irregularities. Understanding these can help you identify potential causes of a late period:

Extreme Weight Changes

Significant weight loss or gain can affect your menstrual cycle. Being underweight or overweight can disrupt the hormonal balance necessary for regular periods. Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise can help regulate your cycle.

Intense Exercise

While regular exercise is beneficial for overall health, excessive or intense exercise can lead to menstrual irregularities. This is particularly common in athletes and can result in a condition called amenorrhea, where periods stop altogether.

Sleep Disturbances

Poor sleep quality or irregular sleep patterns can disrupt your body’s hormonal balance, potentially leading to menstrual irregularities. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and practicing good sleep hygiene can help maintain a regular menstrual cycle.

Medical Conditions That May Cause Menstrual Irregularities

Several medical conditions can lead to late or missed periods. Some of these include:

Endometriosis

This condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause painful, heavy, or irregular periods.

Uterine Fibroids

These non-cancerous growths in the uterus can cause heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, as well as pain or pressure in the pelvic area.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

This infection of the reproductive organs can cause irregular menstrual bleeding, along with other symptoms such as pelvic pain and fever.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Late Period

While occasional menstrual irregularities are common, persistent changes in your cycle may warrant medical attention. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if:

• You’ve missed three or more periods in a row
• Your periods have become increasingly irregular
• You experience excessive bleeding or severe pain during your period
• You suspect you might be pregnant
• You’re experiencing other concerning symptoms along with menstrual changes

A healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause of your menstrual irregularities and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Natural Ways to Regulate Your Menstrual Cycle

While some causes of menstrual irregularities require medical intervention, there are several natural approaches that may help regulate your cycle:

Stress Management Techniques

Implementing stress-reduction strategies can help normalize cortisol levels and potentially regulate your menstrual cycle. Consider trying:

• Meditation or mindfulness practices
• Yoga or tai chi
• Deep breathing exercises
• Regular physical activity
• Adequate sleep and relaxation time

Balanced Nutrition

A well-balanced diet can support hormonal balance and menstrual regularity. Focus on:

• Consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables
• Including lean proteins and healthy fats in your diet
• Staying hydrated
• Limiting processed foods and excess sugar

Herbal Remedies

Some herbs are believed to support menstrual health, although scientific evidence varies. Always consult with a healthcare provider before trying herbal remedies. Some commonly used herbs include:

• Chasteberry (Vitex)
• Evening primrose oil
• Ginger
• Red raspberry leaf

Remember, while these natural approaches may be helpful, they’re not a substitute for professional medical advice, especially if you’re experiencing persistent menstrual irregularities.

The Role of Age in Menstrual Irregularities

Age plays a significant role in menstrual regularity. As women approach different life stages, their menstrual cycles can undergo changes:

Adolescence

In the first few years after menarche (the first menstrual period), it’s common for cycles to be irregular. The body is still adjusting to the new hormonal patterns, and it may take some time for periods to become regular.

Reproductive Years

During the prime reproductive years (typically late teens to late 40s), most women experience relatively regular menstrual cycles. However, factors like stress, lifestyle changes, and certain medical conditions can still cause irregularities.

Perimenopause

As women approach menopause (typically in their 40s or early 50s), they enter a transitional phase called perimenopause. During this time, menstrual cycles may become irregular due to fluctuating hormone levels. Periods may be heavier or lighter, longer or shorter, or may skip months altogether.

Understanding these age-related changes can help you better interpret your menstrual patterns and know when to seek medical advice.

The Connection Between Nutrition and Menstrual Health

Your diet plays a crucial role in maintaining hormonal balance and menstrual regularity. Certain nutritional factors can influence your menstrual cycle:

Iron-Rich Foods

Iron is essential for menstrual health. Heavy periods can lead to iron deficiency, which in turn can cause menstrual irregularities. Including iron-rich foods in your diet, such as lean meats, leafy greens, and legumes, can help maintain adequate iron levels.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These healthy fats, found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce menstrual pain and regulate cycles.

Vitamin D

Some studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency may be linked to menstrual irregularities. Ensure you’re getting enough through sunlight exposure, fortified foods, or supplements (under medical supervision).

Complex Carbohydrates

Whole grains and other complex carbs can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which in turn can support hormonal balance and menstrual regularity.

While nutrition alone may not solve all menstrual issues, maintaining a balanced diet can contribute to overall reproductive health and potentially help regulate your cycle.

Remember, every woman’s body is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. If you’re experiencing persistent menstrual irregularities, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment options.

Can Stress Cause You to Skip a Period? – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

There’s everyday stress, and then there’s period-skipping stress. What makes them different? What kind of stress causes your body to skip a period? (Pandemics, perhaps?) And is it safe to go months without a period?

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Ob/gyn Swapna Kollikonda, MD, gives us the low-down on how stress might wage war on your menstrual cycle.

Stress impacts your menstrual cycle

The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that controls your period. It’s sensitive to external factors like exercise, sleep, stress or family drama. When working correctly, your hypothalamus releases chemicals that stimulate the pituitary gland, which then stimulate your ovary to release the period-inducing hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Enter cortisol, which is a hormone your body makes when you’re under stress. It can wreak havoc on the hypothalamus/pituitary/ovary interaction and result in irregular periods.

“When under stress, your body produces cortisol. Depending on how your body tolerates stress, the cortisol may lead to delayed or light periods — or no period at all (amenorrhea),” says Dr. Kollikonda. “If stress continues, you can go without a period for a long time.”

How much stress is too much?

There are many levels of stress ranging from a bad hair day to pandemics that shut you in your home for months. How stress affects your menstrual cycle is based on your unique brain and body.

“There’s a continuum. Lighter stress may have lesser impacts, and heavy stress may have more dramatic impacts that last longer,” says Dr. Kollikonda. “The higher your cortisol levels, the more likely you are to have missing or irregular periods.”

If you’re someone who goes off the rails quickly, you may be more susceptible to problematic periods.

When to see your physician if you miss your period

If you’ve ruled out pregnancy as a cause, see a physician after three missed or dramatically different periods. Estrogen and progesterone have important roles beyond menstruation. They:

• Stabilize your mood.
• Promote bone health.
• Support heart health.

“Sometimes, thyroid issues might interfere with hypothalamus/pituitary/ovary interactions resulting in disturbance of the menstrual cycle. Those conditions are generally easy to fix,” says Dr. Kollikonda. “Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is another condition that can impact the menstrual cycle due to a hormonal imbalance. So the first step is to rule out conditions that could be causing the period changes.”

Treatments for stress-related amenorrhea

“If you continue to skip periods, your body will have a hormonal imbalance. Talk to your doctor,” says Dr. Kollikonda. “Your doctor may prescribe contraceptive hormones that include estrogen and progesterone to correct the imbalance and regulate your cycle.”

But before that, your doctor will likely recommend finding ways to de-stress and bring the cortisol levels down. You can crank down the stress level with:

• Exercise.
• Good nutrition.
• Laughter.
• Meditation.
• Quality sleep.

“For more than half of my patients who dealt with infertility, the pandemic has actually decreased the stress that was impacting their cycle and ability to get pregnant,” says Dr. Kollikonda. “Because these women aren’t traveling as much and have reduced work stress, they have more time to connect with their partner. Many of my patients are going to see a baby boom early next year.”

Stress is personal — what’s cortisol-inducing to one woman may not be to another. “Tune in to your body to figure out what your stress triggers are, then work diligently to tamp them down,” says Dr. Kollikonda.

Why is my period late? 8 possible reasons

Having a late period can be very distressing, especially if a woman is used to having regular periods or is concerned about an unexpected pregnancy.

However, there are many other reasons why a woman might have a late period, ranging from birth control to stress.

In this article, we look at eight possible reasons for a late period.

Prolonged periods of stress can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, making it longer or shorter, or even causing a missed period.

Some women also report more painful period cramps when experiencing stress.

Avoiding the situations that cause the stress, taking regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can help a person eliminate stress and maintain a regular menstrual cycle.

If a woman is experiencing chronic stress, she might find it beneficial to speak to a doctor or counselor, who can help her identify effective coping mechanisms.

The average onset of menopause is around the age of 52 when a woman has not had a period for at least 12 months.

Many women experience symptoms as early as 10 to 15 years before menopause. This is known as perimenopause and indicates that estrogen levels are beginning to fluctuate.

