Stress and Menstruation: How Stress Impacts the Menstrual Cycle

For a variety of reasons, we all experience certain levels of stress, whether it be once in a while or on a daily basis. Going through periods of stress or anxiety can impact the body and how it functions in many different ways, one of these ways being through alterations in the menstrual cycle. Although there are many explanations for sudden changes in the menstrual cycle, one of the more common reasons can lie in the amount of stress we are under. Ultimately, there are a number of abnormalities that appear in the menstrual cycle that may be caused by high stress situations.

Some of the primary ways that stress impacts menstruation is by delaying a period, shortening a cycle, or causing a period to be missed altogether. The amount of stress one experiences and the way that they cope also has an impact on how long the period may be delayed for. While many people experience some minor forms of stress throughout their day to day life, extensive periods of high stress situations can be detrimental to the body and the way it typically performs.

Excessive levels of stress can promote an increase in the amount of cortisol produced by the body, also known as the “stress hormone.” As a result, these hormones can be released abnormally and subsequently cause a disruption in the reproductive system. Sometimes, your body can even potentially notify you of the amount of stress you are under before you realize it yourself. Things like two periods in a month, an unusually long period, or even no period at all are not uncommon changes to the menstrual cycle in response to stress.

The amount of stress one experiences can also influence things like dysmenorrhea, or pain during menstruation. Recurring stress can influence how much pain one feels during menstruation, and these changes to the menstrual cycle can sometimes surface long after the period of stress passes. Factors such as work, school, or family related stresses can all impact the body, especially if extending over long periods of time.

While some forms of stress can be managed easily, others can be unavoidable and will require more time to gain control over. When it is possible to do so, eliminating unhealthy stress can benefit not only the consistency of the menstrual cycle but also our physical wellbeing in general. Other times, it may be beneficial to determine the healthiest possible coping mechanisms to stress in order to balance one’s mental state and subsequent physical health. Because everyone reacts differently to stress, listening to your own body’s signals can help to gain an understanding on how your body reacts to stress and what responses may be best for you. Putting yourself and your body first, whenever possible, are some of the first ways to find ideal coping mechanisms and subsequently manage stress levels.

cover image: https://www.amenclinics.com/blog/feeling-anxious-5-steps-to-know-if-its-stress-or-anxiety/