Can Stress cause Irregular Periods?
Can Stress cause Irregular Periods?

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Can Stress cause Irregular Periods?

Can Stress cause Irregular Periods?

Many women ask the question, can stress cause irregular periods? The answer is yes; stress can cause irregular periods in many women. This is because stress has an influence on hormone levels, which subsequently influences the menstrual cycle. Nevertheless, although stress can cause irregular periods there are different ways that women can try to regulate their menstrual cycle.

How can stress cause irregular periods?

Can-Stress-cause-Irregular-Periods1Stress can cause irregular periods because stress causes the adrenal glands to increase their production of cortisol. Subsequently, the cortisol that is secreted affects the amount of progesterone and estrogen hormones that are produced. This hormonal imbalance can then result in irregular periods.

How can stress caused irregular periods be combated?

There are a number of ways that women can combat their stress caused irregular periods. However, women should begin by making healthy lifestyle changes because a healthy body is better able to beat stress caused irregular periods than an unhealthy one:

Can-Stress-cause-Irregular-Periods2• Eat a healthy and balanced diet, it is recommended to have at least five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables a day.
• Exercise for at least half an hour a day, five times a week.
• Sleep for between seven and eight hours each night.
• Drink eight small glasses of water a day.
• Don’t drink alcohol.
• And last but not least, do not smoke.

These tips can all help women to maintain a healthier lifestyle by having a healthier body. However because it is stress that can cause irregular periods women should also work on relaxation. There are different ways that women can avoid stress caused irregular periods, such as:

Yoga or pilates. These relaxation exercises help women to relax through deep breathing and stretching. For many women, stress caused irregular periods can be eased by spending time away from their busy schedules. Yoga and pilates have been reported by many women to help with stress caused irregular periods.

Can-Stress-cause-Irregular-Periods3Meditation. When looking at can stress cause irregular periods, some women have found that meditation can help them to relax. Spending time thinking things through, away from work and family responsibilities, can be very helpful for some women. These are only a couple of ways that women can relax. Click here for more information about treating the unpleasant signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance.

Other Related Articles:
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Menstrual Cycle Problems and Regulation
Long Menstrual Cycles
Irregular periods for years

Sources:
  • Hutchinson, Susan M.D. "The Stages of a Woman's Life: Menstruation, Pregnancy, Nursing, Perimenopause, Menopause." November 2007.
  • Love, Susan M.D. Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
  • BMJ Group. "Menopause: What is it?" Patient Leaflet. 2007.