Irregular estrogen levels can alter a woman’s menstrual cycle, making it common for women in perimenopause to experience irregular or missed periods. Once a woman has gone a full year without a period, she is said to have gone through menopause.

Significant weight loss or intense exercise can cause a woman to miss her period. Being underweight or having a low body-fat ratio can alter reproductive hormone levels, lowering them to levels where ovulation and menstruation do not occur.

A woman who has missed one or several periods after losing a significant amount of weight should consult a doctor or dietician about getting the appropriate amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that her body needs.

Just as weight loss can cause a woman to miss her period, being overweight can also affect a woman’s menstrual cycle.

Obesity and missed periods can sometimes signal that a woman has a medical condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), so it is important for a woman to be correctly diagnosed by a doctor.

The doctor may recommend blood tests or an ultrasound to look at the ovaries to make sure that no underlying medical conditions are causing missed periods.

Some types of birth control, particularly hormonal methods, can cause a woman to miss a period.

Typically, hormonal birth control provides a form of estrogen combined with progesterone for a set amount of time, followed by several hormone-free days. The withdrawal of these hormones triggers a period.

Sometimes, these hormones keep the lining of the uterus so thin that there is not enough of the lining to cause a period. This applies to all forms of hormonal birth control, including pills, patches, shots, implants, and rings.

In most cases, this is not harmful, but women should speak to a doctor with any concerns about their birth control method.

Some hormones, such as prolactin or thyroid hormones, can cause a woman to miss her period.

If a hormonal imbalance is responsible for a missed or late period, it can easily be detected with a blood test.

The cause of these hormonal imbalances needs to be investigated by a doctor. Some hormonal imbalances are a common problem that runs in families, or they might be caused by something much more serious, such as a brain tumor.

In many cases, taking medication can help periods return to their normal cycle.

PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of childbearing age.

Though the symptoms vary between individual women, those who have PCOS tend to have abnormal hormone levels, which can cause small cysts to develop on the ovaries, acne, excess facial and body hair, male-pattern baldness, and obesity.

Irregular or even absent periods are also a common feature of this condition.

Women who suspect that they have PCOS should visit their doctor for an evaluation. If not properly treated, an absence of periods during childbearing years may cause endometrial cancer.

Women should not rule out pregnancy as a possible reason that their period is late, even if they are using contraception. Women can still get pregnant even if they use birth control correctly.

A sexually active woman with a late period should use a home pregnancy test. It is important to note that there are no forms of birth control that are 100 percent effective. Anyone who is pregnant should seek prenatal healthcare right away.

A woman who has a negative result on the home pregnancy test but whose period still does not start should see a doctor.

If a woman is concerned about missed periods, it can be helpful to keep a written record of her periods, including the start and end dates, and a list of any other associated symptoms.

If a doctor has a written record to refer to, they can make a diagnosis more quickly. Using a simple calendar can work, but there are also apps available for smartphones.

Having regular check-ups with a gynecologist or women’s health specialist can help address many questions about menstrual cycles. Sometimes, a late period is an isolated occurrence and is not a cause for concern.

However, certain symptoms may require medical attention. They include:

• missing several periods in a row
• a positive pregnancy test
• having symptoms of PCOS, as described above
• having gained or lost a lot of weight
• feeling overly stressed

Why is my period late? 8 possible reasons

Having a late period can be very distressing, especially if a woman is used to having regular periods or is concerned about an unexpected pregnancy.

However, there are many other reasons why a woman might have a late period, ranging from birth control to stress.

In this article, we look at eight possible reasons for a late period.

Prolonged periods of stress can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, making it longer or shorter, or even causing a missed period.

Some women also report more painful period cramps when experiencing stress.

Avoiding the situations that cause the stress, taking regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can help a person eliminate stress and maintain a regular menstrual cycle.

If a woman is experiencing chronic stress, she might find it beneficial to speak to a doctor or counselor, who can help her identify effective coping mechanisms.

The average onset of menopause is around the age of 52 when a woman has not had a period for at least 12 months.

Many women experience symptoms as early as 10 to 15 years before menopause. This is known as perimenopause and indicates that estrogen levels are beginning to fluctuate.

Irregular estrogen levels can alter a woman’s menstrual cycle, making it common for women in perimenopause to experience irregular or missed periods. Once a woman has gone a full year without a period, she is said to have gone through menopause.

Significant weight loss or intense exercise can cause a woman to miss her period. Being underweight or having a low body-fat ratio can alter reproductive hormone levels, lowering them to levels where ovulation and menstruation do not occur.

A woman who has missed one or several periods after losing a significant amount of weight should consult a doctor or dietician about getting the appropriate amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that her body needs.

Just as weight loss can cause a woman to miss her period, being overweight can also affect a woman’s menstrual cycle.

Obesity and missed periods can sometimes signal that a woman has a medical condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), so it is important for a woman to be correctly diagnosed by a doctor.

The doctor may recommend blood tests or an ultrasound to look at the ovaries to make sure that no underlying medical conditions are causing missed periods.

Some types of birth control, particularly hormonal methods, can cause a woman to miss a period.

Typically, hormonal birth control provides a form of estrogen combined with progesterone for a set amount of time, followed by several hormone-free days. The withdrawal of these hormones triggers a period.

Sometimes, these hormones keep the lining of the uterus so thin that there is not enough of the lining to cause a period. This applies to all forms of hormonal birth control, including pills, patches, shots, implants, and rings.

In most cases, this is not harmful, but women should speak to a doctor with any concerns about their birth control method.

Some hormones, such as prolactin or thyroid hormones, can cause a woman to miss her period.

If a hormonal imbalance is responsible for a missed or late period, it can easily be detected with a blood test.

The cause of these hormonal imbalances needs to be investigated by a doctor. Some hormonal imbalances are a common problem that runs in families, or they might be caused by something much more serious, such as a brain tumor.

In many cases, taking medication can help periods return to their normal cycle.

PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of childbearing age.

Though the symptoms vary between individual women, those who have PCOS tend to have abnormal hormone levels, which can cause small cysts to develop on the ovaries, acne, excess facial and body hair, male-pattern baldness, and obesity.

Irregular or even absent periods are also a common feature of this condition.

Women who suspect that they have PCOS should visit their doctor for an evaluation. If not properly treated, an absence of periods during childbearing years may cause endometrial cancer.

Women should not rule out pregnancy as a possible reason that their period is late, even if they are using contraception. Women can still get pregnant even if they use birth control correctly.

A sexually active woman with a late period should use a home pregnancy test. It is important to note that there are no forms of birth control that are 100 percent effective. Anyone who is pregnant should seek prenatal healthcare right away.

A woman who has a negative result on the home pregnancy test but whose period still does not start should see a doctor.

If a woman is concerned about missed periods, it can be helpful to keep a written record of her periods, including the start and end dates, and a list of any other associated symptoms.

If a doctor has a written record to refer to, they can make a diagnosis more quickly. Using a simple calendar can work, but there are also apps available for smartphones.

Having regular check-ups with a gynecologist or women’s health specialist can help address many questions about menstrual cycles. Sometimes, a late period is an isolated occurrence and is not a cause for concern.

However, certain symptoms may require medical attention. They include:

• missing several periods in a row
• a positive pregnancy test
• having symptoms of PCOS, as described above
• having gained or lost a lot of weight
• feeling overly stressed

Why is my period late? 8 possible reasons

Having a late period can be very distressing, especially if a woman is used to having regular periods or is concerned about an unexpected pregnancy.

However, there are many other reasons why a woman might have a late period, ranging from birth control to stress.

In this article, we look at eight possible reasons for a late period.

Prolonged periods of stress can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, making it longer or shorter, or even causing a missed period.

Some women also report more painful period cramps when experiencing stress.

Avoiding the situations that cause the stress, taking regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can help a person eliminate stress and maintain a regular menstrual cycle.

If a woman is experiencing chronic stress, she might find it beneficial to speak to a doctor or counselor, who can help her identify effective coping mechanisms.

The average onset of menopause is around the age of 52 when a woman has not had a period for at least 12 months.

Many women experience symptoms as early as 10 to 15 years before menopause. This is known as perimenopause and indicates that estrogen levels are beginning to fluctuate.

