Have you noticed how your period seems to change when life gets hectic? From missed periods to stronger cramps, stress can impact your menstrual cycle in surprising ways. Understanding this connection can help you take better care of yourself during stressful times and throughout your monthly cycle.
“Stress, whether emotional, nutritional, or physical, can cause an increase in endorphins and cortisol secretion that interrupts hormone production,” said Randa J. Jalloul, MD, an OB-GYN specialist with UT Physicians Advanced Minimally Invasive Gynecology (AMIG) – Texas Medical Center. “This can lead to an abnormal menstrual cycle. It’s the body’s way of expressing unreadiness for ovulation and pregnancy.”
Short-term stress
If the stress is short-lived, you may miss a period or be a few days late. However, if the stress is chronic, more erratic, or absent, menstruation can occur. Extreme weight changes and physical activity are also common culprits of a delayed cycle.
“Some studies have observed that over 70% of women experience recovery if their absent periods were associated with psychological stress or weight loss. Women who recover typically have a higher body mass index and lower cortisol levels,” said Jalloul, an associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.
Longer-term concern
If you experience irregular or absent periods for longer than three to six months, Jalloul recommends seeking medical attention, especially if an at-home pregnancy test result is negative.
“Patients should come in for an evaluation if they don’t believe they are pregnant but still have issues with their cycle,” she said. “We will investigate the cause of their menstrual abnormality and rule out other causes of irregular periods. This could be hormonal disturbances like thyroid or pituitary problems, polycystic ovaries, or chronic anovulation syndrome. Stress is a diagnosis of exclusion.”
Lifestyle changes
Treatment options for irregular menstrual cycles may include simple lifestyle changes. These include adequate nutrition, exercise, good sleep habits, and reversing the cause of the stress, if known. If an eating disorder is the cause, it’s important to work with mental health experts to establish a healthy weight. Often, hormone replacement therapy and contraceptives are prescribed to help reestablish a proper hormone level for optimal body function.
Jalloul’s advice is to listen to and take care of your body. Recognize the signs of stress, be active, and take time to connect with loved ones. Treating yourself to healthy foods and getting plenty of rest are other important suggestions.
