How Stress Affects Your Period?
It's a fine and delicate balance between your hormones - estrogen and progesterone - that determines your menstrual flow. Stress upsets these hormonal patterns. This can result in the absence of rules, a late period, intermittent bleeding or early periods, depending on the stage of the cycle where the stress occurs. It is perfectly normal to feel a certain amount of stress in your life. However, an excessive level of stress can have negative consequences on your health. One of the effects of stress is an increase in cortisol levels causing a chain reaction in your body.The Effects Of Stress On Your Menstrual Cycle
The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that controls your periods. It is sensitive to external factors such as sport, sleep, stress or personal events. When functioning properly, the hypothalamus releases chemicals that stimulate the pituitary gland, which then prompts the ovary to release the hormones estrogen and progesterone that trigger menstruation. Cortisol is a hormone your body produces when you are stressed.
This hormone can damage the interactions between the hypothalamus, pituitary and ovaries. Dysfunction of the ovaries can lead to problems with estrogen production, ovulation, or other reproductive processes. Estrogen is an important hormone that helps build the lining of the uterus and prepares the body for pregnancy. A disorder of the ovaries can have side effects on the menstrual cycle and lead to the absence or delay of menstruation or even irregular periods.
Late Menstruation and Stress
In a stressful situation, your body reacts by releasing an increase in stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) to help you cope with the situation. Stress can then cause amenorrhea, that is to say the absence of menstruation. In a study that looked at the link between menstrual problems and stress, female college students who perceived high stress were four times more likely to experience amenorrhea. Other studies have found a similar link between stress and irregular periods.
How To Reduce Stress During Menstruation?
1. Eat healthy
Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and essential fatty acids (found in oily fish) – these foods are full of nutrients that keep your brain healthy and help balance your hormones. You might crave simple carbs (sweet and salty) when coping with stress, however, sugar spikes your blood sugar, which tends to increase stress levels.2. Exercise regularly
Burning calories can go a long way in reducing stress. Exercising during menstruation also helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, while helping to prevent heart disease and stroke.3. Get enough sleep
Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Several studies suggest that sleep naturally reduces stress in the body.4. Try relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques can be very helpful in reducing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), rules and stress. For example, yoga and meditation can help reduce anxiety and lower cortisol levels.
5. Spend time with your friends
Call or hang out with family and friends. Don't overlook the power of social relationships and mutual support to reduce stress. Sometimes just having someone to listen to you, make you laugh, or take you out of your daily routine is just what you need. Reducing your stress levels by finding effective coping mechanisms can help your body get back to regular periods. It is not possible to completely eliminate stress from your daily life. Finding healthy solutions to deal with excessive stress is the best way to not let it disrupt your body's natural functioning.
6. Opt for period panties
The period panties or menstrual swimwear give you up to 12 hours of protection to stay safe from leaks, whether you're at work, playing sports, dining out or by the pool on vacation. Try our comfortable, stylish, ultra-absorbent and washable period panties available for all flows.