Irregular estrogen levels can alter a woman’s menstrual cycle, making it common for women in perimenopause to experience irregular or missed periods. Once a woman has gone a full year without a period, she is said to have gone through menopause.

Significant weight loss or intense exercise can cause a woman to miss her period. Being underweight or having a low body-fat ratio can alter reproductive hormone levels, lowering them to levels where ovulation and menstruation do not occur.

A woman who has missed one or several periods after losing a significant amount of weight should consult a doctor or dietician about getting the appropriate amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that her body needs.

Just as weight loss can cause a woman to miss her period, being overweight can also affect a woman’s menstrual cycle.

Obesity and missed periods can sometimes signal that a woman has a medical condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), so it is important for a woman to be correctly diagnosed by a doctor.

The doctor may recommend blood tests or an ultrasound to look at the ovaries to make sure that no underlying medical conditions are causing missed periods.

Some types of birth control, particularly hormonal methods, can cause a woman to miss a period.

Typically, hormonal birth control provides a form of estrogen combined with progesterone for a set amount of time, followed by several hormone-free days. The withdrawal of these hormones triggers a period.

Sometimes, these hormones keep the lining of the uterus so thin that there is not enough of the lining to cause a period. This applies to all forms of hormonal birth control, including pills, patches, shots, implants, and rings.

In most cases, this is not harmful, but women should speak to a doctor with any concerns about their birth control method.

Some hormones, such as prolactin or thyroid hormones, can cause a woman to miss her period.

If a hormonal imbalance is responsible for a missed or late period, it can easily be detected with a blood test.

The cause of these hormonal imbalances needs to be investigated by a doctor. Some hormonal imbalances are a common problem that runs in families, or they might be caused by something much more serious, such as a brain tumor.

In many cases, taking medication can help periods return to their normal cycle.

PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of childbearing age.

Though the symptoms vary between individual women, those who have PCOS tend to have abnormal hormone levels, which can cause small cysts to develop on the ovaries, acne, excess facial and body hair, male-pattern baldness, and obesity.

Irregular or even absent periods are also a common feature of this condition.

Women who suspect that they have PCOS should visit their doctor for an evaluation. If not properly treated, an absence of periods during childbearing years may cause endometrial cancer.

Women should not rule out pregnancy as a possible reason that their period is late, even if they are using contraception. Women can still get pregnant even if they use birth control correctly.

A sexually active woman with a late period should use a home pregnancy test. It is important to note that there are no forms of birth control that are 100 percent effective. Anyone who is pregnant should seek prenatal healthcare right away.

A woman who has a negative result on the home pregnancy test but whose period still does not start should see a doctor.

If a woman is concerned about missed periods, it can be helpful to keep a written record of her periods, including the start and end dates, and a list of any other associated symptoms.

If a doctor has a written record to refer to, they can make a diagnosis more quickly. Using a simple calendar can work, but there are also apps available for smartphones.

Having regular check-ups with a gynecologist or women’s health specialist can help address many questions about menstrual cycles. Sometimes, a late period is an isolated occurrence and is not a cause for concern.

However, certain symptoms may require medical attention. They include:

• missing several periods in a row
• a positive pregnancy test
• having symptoms of PCOS, as described above
• having gained or lost a lot of weight
• feeling overly stressed

Why is my period late? 8 possible reasons

Having a late period can be very distressing, especially if a woman is used to having regular periods or is concerned about an unexpected pregnancy.

However, there are many other reasons why a woman might have a late period, ranging from birth control to stress.

In this article, we look at eight possible reasons for a late period.

Prolonged periods of stress can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, making it longer or shorter, or even causing a missed period.

Some women also report more painful period cramps when experiencing stress.

Avoiding the situations that cause the stress, taking regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can help a person eliminate stress and maintain a regular menstrual cycle.

If a woman is experiencing chronic stress, she might find it beneficial to speak to a doctor or counselor, who can help her identify effective coping mechanisms.

The average onset of menopause is around the age of 52 when a woman has not had a period for at least 12 months.

Many women experience symptoms as early as 10 to 15 years before menopause. This is known as perimenopause and indicates that estrogen levels are beginning to fluctuate.

Irregular estrogen levels can alter a woman’s menstrual cycle, making it common for women in perimenopause to experience irregular or missed periods. Once a woman has gone a full year without a period, she is said to have gone through menopause.

Significant weight loss or intense exercise can cause a woman to miss her period. Being underweight or having a low body-fat ratio can alter reproductive hormone levels, lowering them to levels where ovulation and menstruation do not occur.

A woman who has missed one or several periods after losing a significant amount of weight should consult a doctor or dietician about getting the appropriate amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that her body needs.

Just as weight loss can cause a woman to miss her period, being overweight can also affect a woman’s menstrual cycle.

Obesity and missed periods can sometimes signal that a woman has a medical condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), so it is important for a woman to be correctly diagnosed by a doctor.

The doctor may recommend blood tests or an ultrasound to look at the ovaries to make sure that no underlying medical conditions are causing missed periods.

Some types of birth control, particularly hormonal methods, can cause a woman to miss a period.

Typically, hormonal birth control provides a form of estrogen combined with progesterone for a set amount of time, followed by several hormone-free days. The withdrawal of these hormones triggers a period.

Sometimes, these hormones keep the lining of the uterus so thin that there is not enough of the lining to cause a period. This applies to all forms of hormonal birth control, including pills, patches, shots, implants, and rings.

In most cases, this is not harmful, but women should speak to a doctor with any concerns about their birth control method.

Some hormones, such as prolactin or thyroid hormones, can cause a woman to miss her period.

If a hormonal imbalance is responsible for a missed or late period, it can easily be detected with a blood test.

The cause of these hormonal imbalances needs to be investigated by a doctor. Some hormonal imbalances are a common problem that runs in families, or they might be caused by something much more serious, such as a brain tumor.

In many cases, taking medication can help periods return to their normal cycle.

PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of childbearing age.

Though the symptoms vary between individual women, those who have PCOS tend to have abnormal hormone levels, which can cause small cysts to develop on the ovaries, acne, excess facial and body hair, male-pattern baldness, and obesity.

Irregular or even absent periods are also a common feature of this condition.

Women who suspect that they have PCOS should visit their doctor for an evaluation. If not properly treated, an absence of periods during childbearing years may cause endometrial cancer.

Women should not rule out pregnancy as a possible reason that their period is late, even if they are using contraception. Women can still get pregnant even if they use birth control correctly.

A sexually active woman with a late period should use a home pregnancy test. It is important to note that there are no forms of birth control that are 100 percent effective. Anyone who is pregnant should seek prenatal healthcare right away.

A woman who has a negative result on the home pregnancy test but whose period still does not start should see a doctor.

If a woman is concerned about missed periods, it can be helpful to keep a written record of her periods, including the start and end dates, and a list of any other associated symptoms.

If a doctor has a written record to refer to, they can make a diagnosis more quickly. Using a simple calendar can work, but there are also apps available for smartphones.

Having regular check-ups with a gynecologist or women’s health specialist can help address many questions about menstrual cycles. Sometimes, a late period is an isolated occurrence and is not a cause for concern.

However, certain symptoms may require medical attention. They include:

• missing several periods in a row
• a positive pregnancy test
• having symptoms of PCOS, as described above
• having gained or lost a lot of weight
• feeling overly stressed

Can Depression Make Your Period Late?

There are many reasons a woman’s period may be late or her cycle may go off schedule. An obvious one is pregnancy. Others include poor nutrition, excessive exercise, and long-term illness. A less obvious reason for amenorrhea or missing a period, however, is ​depression.

The link between mental health and reproductive health makes sense when you consider that nature does everything it can to create favorable conditions for reproduction.

If a woman is chronically stressed, anxious, sad, or upset, she’s really not in a physical or emotional position to go through a pregnancy and then take care of and nurture a child. Under these less than ideal conditions, the female reproductive system can shut down.

Watch Now: 7 Most Common Types of Depression

How Depression Affects the Menstrual Cycle

The stress hormone cortisol is primarily responsible for changes in a woman’s cycle when she’s depressed. As cortisol levels rise in response to stress, the hypothalamus, an organ in the brain that plays an important part in regulating the reproductive system, stops sending signals to the ovaries to do their job.

Without this signal, ovulation (the monthly release of an egg from the ovary) is either delayed or stopped altogether. The result is a late period or sometimes no period at all.

