Does stress affect the menstrual cycle?

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1. What is stress?

Stress is a negative or positive condition that affects a person's mental and physical health.
Positive stress increases athletic performance, while negative stress, such as too many demands at school, work or the death of a loved one has an impact bad for the body. People with chronic stress may feel that they can't handle daily tasks, have limited or no control over the direction of their lives, or become angry or irritable easily.
To relieve stress you can refer to "Tips to reduce stress and boost immunity"

2. Biological relationship between stress and reproductive system

Stress activates a hormonal pathway in the body known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Activation of the HPA axis is associated with increased levels of cortisol and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). The HPA, cortisol, and CRH axis help control the stress response in the body. The release of CRH and cortisol can prevent normal levels of reproductive hormones from working, potentially causing irregular ovulation and even no ovulation or amenorrhea (no period). Furthermore, abnormal CRH levels in reproductive tissue are associated with poor fetal outcomes, such as preterm birth.

3. The Effects of Stress on the Menstrual Cycle

3.1 Stress Can Cause Ovulation Delay When you are stressed before ovulation, it will make it difficult for certain hormones to be activated, which will delay ovulation, meaning menstruation Your period won't come on time or be unpredictable.
The main problem of delayed ovulation will greatly affect the appearance of events around your period. Delayed ovulation also poses a challenge for women who are planning a pregnancy, especially if they have struggled with fertility problems in the past.
3.2 Stress in everyday life can also affect menstrual cycle length Post-ovulation stress causes a hormonal imbalance. If a woman experiences stress close to her period, it can cause her period to be less frequent, longer or even change in color than usual.

3.3 Menstrual cramps are also stress related Stress from a previous period can also affect the frequency of menstrual cramps.
3.4 Other Effects of Stress on Menstrual Cycle In a recent study, people who reported stress before ovulation (during the follicular phase) were less likely to get pregnant than those who did did not report stress during the same period. This suggests that stress can cause the body to delay or completely inhibit ovulation. This hypothesis is supported by studies that have evaluated menstrual cycle variability.
The length of the luteal phase (i.e., after ovulation until menarche) tends to be constant in women, while the length of the follicular phase is more closely associated with changes Various changes lead to changes in the duration of the menstrual cycle in women.
Stress can cause lasting changes in your mood or sleep or cause chronic physical pain that can be severe. If you are experiencing high levels of chronic stress, you may want to consider talking with your healthcare provider.

4. How to relieve stress?

4.1 Create good habits for your body You can visit your favorite coffee shop for lunch or go for a walk after work, we can apply some to relieve the pressure of our routine. me.
If you're working from home, that doesn't mean you need to give up your habits. Set a specific schedule and stick to it. Include lunch, coffee breaks and set up uninterrupted work hours, just like you are working at the office.
4.2 Stay Mentally Refreshed Bathing in the morning is a really refreshing way to start the day. When we're relaxing at home, you may not feel like washing your face, but the mental clarity that comes with washing your hair is a great way to help us have a productive and fulfilling day.
You should get fresh air in the morning, work near an open window or walk around the park at lunch, fresh air will do wonders for body and mind. If you're feeling active but can't leave the house, you can opt for online gym or yoga classes.
4.3 Be realistic with your goals When we set goals we are often ambitious, we want to strive for the best and that is big, healthy ambition. However, setting small achievable goals can be more beneficial, so we recommend being realistic during times of stress.
Set a to-do list at the beginning of the day with a list of small things you want to get done. If you don't get things done, don't be too hard on yourself, being realistic and staying awake during stressful times will help you feel comfortable and reduce pressure on yourself.

4.4 Track menstrual symptoms To track your menstrual cycle you can use software on your smartphone to track your menstrual cycle. These software can find and predict your ovulation. From there, there will be plans to prepare for them. As well as keeping track of your body's changes, you can use these apps for pregnancy planning or birth control.
To track your menstrual cycle, you can use software on your smartphone to track your menstrual cycle. These software can find and predict your ovulation. From there, there will be plans to prepare for them. As well as keeping track of your body's changes, you can use these apps for pregnancy planning or birth control.
In case you are not stressed but your menstrual cycle is still irregular, even if there are accompanying symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, fatigue, excessive discharge... it is best to have a screening test. gynecological diseases. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has a basic gynecological examination and screening package, which helps customers detect early infectious diseases for easy and inexpensive treatment. Screening for early detection of gynecological cancer (cervical cancer).
When registering for the Basic Gynecological Examination and Screening Package, customers will receive:
Specialized gynecological examination Transvaginal Uterine Ovarian Ultrasound Vaginal Bilateral Breast Ultrasound Tests such as: Treponema pallidum rapid test, Chlamydia rapid test, take samples for cervical-vaginal smear, bacterioscopic staining (female vaginal fluid), HPV genotype PCR automated system. Total urinalysis by automatic machine. Vinmec's medical team are leading experts, highly qualified, dedicated and wholeheartedly for the benefit of patients. Comprehensive and professional medical examination, consultation and treatment services.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: webmd.com