We all know that stress plays the most important role in all the important functions of the human body. We are all aware of the negative effects of stress like headache, muscle tension, upset stomach, and sleeplessness. With the increasing stress and passage of time, our condition gets worse. As stress increases, all kinds of functions of the human body are greatly affected.
It is mostly seen that the physical condition of women is different compared to men. It has been seen in many research that women are more prone to stress than men.
The menstrual cycle is a regular change that occurs in the reproductive system of every woman. The ideal time interval between menstrual cycles is between 28 and 35 days, and stress plays a major role in determining the timing of periods. Stress can delay your period.
The relation between stress and periods
Stress can affect our body in different ways when it is prolonged. As a result of stress, the production of several hormones in the body increases to deal with stressful situations. The stress hormone cortisol directly affects the level of progesterone production. It can suppress normal levels of reproductive hormones.
One reaction in our body affects another part of the body. If one period cycle is disturbed then successive cycles in the following months are disturbed. Stress can cause delayed periods, and often delayed periods lead to stress. It is a vicious cycle that continues to negatively impact a woman’s health. Early signs should not be ignored. If this cycle is missed and you are not sexually active, then you must consult your gynecologist.
Specific ways in which stress affects period
Lowers Progesterone
The stress hormone cortisol inhibits the production of the reproductive hormone progesterone, and when our bodies are in a stressful situation, our bodies use progesterone to make stress hormones. This not only delays menstruation but can also cause problems in conceiving in the long run.
Delays ovulation
Stress delay ovulation. This is the best way to reserve energy to deal with stress. As a result of this, the period cycle gets disturbed.
Changes period timing
Stress during periods can have hormonal effects. You may have more cramps, body aches, and burning sensation. Your cycle may be longer than normal.
Missed period
Although a late period is not always ovulation, it is a breakthrough bleed. You don’t ovulate but still, the lining of the uterus needs to be removed. This can cause complications during pregnancy in women.
Maximum delay in period when not pregnant
When periods are missed, the first question that comes to the mind of women is about the possibility of pregnancy. Most pregnancies are unplanned. Even when you take precautions, there is still a chance of pregnancy. You first need to make sure you are not pregnant. If your period is late without pregnancy, then it can also be due to stress.
Stress can sometimes even be emotional. It could be a result of a breakup, final exams, or even depression. This stress can also be physical such as serious illness, rapid weight loss, or weight gain, etc. Menstruation may be delayed by a week and may even stop in extremely stressful situations. Generally, its duration changes to a great extent in every cycle.
Women who are taking drugs or are involved in birth control may face a delay of up to a week. Such changes are normal effects of the pills so it is not a cause for concern. The maximum delay can be from three weeks to six months, it varies from woman to woman. If your periods are regular, a delay of a week or two is a sign that something is wrong. If your cycle varies from month to month, you should wait.
When should you start to worry?
Thinking about periods will not do you any good. One thing you can do for your health is not to worry. Worrying is not the solution to anything. On the other hand, if you worry too much, it can cause even more stress. Stress will delay menstruation, which can lead to more stress and you will be trapped in a vicious cycle of stress.
You should definitely worry if you are suspecting an unplanned pregnancy. First of all, get a pregnancy test done, however, not all kits give 100% results, so don’t rely on one test. Repeat the test for a few weeks to be sure. You should seek medical help if your period is late every month or you don’t have a period for a month or so. It can also be a sign of some serious complications. It is better to be sure than to be sorry and not take medicines without a doctor’s prescription.
The female body has its own complexities. Each function is intricately linked to other functions. Period delays can happen due to many reasons like changes in weather, diet, exercise, stress, etc. If your period is delayed by one month, you must visit a gynecologist. The best thing is to get an ultrasound done and find out the problem. If you know the problem in advance, then the treatment will be better.
Also Read This : Benefits of a Healthy Diet in 2022
Can stress cause period?
Sometimes you may bleed due to excessive stress. But it should not be confused with periods. This is a spot that is much lighter than a normal period. Spotting may occur several times a month if you are experiencing extreme stress. Bleeding in the organs is not a normal function of the body.
If spotting persists several times then you must consult your gynecologist. In many cases, it has been found that stress can also make your periods premature. Stress can do anything to your body. The best you can do is take care of your physical as well as your mental health.
Missed period due to stress, when will it come?
You miss your periods for the first time due to stress. It is clear that removing stress will bring your cycle back to normal. You should not look for ways on random websites to get periods early. Instead, you should focus on the main problem. No one knows the cause of your stress better than you. If the situation is under the control of your own actions, then it is best.
If you feel that you are unable to recover, seek the help of therapy. Get to know what is stressing you out and avoid pills to control stress. If you want, you can prevent stress with the help of proper exercise, extra activities, balanced diet. Once your stress is relieved, your cycle will automatically return to its normal state.
It is not possible to remain stress-free in everyday life. But what is possible is your reaction to events. You can control what stresses you out and what gives you away. Don’t let anything come in the way of your health. Once you learn to manage stress, a delayed period will not be a problem for you.
What can you do for yourself?
Doctors can’t make you healthy if you don’t take responsibility for your body. You know your body better than others. Treat the problem as a whole instead of running after temporary solutions. Delayed periods due to stress often cannot be cured without treating the stress. If your cycle is already late, at least you can be sure it’s time for the next one.
Stress can be caused by many issues. Sometimes the situation goes out of our control. First of all, you learn to deal with stress so that you can stop stress from dominating your body. Treat it before it’s too late. A proper diet and regular exercise will reduce stress.
Along with this, there are many ways to take care of health. Some are mentioned below –
Focus on your diet
Consuming proper nutrients will ensure your healthy flow and will keep you fit and active. Your balanced diet supports the production of adrenaline. This in turn counters cortisol and ultimately lowers stress levels. Eating the right food makes a difference to our body. However, eating junk food can make the situation worse.
Stay hydrated
Keeping your body hydrated can be beneficial for your body. The more fluids you drink, the easier it is for your body to flush out waste. Drinking a glass of lukewarm water can reduce cramps. Although you may already feel bloated, drinking water will make you feel better and lighter. Add some mint to enjoy your drink or flavor your water. Don’t force yourself to drink, just try to drink more water.
Avoid caffeine
No matter how addicted you are to caffeine, try to avoid it when you are on your period. While you might think that a cup of your favorite coffee would make you feel better, trust me that’s not the case these days. Caffeine makes you feel bloated, jittery, and achy. Also, due to caffeine, you are not able to sleep properly.
A sleepless night can make it difficult for you to deal with cramps. Caffeine is present not only in tea and coffee but also in sodas, cold drinks, and even chocolate. If you are craving chocolate, have a piece of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate relaxes your mood.
Keep moving
I know it feels like laying on the bed the whole day but it would deteriorate your condition. Keep moving, do light exercises, do some yoga. Or else just try to walk a bit. The more your body will be active the more properly blood will be circulated. Additionally, exercising has wonderful effects on your mood. You will end up feeling a lot happier than you were in your cozy bed. Several yoga postures are evident for reducing cramps, so follow it up.
Stay in a cooler temperature
Being in hot temperatures will make you feel more irritable. So, always try to stay at a cool temperature and wash your face more often to feel fresh. Try to avoid direct sunlight and stay in your comfort zone.
Along with all this, try to do one more thing that makes you happy. By giving time to your hobby, you will feel better and spend more and more time with your loved ones. You can’t completely control how you feel, but you can definitely make yourself feel better. It’s your body, if you don’t take care of it then who will?