The medical term for absent periods when there’s no pregnancy is amenorrhea, which also can be caused by health issues other than stress including problems with the hypothalamus, the pituitary glands, the ovaries, the uterus, or the vagina.

Pinpointing the Cause of a Missed Period

Of course, the first thing you should do if your period is late is to take a pregnancy test, which can be accurate as early as the first day of your missed period. If it’s negative and you don’t get your period in a few days or you completely skip it that cycle, or if you’re having chronic problems with menstruation, make an appointment to see your gynecologist.

She’ll likely do a repeat pregnancy test. If it’s negative, she’ll move on to some basic evaluations such as asking you about your medical history, doing a pelvic exam, and taking blood samples to check your hormone levels.

Diagnostic Tests

Depending on what these preliminary tests reveal, plus other basic factors such as your age, she may move on to more specific diagnostic methods, which may include:

• Chromosome evaluation to look for chromosomal variations such as Turner syndrome
• Genetic testing to see if you have fragile X syndrome
• A hysteroscopy to examine the inside of your uterus
• An MRI to check for a pituitary tumor
• An ultrasound computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to make sure your reproductive organs are normal

Is Depression the Problem?

Amenorrhea caused by chronic stress and depression is called hypothalamic amenorrhea. If you tend to eat more or less than usual when you’re depressed and have gained or lost weight, that also could play a part in your menstrual irregularities.

If your doctor has determined that depression is behind your late or missed periods, getting back on track will be a matter of finding an effective way to reduce your stress and treat your depression.

Treatment Options

There are many different ways to treat irregular or absent periods depending on your overall mental health and menstrual irregularities. This can include a wait and see approach (if it’s only happened a handful of times), stress management strategies, therapy, and/or prescription medication.

Consult with your gynecologist or mental health care professional to determine the type of treatment plan that’s best for your physical and mental health.

Lifestyle Changes

Making an effort to manage stress will reduce your risk of becoming depressed and missing your period. In addition to eating a well rounded diet and practicing good sleep hygiene, try to incorporate stress-lowering activities into your day.

While there isn’t a one size fits all option when it comes to stress relief, a few ideas to consider include:

• Deep breathing
• Journaling
• Light exercise (such as walking)
• Meditation
• Support groups (online or in-person)
• Yoga

Prescription Medication

An antidepressant, such as Prozac (fluoxetine) or Zoloft (sertraline), can be an effective way to relieve symptoms of depression—but it’s not right for everyone. In addition to possible side effects, some antidepressants can even cause your period to be late or delayed.

You may even be prescribed oral contraceptives to create a regular schedule of withdrawal bleeds, however, combination birth control pills have been linked to depression, so make sure to alert your doctor to your mental health history. It may take some trial and error, but it is possible to get back to feeling normal and your body back to functioning normally.

Late Period? 11 Reasons Why Other Than Pregnancy, Per Ob-Gyns

Right now, in what feels like day #576 of social distancing, you probably don’t even know what the actual date is, and your body might not either. With a global health crisis going on, nothing feels normal, and that might include your body’s monthly cycle. It’s totally a thing for your period to pull a disappearing act because of stress right now.

Believe it or not, the uterus or even the ovaries aren’t calling the shots to make your period happen each month, says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale University. “The control panel is in the brain,” she says. It’s the hypothalamus at the base of the brain that makes sure your reproductive hormones are in balance each cycle to do their respective jobs, so that you ovulate and menstruate every month, Dr. Minkin explains.

Any major deviation from the norm, including an influx of anxiety (say, from novel coronavirus-related issues like jobs on hold, sick relatives or friends, and being confined to your home), can mess with the delicate balance of hormones that regulate your cycle, and especially those that control ovulation. It might not be a coincidence that ovulation gets put on hold though, Dr. Minkin says. “From a philosophical point of view, maybe nature doesn’t want us to get pregnant if we’re really stressed.”

So…how much of a delay in your period is still considered normal?

“If you have one or two irregular periods it is definitely something to pay attention to,” says Sherry Ross, MD, an ob-gyn at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. A period is considered late if it hasn’t started five or more days after the day you expected it to begin, according to Summit Medical Group. So if your period is, say, 10 days late, definitely take a pregnancy test and check in with your ob-gyn regardless of the results. In general, if your flow has been MIA for a week or more, that’s a sign you should take the test and also check in with your gyno to see what might be going on.

But again, you can miss a period and *not* be pregnant. If there’s no way you’re pregnant and/or your test comes back negative (though, you may be too early in your pregnancy to get a positive result just yet), one of these factors, including all the stress you might be under right now, may be to blame for your late period problems. Then, your next step is definitely calling your doc so they can help you suss out the best solution or treatment for your situation.

1. Stress

Significant stress—such as a divorce, death of a loved one, or, I don’t know, the effects of a global pandemic—can definitely disrupt your hormonal balance, creating delayed, irregular, and even heavy periods.

When all of that stress reaches the hypothalamus in the brain, which is supposed to be stimulating a series of hormone production, such as luteinizing hormone (which triggers ovulation), estrogen, and progesterone, that’s when things can go off the rails. The buildup of the stress hormone cortisol is also likely a factor in throwing off that balance, too, Dr. Minkin says. You need the estrogen and progesterone to prepare the uterus to receive a fertilized egg, but if those hormones aren’t in balance and you don’t end up actually ovulating, the whole system is off. Because of that lapse in timing, your period might not come on time either.

“You may skip periods altogether,” Dr. Minkin says, “or you may get a heavier period than usual.” The flow may be extra heavy because when you skip the ovulation stage, your body isn’t making the proper amount of progesterone, which regulates the thinning of the uterine lining, she says. If that doesn’t happen, your period is likely to shed more of the lining of the uterus, and therefore be heavier than normal.

2. Major weight loss

“We know excessive exercising, sudden weight changes and being underweight can offset your hormone levels,” says Dr. Ross. “One of these hormones is called leptin and is produced in fatty tissue. Excessive exercising and drastic weight changes can decrease the body fat causing this and other hormones (like estrogen) to drop, contributing to irregular periods.”

Talk to your doctor if you’ve had a major weight fluctuation recently so she can take that into account while solving your period probs.

3. Excessive exercise

Rigorous exercising, such as training for a marathon or triathlon, can cause physical stress, which may lead to a hormonal imbalance that screws with your period. Sound like you right now? Let your doctor know this information and what your workouts look like recently so she can help gauge whether they might be affecting your flow.

4. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a medical condition caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones, according to the Office on Women’s Health. It affects about 5 to 10 percent of women, says Dr. Ross.

“The hallmark of PCOS is irregular periods, excessive hair growth in places you would rather not see it, multiple cysts on the ovaries seen on a pelvic ultrasound, and infertility,” she says. “Your hormones—estrogen and testosterone—are completely lopsided and irregular.”

When you have PCOS, Dr. Ross says your periods can come every two weeks, every three to six months, or even just once a year. If you have any other symptoms of PCOS, take note and share them with your MD.

5. Your birth control

“One of the side effects of a low-estrogen birth control pill is a light or non-existent period,” Dr. Ross says. “For many, this is a welcomed side effect.” The same goes for methods like hormonal IUDs, implants, or shots, since many of those don’t contain estrogen at all.

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But if you’ve just stopped taking the pill, then take note: Dr. Ross says it might take one to three months to return to your normal cycle. Still, pay attention to what your period looks like when it finally comes back. “It may be once you are off the pill you may find you have an underlying hormonal problem that was masked by taking the birth control pill,” says Dr. Ross.

If that’s the case for you, then it’s time to get in touch with your ob-gyn.

6. Thyroid dysfunction

The thyroid gland, located in your neck, regulates your metabolism, but it also interacts with many other systems in your body to keep things running smoothly. “If you’re dealing with any type of thyroid imbalance, whether it’s hypo- or hyperthyroidism, that can have implications for your period,” says Alyssa Dweck, MD, ob-gyn and co-author of V is for Vagina.

Dr. Ross says other hormonal causes that could lead to irregular periods include Cushing’s disease, poor control of diabetes mellitus, premature ovarian failure, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (a condition that limits hormone production in the adrenal glands).

If you have any other symptoms, like fatigue or weight loss or gain, bring those up with your doctor, as they can help pinpoint whether a thyroid issue might be to blame. Then, your doctor will likely need to order blood tests and do a workup.

