Stress is a part of life that is hard to avoid. However, did you know that stress can also affect your menstrual cycle? Late periods due to stress is a common problem that many women experience. This article will discuss why stress can cause late periods, the symptoms of late periods due to stress, as well as the characteristics you need to know and how to overcome them.

Why Can Stress Cause Delayed Periods?

Stress can affect the hormones in the body that regulate the menstrual cycle. When you experience stress, your body releases stress hormones such as cortisol which can disrupt the balance of reproductive hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. This hormonal imbalance can cause disruptions in the ovulation cycle, so menstruation can be delayed or even not occur at all.

Symptoms of Delayed Periods Due to Stress

The main symptom of late periods due to stress is a delayed menstrual period. However, there are several other symptoms that can accompany it, such as mood changes, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms arise because stress affects the body's nervous and hormonal systems, which in turn affects the menstrual cycle.

Characteristics of Delayed Periods Due to Stress

1. Menstrual Cycle of More than 35 Days

One of the main characteristics of late periods due to stress is a menstrual cycle that is longer than usual, which is more than 35 days. A normal menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days. If your cycle</a> exceeds 35 days, this could be a sign that stress is affecting your menstruation.

2. Abdominal Cramps

Severe abdominal cramps can also be a sign of late periods due to stress. Stress can cause more intense muscle contractions in the uterus, resulting in cramps that are more painful than usual.

3. Heavy Bleeding

Bleeding more than usual can be another characteristic of late periods due to stress. Stress can cause greater thickening of the endometrial lining, so when menstruation occurs, bleeding becomes more profuse.

4. Ovulation Cycle Disruption

Stress can disrupt the ovulation cycle, which means that the body does not release eggs regularly. This can cause periods to become irregular or even stop temporarily.

5. Basal Temperature Changes

Basal body temperature (BBT) is the body temperature upon waking. Stress can affect BBT, making it more difficult to predict ovulation. Irregular changes in BBT can be an indication of hormonal disruptions due to stress.

6. Change in Appetite

Stress often affects appetite. Some people may experience an increase in appetite, while others lose it. These drastic changes in diet can affect the menstrual cycle.

7. Mood Changes

Extreme mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, or depression can also be a sign that stress is affecting your cycle. Stress hormones affect the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood, so your mood becomes unstable.

8. Shorter or Longer Periods

Periods that are shorter or longer than usual can also be a sign of late periods due to stress. Hormonal imbalances caused by stress can affect the duration of menstruation.

How to deal with delayed periods due to stress

Overcoming delayed periods due to stress requires a holistic approach. Here are some ways that you can try:

• Relaxation and meditation practices such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and restore hormonal balance.
• Regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve mood.
• Adopting a healthy diet by eating nutritious and balanced meals can help maintain hormonal balance.
• Get enough sleep and make sure you get enough sleep every night to help your body recover from stress.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol which can increase cortisol levels in the body, so it's best to limit their consumption.

If your period is delayed due to stress, you should consult a doctor to get the right treatment. Maintaining your mental and physical health is the key to overcoming late periods due to stress. By understanding the characteristics and symptoms that appear, you can take the right steps to overcome this problem and maintain your body's hormonal balance. (Aq/LDS)