7. Miscarriage

If you took a pregnancy test and it showed you were pregnant, then your period (or something that looks like a period) arrived late and heavy, it could be a miscarriage, says Dr. Ross. Visit your doctor to discuss the bleeding and do an examination and ultrasound to confirm.

8. Certain medications

Whether you’ve been relying on certain OTC medications for an everyday headache or taking a prescription for a particular health issue, Dr. Ross says that some meds could be affecting your menstrual cycle. Aspirin, Coumadin (used to treat and prevent blood clots), and ibuprofen can all affect your cycle.

9. Pelvic inflammatory disease

This infection of the uterus, ovaries and/or fallopian tubes, which typically develops when chlamydia or gonorrhea is left untreated, can disrupt your cycle and cause irregular periods, according to Mayo Clinic.

10. Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus, and they can cause heavy periods and super long periods, according to Mayo Clinic. This irregularity could make it seem like you’ve missed a period, too. If you have any other symptoms, like pelvic pain, frequent urination or even constipation, definitely bring those up with your doctor.

11. Premature menopause

When women under 40 have hormones misfiring in a significant way, they can go through premature menopause, also known as premature ovarian failure. Along with a missed period, signs of this condition include hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.

But this shouldn’t be at the top of your list. “This isn’t very common, so you shouldn’t immediately worry about it,” says Dr. Dweck. If your ob-gyn rules out the many other potential causes for missed or late periods and thinks this may be the culprit, they’ll clue you in.

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90,000 Effects of stress on health, how to get rid of stress

Any competent doctor will tell you that you need to control your psycho-emotional state, if you cannot do it yourself, even medications can be prescribed. Why is this so important? Under stress, the hormone cortisol is released. It affects the functioning of all body systems. Because of this, the work of the cardiovascular and nervous system is disrupted, which can lead to a deterioration in well-being, problems with sleep, and malfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract.

People who know how to cope with stress and avoid conflict situations, as a rule, lead a fulfilling life. They have enough strength for work, friends and hobbies. Mentally balanced people have happy families, give birth to healthy children and raise them as psychologically balanced.

Impact of stress on human health

Scientists have proven that people who are constantly exposed to stress wear out 40% faster than those who live in peace.Frequent stressful situations cause the following symptoms:

• Skin redness, various rashes;
• Feeling tired and weak even after a good sleep;
• Decrease or increase in body weight;
• Constant feeling of anxiety;
• Tremor (trembling) of the limbs;
• Stool disorder.

If nothing is done, there is a great chance of the development of such pathological processes:

• Panic attacks;
• Depression
• Faults in the work of the heart;
• Stomach ulcer;
• Hypertension;
• Anorexia;
• Stress can also cause a decrease in libido in both women and men.

Sleep as the basis for well-being

Adequate rest and healthy sleep are the first rule of a stable psyche. A slept person is more resistant to stress. The norm is considered to be 7-8 hours of sleep (and at least 9 hours – if a person trains hard or his work is “on his feet”).

If there is not enough sleep, the stability of the nervous system decreases. You’ve probably watched how little children are naughty when they are tired and want to sleep. A similar condition is observed in adults who do not regularly get enough sleep – it becomes difficult for them to control their emotions, they feel irritation and aggression.

To improve the quality of sleep, be sure to create a comfortable sleeping environment in the bedroom – darken the room, ventilate it before bed, try to keep the room quiet. Observe your sleep schedule – try to go to bed and sleep at about the same time every day and not get too far out of this schedule, even on weekends. If these measures do not help, consult a neurologist or somnologist. A doctor can help improve your sleep and the quality of your night’s rest.

Meditation and psychotherapy, their impact on health

Meditation is a great way to deal with depression and stress without medication.

The effect of meditation on the body is:

• Improves brain function. It has been scientifically proven that a course of meditation promotes the restoration of brain cells;
• Reducing the risk of developing heart disease;
• Elimination of feelings of anxiety;
• Development of mental resistance to stress;
• Improving immunity and strengthening the body’s defenses.

Scientists from Washington DC have done an interesting study.15 colleagues from one enterprise voluntarily took part in it. Before the rehabilitation course, each of the volunteers underwent a stress resistance test. It found that 14 out of 15 workers live in constant stress and cannot effectively cope with stressful situations.

The workers took an eight-week course of meditation under the supervision of a specialist – and a second test showed that the workers became much calmer and learned to control their emotions. Psychotherapy also demonstrates good results – it helps to solve problems and fight anxiety.

How to learn to control the psycho-emotional state?

How to maintain health and increase stress resistance?

• Don’t do several things at once. Bring each task started to the end, without being distracted by extraneous factors. If the work does not allow you to do only one thing, make a schedule for the priority of tasks and do only it at the time allocated for the task.
• If you are nervous about a situation, ask yourself if you can do something.If not, then you need to come to terms with the fact that this situation and its result are out of your control and try to be distracted by something else. If you can, don’t worry, just do it.
• Try to develop independent self-esteem. Of course, it is unpleasant to listen to a negative assessment and swearing – but, if you think about it, this assessment does not concern you in any way. This is just the opinion of another person, which can be taken into account if the person is important to you, but should not be taken as an objective reality.Assess yourself.
• Set realistic goals for yourself. Not the easiest, but achievable. When determining the deadline for completing a task, put 15-20% of the time into force majeure situations and the human factor, then delays will not unsettle you.
• Light physical activity helps to stabilize the psychoemotional state – nothing is more soothing than a light jog or swimming.
• Go to bed no later than 11 pm, try to sleep at least 8 hours.
• Organize your workplace in such a way that it is pleasant to be there and it is easy to find everything you need.
• Eat the right food. For the stability of the psycho-emotional state, it is very important to eat a balanced diet. B vitamins are especially important.
• Do something that pleases you at least once a week. Meet friends, dance, eat delicious food, play computer or board games.

If all else fails, and you feel that it is difficult for you to cope with stress on your own, contact a specialist, perhaps you have depression.In this case, you need qualified treatment.

90,000 Workplace Stress: How to Identify and Manage It Successfully | Swedbank

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Date of publication: 19.02.2018

Increasing labor intensity, ever more powerful information flow, new and new technologies … In today’s dynamic world, stress at the workplace has become a global epidemic that harms not only the health of workers, but also the productivity of enterprises.What are the main causes of it and how can it be reduced?

Two faces of stress

The concept of “stress” was first used in 1932 by the American physiologist Walter Cannon. He connected it with the instinctive fight-or-flight response inherent in every living being, which occurs when faced with a threat. However, a deeper and broader concept of stress was developed in the 1940s by his colleague, Canadian physiologist Hans Selye, called the “father of stress.” He divided the dynamics of stress into three phases: anxiety response, resistance, and exhaustion.He characterized the first two as a kind of healthy stress (eustress), and the latter as harmful stress (distress) that depletes the body’s reserves.

In a work environment, a little stress caused by new tasks and challenges is also not harmful, but even useful, as it forces you to mobilize physical and intellectual strength, allows you to solve complex tasks faster and increases labor productivity.

On the contrary, prolonged stress can lead to serious health problems, negatively affect the result of work and relationships with colleagues, and its end point is burnout syndrome.

If one of your employees has become distracted, chaotic, easily irritated, or, on the contrary, becomes prone to apathy; if he can no longer concentrate, cope with his duties successfully and is increasingly sick, it is most likely that excessive stress is to blame.

Stress profile in Europe, Baltic States, Latvia

According to research from the European Agency for Occupational Safety and Health, stress in the workplace affects one in four workers in one way or another, and 50-60% of all missed work days are associated with stress.This leads to significant losses and additional costs for enterprises.

How seriously has this epidemic of stress affected us? The Lithuanian research agency Rinkos tyrimų centras, in cooperation with the pharmaceutical company Sanofi-aventis, conducted a survey * in the summer of 2017 * to find out and compare the stress profile in the Baltic countries.

According to its results, 80.2% of the surveyed residents of Latvia – and this is the highest indicator in the Baltics – admitted that stress negatively affects the quality of their life, moreover, 14.9% feel it every day, and 21.3% – few times a week.

The survey shows that the most frequent source of stress in all the Baltic States is overload at work and relationships with colleagues. This was acknowledged by 57% of Latvian and Lithuanian residents and 55% of Estonian respondents.

How to turn this situation to your advantage? To be able to do this, the employer must first identify the main causes of stress in their enterprise.

Most common causes of stress in the workplace

The American Institute of Stress, in a survey of American jobseekers, found that more often than not – in 46% of cases – stress in the workplace is caused by excessive workload, too long working hours and lack of adequate rest – namely, the dissonance between the attitude towards the employee with the requirements and his internal resources; in 28% of cases – relationships in the team, i.e.e. psychoemotional or psychosocial factors, and in 20% of cases – an imbalance between work and personal life.

What is the situation in Latvia? According to a survey conducted at the end of 2017 by the portal CV Market Latvia **, stress in our workplace is most often caused by: communication problems (25%), the volume and pace of work (18%), unsatisfactory working conditions (14%) , management control (7%), competition with colleagues (5%), difficulties in joining the team (3%), too much responsibility (2%).The greatest stress in the workplace is felt by those working under the age of 35, while women are more likely to mention too much work, problems in the internal communication of the enterprise and difficulties in joining the team as the causes of stress, in turn, men – unsatisfactory conditions labor and supervision by management

What an employer can do

The short answer is to identify the main stressors (stressors) in your enterprise and eliminate or reduce them to a minimum.However, in stress management, an individual approach is important, since each person’s stress threshold is different: what seems to one an exciting challenge, to another is an unbearable burden. Here are some guidelines.

• Keep track of the distribution of work, do not overload your employees and clearly define their direct responsibilities and degree of responsibility.
• Take care of a favorable psychological climate in the team, help resolve emerging conflict situations.
• Provide a comfortable and welcoming work environment that eliminates stressors such as noise, inappropriate lighting and / or room temperature.
• Encourage workers to take short rest breaks; do not refuse additional days off if necessary.
• Reward employees for what they have done materially and morally.
• In the event of a problem, take the time to have a confidential conversation with the employee in order to find out the causes of his stress and work together to find a solution.
• Support your employee even if his stress is caused by personal reasons – health problems, family complications, etc.p.

10 steps to reduce stress

By understanding the psychophysiological mechanism of stress and learning how to manage it, each of us can successfully reduce stress in our workplace in everyday life – firstly, by minimizing external causes of stress, and secondly, by mastering simple techniques for its internal control and maintaining their resources.

• Start by rigorously scheduling your time by eliminating unnecessary action and time thieves.
• Prioritize your to-do list and focus on what’s most important at the moment.
• Don’t waste time on work that a less skilled worker might do – delegate it.
• Feel free to ask your colleagues for help – social support in stressful situations is invaluable.
• Organize and make your work environment as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The chaos on the desk increases stress, while the austere order, warm lighting, houseplants, or pleasant photographs will soothe and help you concentrate.
• Spend a lot of time sleeping – it significantly reduces stress, and a well-rested person makes any task easier and faster.
• Regularly release stored tension through appropriate physical activity – in the fitness club, in the dance hall, or on your run every night.
• Take time out of your daily life for short rest breaks – to get out of your chair, relax your eyes, stretch tense muscles, go out into the fresh air for a second, have a cup of coffee, talk to colleagues.
• Breathe in calm – breathe out stress. If you feel stress is increasing, take 10 slow deep breaths through your nose and exhales through your mouth.
• Smile! The facial muscles activated by the smile send signals to the centers of the brain that are responsible for the release of the “happiness hormone” endorphin and can reduce the level of the stress hormone cortisol. In addition, a smile brings a smile – more often smiling at colleagues and at yourself, you will feel how the tension will decrease and problems will be solved easier.

Golden Rules of Stress Management

Stephen Carver – Visiting Professor at the Skolkovo Moscow School of Management, Professor of Project Management at the Cranfield School of Management

Crisis can be a new opportunity, or it can turn into a catastrophe. The fact is that during stress, certain physiological changes occur in the body: an incredible amount of chemicals enter the bloodstream. For example, adrenaline, which makes you want to hit someone or run away – in general, to behave aggressively.Our basic physical response to a crisis is very dangerous. Because of it, you can do the wrong thing. To avoid this, there are two golden rules:

Rule # 1: Calm down. Give your brain a chance to regain control of your body and speech organs.

For this you need to know yourself well and understand how you usually behave in extreme conditions. If there is a chance that you will immediately start making crazy decisions, then you need to have a management system that will allow you to say: “Let’s calm down and see what you can do.”

Let me give you an example. There is a very good film about how to act in times of crisis, this is Apollo 13 – about the American lunar mission. The humans had already flown halfway when their spacecraft exploded. Everyone survived, but it was necessary to somehow get the astronauts back. The film shows a classic case: when everyone in the flight control center started banging their fists on the table and shouting: “This is terrible! It can’t be! ”- the leader, a man named Gene Krantz, first of all said:“ So, everyone calmed down.Quiet! Let’s work with the problem. ” He began by asking, “So what works on the ship?” He drew attention not to devices that were out of order, but to those that still work. And the team began to enumerate: “Everyone is alive as long as there is oxygen, water, supercomputers and everything necessary to resolve the crisis.” We see that in these few seconds people, instead of fussing and possibly doing wrong things, calmed down and began to act on the basis of the situation.

Rule # 2: FOCUS: Concentrate your energy on the things that need to be done.You no longer panic and try to run in different directions at the same time without any sense, but with the precision of a laser, you focus on what needs to be done.

If there is no stress in your life at all, then you may not want to get out of bed in the morning. But as the stress gets more intense and you start to be more productive, there comes a point where the stress becomes so intense that your productivity drops – and very, very quickly. It is important here to learn to recognize the approach of this moment.Because everything happens in different ways and changes from situation to situation. Sometimes you break down at this level of stress and in such and such a situation, and sometimes, in a different situation, you can handle more. I would say the ability to stay calm and think with your head is one of the most important skills in today’s management culture. For many managers in a stressful situation, IQ drops rapidly, and they make absurd decisions. Bad managers in crisis situations either go crazy or just give up.

The Harvard Business Review once conducted a study of how managers behave in stressful situations. In the face of intense tension, only a third of managers managed to maintain control over themselves. Two thirds just fell off. Therefore, it is very important to prepare here – until you learn how to behave in such cases, your reaction will remain unpredictable. And there is absolutely no need for it to be clarified when a real crisis occurs in the company, because you can cause enormous damage to people and the company.That’s why we believe in simulations, introspection, psychometrics, and actually rehearsals to help you understand how you will feel under stress.

Stress Simulation

Let me give you an example of an organization that understands this very well. In airlines, pilots are trained and retrained every six months on how to act in an emergency. Take the pilot who just flew a Boeing 747 from Tokyo. He knows his business, has been doing it for thirty years and is an excellent professional, but then they say to him: “Sorry, six months left – for the simulator!”He can say: “Pardon me, I have great experience, I can fly planes! You yourself allowed me to fly only yesterday! ” But to this he is answered: “No, to the simulator! We will stress you to brush up on your skills and practice the necessary actions again. ”

And I have seen very competent people come to the simulator, and maybe it so happened that they had a bad day or in the wrong mood, but they were frustrated in ordinary situations. The airlines have a rule: all this is filmed and shown to the pilot.And I watched the pilots look at the tapes and say, “This is not like me! I do not do that!”. And the instructor replied, “This is how you behaved at this level of stress. Let’s see what can be done because it was the wrong reaction. Let’s learn to calm down in such conditions. ”

So, I would say that self-control in a stressful situation is a vital skill for managers, and it must be instilled.

Artificial stress in the organization

Should we artificially create stress in the organization? Believe it or not, sometimes it’s necessary.I often see companies that die slowly. For example, they are owned by the state, they are confident that the world around them will not change, that in any situation someone will take care of them – and suddenly they realize that the state has no money, and the situation is really bad. And if they do not act, they will simply perish. Therefore, sometimes I create so-called “burning platforms”. This means that instead of slowly sinking into oblivion, an environment is created in which urgent action is clearly needed.

I create a certain stress, that is, I come and say: “We need a change!” People can get seriously scared if you tell them, “Look what happens if you don’t do anything. All of you will lose your job in 18 months. ” And suddenly they begin to understand: “Yes, I see that this can happen.” Then the first phase comes when they start to panic: “I will lose my job, this is the end of the world!” But then we say: “No, no, everything is fine. I understand you. Now you can see what is happening and experience stress.Let’s channel this stress into creating positive change. Calm down first. Now that you know you have to move – let’s start this movement. And now we can really change direction. ”

When simulating a crisis in a company, it is important to clearly understand the ultimate goal. Now many companies are trying to analyze the causes of the crisis: “Wait a minute! How did it all happen? Who is behind all this? ” And if the crisis began for a reason related to the company’s strategy or to something that the company should have done, but did not do it, then this is acceptable.But there are other cases as well: According to research, many executives have mental health problems. They can go on to extreme behavior, often showing themselves as sociopaths and practically psychopaths. Upon closer inspection, it turned out that these people were deliberately creating crises and “fires” in the organization, and not for the good of the company, but for the sake of their own careers. In such cases, they could take a step forward, resolve the crisis that they themselves started, and show themselves well. Such managers should definitely be kept away from the levers of power.Otherwise, they will cause great damage to the company and its employees in the long run.

Have you read Snakes in Suits? Its author, a psychologist, traveled around America and interviewed many of the big bosses. They thought the topic of the interview was their business success. But in fact, the author assessed their mental health, and very many found themselves on the verge of sociopathy and psychopathy. This is a rather frightening result, but many studies support it. Of course, books are often exaggerated and oversimplified, and sometimes this is necessary.But organizations are beginning to attach increasing importance to the inappropriate behavior of such individuals in stressful situations. We saw a lot of this in 2007 in the banking sector, the executives were so stressed that they tried to make money by any means. And these methods took the form of increasingly surreal financial products. If these leaders had calmed down, they themselves would have realized that this is madness. But, unfortunately, there was a complete collapse that almost brought down the entire world economy.

We hope this will not happen again. Now I work a lot with banks and I know that they are trying to make sure that their leaders do not have to come to such stress.

How Companies Cope With a Crisis: The Rule of Three R

There are two types of crises: the first is related to instability, and the second is extreme stress caused by the nature of your business. You have to deal with it when an airline plane crashes or you need to recall a batch of cars because of poorly working brakes.If you make planes, sometimes, unfortunately, they will crash. If you are making machines, there will be times when you have to withdraw the batch. And how an organization deals with this kind of stress is an interesting case in its own right.

There are many good and bad examples of how to resolve such crises. In MBA programs, I tell students: if you’re a CEO and you have this situation, step number one is to calm down and turn on your brain. And then it will be possible to apply the rule that we call the “rule of three Rs”.

First R – Regret, “regret”. It is necessary to express regret for what happened. This does not mean that you have to take responsibility for an accident or product recall. You just need to show that you are human and understand that your organization has caused the anger and frustration of other people. In this way, you show empathy for the victims of the crisis.

Second R – Reason. Try to give people the answers they want. How could it have happened why this plane crashed.At the same time, it is necessary to say as much as possible as soon as possible. Sometimes it is worth thinking about how quickly to give out information to the public, because, on the one hand, you risk stunning people with it, but on the other, everything will come out in the end. This is confirmed by WikiLeaks and investigative journalism. Nothing else can be hidden inside a corporation. The days when this could be done are in the past.

The third is an action that most people want to do right away, but we tell them: “Never do the third until you have done the first and second, otherwise no one will listen to you.”The third R is actually what you will do, your reaction. We call this Remedy, Problem Resolution. After the first two steps, you can say: “We will recall the cars” or “We will pay the money” – in general, declare what you are going to do.

Many people in a stressful situation immediately begin to say: “A crisis has occurred, and this is how we are going to act.” But we warn you: first, show empathy with people, otherwise they will not listen to you. Calm down as much as you can first.Then give them a reason to understand how it happened. And only after that, when they may already be listening to you, tell me what you are going to do about this. So the order is: regret, cause and solution to the problem.

Why is stress dangerous and how to deal with it?

Why is stress dangerous and how to deal with it?

Stress is a universal physiological reaction of an organism in response to a strong influence of the external environment. This reaction is expressed in the increased tension of our nervous system.It should be noted right away that stress is not always bad, because it is he, or rather the production of the hormone adrenaline, that is responsible for survival and finding a way out of problem situations. In small quantities, stress is even useful, and inevitable, since it can be provoked by both grief and a joyful event.

Everyday problems also affect the human psyche, be it financial difficulties, quarrels in the family, lack of sleep or skipping a full meal. And also traffic jams in a big city, a busy work schedule, muscle overload, information noise, cold and even our unhealthy self-esteem.We cannot control most of these factors, and here we will talk about a chronic state of stress that has a cumulative effect. As a result of such constant nervous tension, we suffer from headaches, constant anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite, or, conversely, from uncontrollable hunger, fatigue, difficulties with concentration and memory. In advanced cases, panic attacks, a rash similar to an allergic reaction, increased blood pressure, the development of diseases of the cardiovascular and digestive systems, nervous tics, and depressive disorders are likely.

Most of us ignore the discomfort manifested in chronic stress and take it for granted and harmless. Meanwhile, the consequences of stress can be very serious. Chronic stress negatively affects our health, well-being, performance, mood, relationships with others. It is very important to try to neutralize the impact of stressors on our psyche, and there are many proven ways to do this.

First of all, it has been scientifically proven that a person’s lifestyle matters in the fight against stress.Healthy sleep, balanced diet and exercise can work wonders. Try to get enough sleep and rest from everyday activities and problems, including from constant information exposure – try to spend more time without TV and the Internet. Watch your diet: Fast food, excess caffeine, and long breaks between meals increase the effects of stress, while a healthy, balanced diet has the opposite effect. The best helpers for the nervous system will be bananas, green leafy vegetables, walnuts, tomatoes, fatty fish, dark chocolate, green tea.As for physical activity, it not only makes it possible to throw out the accumulated emotions and stress, but in general increases our mental stability and strengthens our health. It’s good if physical education is combined with being in the fresh air – try at least just taking long walks for yourself before bed, and ideally get to know yoga. This type of physical activity includes breathing, strength training and stretching, which allows the body to strengthen muscles and find a state of internal balance.That is why yoga is gaining such popularity in our time.

In moments when emotional stress is especially noticeable, one should turn to relaxation. Natural sedatives such as chamomile or lemon balm tea can help. A warm bath or swimming in the pool, pleasant music, massage, deep breathing will have a beneficial effect. In addition, changing activities, creativity, communication with loved ones helps to overcome stress.

Do not overload yourself with chores and responsibilities, devote time to your favorite activities and try to experience more positive emotions.Take care of yourself and your health, and then dealing with stress will become much easier!

Olga Izarovskaya

90,000 WHY IS MY PERIOD LATE? – FITNESS

If a woman is even one day late, then in 99% of cases she thinks for the first time that she is pregnant.She starts feeling “oh no” in her gut and starts thinking about the last time she had sex. Sounds familiar? The truth is that there are many reasons why your period might be MVD.

We spoke with Nora Lansen, MD, a family physician specializing in women’s health at OneMedical, and she reassured us that although the average cycle is every 28-35 days, a normal cycle can be 21-45 days. And guess what, ladies? One month can be 24 days, and the next can be 38 days – and that’s perfectly normal! Therefore, before you start searching on Google, read on.

1. No reason

Yes, you read that correctly. Sometimes women skip periods from time to time and there is no apparent reason. “We want you to get a period at least once every three months,” Lansen explained. If you don’t get rid of the lining of the uterus at least as often, it can lead to other problems. So, if so, your doctor can help you. “Women’s health is much more complex than other areas of preventive health,” Lansen said.”We don’t even know how it all works, no matter how crazy it sounds.”

2. Stress

Late or missed periods due to stress are more common than you might think. In fact, Lansen said that according to unconfirmed reports, this seems to be the most common reason. “In some ways, we’re not sure why stress might change your period,” she said. One of the factors contributing to this is that being under a lot of stress leads to an increase in the level of prolactin in the body, which can cause irregular periods.While this is not the complete reason why stress can delay or miss a period, it is part of it.

When stress is thought to be the cause of irregular periods, managing stress through exercise, meditation, and good sleep, Lancen says, can solve the problem. But if this does not go away, bring it to the attention of your doctor.

3. Weight gain or loss

When a woman is underweight with a body mass index (BMI) of 17 or below, this can lead to a decrease in estrogen levels, which can then lead to a late or missed period.But when a woman is obese with a BMI of 30 or higher, that doesn’t mean she has high estrogen levels. It’s a tricky process, Lancen said, so talk to your doctor about it. As with stress, lifestyle changes can help get your period back on track!

4. Excessive exercise

The simplest understanding of this is that too much exercise can interfere with the brain’s signal to the uterus to have a period. While not necessarily dangerous, remember that it’s important to have at least one period every three months.

5. Hormonal birth control

“A common misconception, especially about birth control, is that you have to have a” regular “period, and if you don’t get it, then something is wrong with you.” Lansen said, adding that it’s actually rarely a very predictable 28-day cycle. Your cycle may change with the addition of hormonal birth control, such as a pill or intrauterine device (IUD).So it might just be a matter of time for your body to adjust.

It may be time to ask a question, something is wrong, if something deviates from your personal norms. “If you’ve taken the same brand of birth control throughout the year and you’ve always had a period every fourth week and then not, I’ll look at that,” Lansen explained. Another example is that while spotting between periods is normal for some women during ovulation, it may not be your “normal”.The fact that some of your friends have always experienced this does not mean that you should.

6. Age

During adolescence, especially in the first year of the girl’s period, your cycle is usually a little all over the place. As you reach 20 years of age, it becomes more and more routine, and then having a child can change him again. The years leading up to menopause can also affect your cycle. Your body is constantly undergoing changes, and your period is a finely tuned hormonal balance.”Little things can upset the balance and make things imperfect, but that doesn’t necessarily mean something isn’t right,” Lansen said.

7. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS

PCOS is a clinical diagnosis which means that if you meet certain criteria – not all – then you are classified. The condition means, in layman’s terms, that your body has high testosterone, the male sex hormone. It can lead to facial hair, obesity and acne, and suppress ovulation.”It’s actually quite common,” Lansen said. “Many women with PCOS are worried about fertility, but they shouldn’t. It’s not as ominous as they think. ” Many women in their 20s actually get out of the state.

8. Pregnancy

There is a possibility that you are pregnant. “This is the first thing the doctor thinks about,” Lancen said, adding that it will likely be the first thing your doctor checks, even if you are under birth control.But try not to jump to conclusions if you are a couple of days late – your body may get used to the new normal!

Image source: StockSnap user Ian Dooley
90,000 Stress to the heart – Ogonyok No. 6 (5502) dated 19.02.2018

“Broken Heart” is now not only an artistic image, but also a diagnosis that is increasingly being given to Russians. “Ogonyok” learned about a new disease.

– Look what the heart has become! – on the computer monitor – a black and white picture, the heart here looks like a sack into which a handful of heavy coins were poured, – cardiologist Mikhail Gilyarov, deputy chief physician for therapy at the First City Hospital, continues: – If the Japanese were looking at the photo, they would say that there is depicts takotsubo – a special pot for catching octopuses.

This is the name – “takotsubo” – and received a new disease. Although he also has a second name – “broken heart syndrome”, which even more accurately reflects the essence of the disease.

– In nine out of ten cases, the cause of the disease is stress, – explains Professor Gilyarov. physical stress: severe pain, fracture, surgery or a severe attack of bronchial asthma.At the same time, the illness caused by emotional stress is easier than that caused by the physical one.

The mechanism of the disease looks like this: during stress, a large amount of hormones are released into the blood, some of which turn out to be detrimental to the heart muscle. Special substances – catecholamines – literally break the heart: due to their toxic effects, muscles lose elasticity within a few hours, the heart swells, cannot cope with work and heart failure can develop with all the ensuing consequences.At the same time, a person feels the typical symptoms of an attack: chest pain on the left side, shortness of breath and headache. Most often, in this case, he gets to the hospital by ambulance, where he is treated for a heart attack, although these diseases are completely different. During a heart attack, one of the arteries is clogged, which drives blood to the heart, due to such an “accident” the tissues of the heart muscle die off. To restore blood circulation, patients most often insert a stent into the artery and prescribe drugs that prevent blood from clotting.With a “broken heart”, all these efforts are completely meaningless.

Nedamskiy caprice

“The disease is really new and largely unexplored, so it is extremely interesting for specialists all over the world,” says Professor Gilyarov. “Our hospital cooperates with the University Hospital in Zurich, where a register of patients with takotsubo is maintained, which brings together information about patients with this disease from different countries. This is very important, as it allows you to accumulate information and develop recommendations for combating the disease.After all, there are still no absolutely effective ways to treat takotsubo syndrome.

Essentially, doctors prescribe drugs to patients that protect the heart from harmful hormones, and wait for the heart to return to its limits. And if it works really badly, an operation is performed: a special “pump” is temporarily installed in the artery, which helps the heart to pump blood.

The “broken heart” syndrome was first described by the Japanese in the late 90s of the last century. But since it was done in Japanese, few people paid attention to it.At first, doctors thought that they were talking about some extremely rare pathology of the inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun. After all, it is believed that it is the Japanese who tend to experience stress within themselves, which probably hurts the heart. But when in 2006 at the European Congress a Japanese specialist spoke about an unusual disease and showed pictures of “pot-shaped” hearts, cardiologists from different countries suddenly began to say that such cases exist in their practice. And over the next couple of years, they even found some patterns.

For example, it turned out that most often the “broken heart” overtakes women (in 90 percent of cases), although there are no obvious physiological reasons for this.

Similarly, takotsubo syndrome occurs slightly more often in Asians than in Europeans: 57.2 percent to 40 percent. And in 10 percent of cases, it develops without stress at all, and with about the same frequency it can reappear without any external reason. It also turned out that the “broken heart” syndrome is especially difficult in patients with an unstable psyche, for whom a very insignificant fact can become stress.And alcoholics with delirium tremens, who have really terrible hallucinations with all the ensuing consequences.

– The disease is more than serious, therefore, it is not worth attributing it to the category of ladies’ whims, – says Professor Gilyarov. – In some cases, severe heart failure can develop and lead to a sad outcome. Today, thanks to the wider diagnostic capabilities, it has become clear that this syndrome occurs quite often. For example, in our First City Hospital alone, over the past year, we recorded 30 cases of this disease.

Treatment with time

The very fact that the new diagnosis appeared in cardiology is quite remarkable. After all, it is in this area that nothing new has happened since the late 1990s, when statins – drugs that effectively lower cholesterol – were invented. In oncology, for example, during this time a giant step was made towards personalized medicine – now each tumor is investigated at the genetic level, because different types of pathology are treated in fundamentally different ways.In cardiology, where cardiovascular diseases remain the number one cause of death almost throughout the world, there is no personalization yet. True, recently, works have begun to appear that say that the same heart attack is extremely heterogeneous and it also needs to be treated taking into account the mass of features. Does the identification of a new takotsubo syndrome, which was previously mistaken for a heart attack, mean a movement in this direction against this background?

“As a person from practical healthcare, it seems to me that we are still making very modest steps in personalizing treatment,” says Professor Gilyarov.- So far, medicine is such that we, as artillerymen, are firing cannons across the squares. And this, as it turned out, makes sense. Because today mortality from cardiovascular diseases is declining precisely because treatment is becoming widespread. If 10 years ago it was possible to get a stent into the coronary artery only for money and not in every large city, today almost all heart attacks are being stent in our country. If in the early 2000s less than 5 percent of the population received statins in our country, today everyone who is prescribed after a heart attack.That is, today recognized treatment regimens are massively distributed in cardiology. And this allowed in the same Moscow to significantly reduce mortality from heart attacks. Of course, these general schemes are not suitable for someone, but it is the identification of such groups of non-standard patients that will occur in the future.

With regard to the detection of the “broken heart” syndrome, in general, doctors are sure that in fact there are much more such cases in Russia.

Firstly, not all doctors know about the existence of such a disease, and secondly, in order to diagnose it, you need to have at hand modern equipment, such as a cardioangiograph, which allows you to do a detailed study of blood vessels and all parts of the heart.And thirdly, paradoxically, it is unprofitable for ordinary hospitals to identify and treat “broken heart syndrome”. Indeed, for the treatment of the same heart attack, she will receive about 200 thousand, and for the takotsubo syndrome – only 20 … So while the personalization of her own treatment is in the hands of the patients themselves.

Elena Kudryavtseva

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