As cortisol levels rise in response to stress, the hypothalamus, an organ in the brain that plays an important part in regulating the reproductive system, stops sending signals to the ovaries to do their job. Without this signal, ovulation the monthly release of an egg from the ovary is either delayed or stopped altogether.
The result is a late period or sometimes no period at all. The medical term for absent periods when there's no pregnancy is amenorrhea, which also can be caused by health issues other than stress including problems with the hypothalamus, the pituitary glands, the ovaries, the uterus, or the vagina.
Of course, the first thing you should do if your period is late is to take a pregnancy test, which can be accurate as early as the first day of your missed period. If it's negative and you don't get your period in a few days or you completely skip it that cycle, or if you're having chronic problems with menstruation, make an appointment to see your gynecologist.
She'll likely do a repeat pregnancy test. If it's negative, she'll move on to some basic evaluations such as asking you about your medical history, doing a pelvic exam, and taking blood samples to check your hormone levels.
Depending on what these preliminary tests reveal, plus other basic factors such as your age, she may move on to more specific diagnostic methods, which may include:.
Amenorrhea caused by chronic stress and depression is called hypothalamic amenorrhea. If you tend to eat more or less than usual when you're depressed and have gained or lost weight, that also could play a part in your menstrual irregularities. If your doctor has determined that depression is behind your late or missed periods, getting back on track will be a matter of finding an effective way to reduce your stress and treat your depression.
There are many different ways to treat irregular or absent periods depending on your overall mental health and menstrual irregularities. Consult with your gynecologist or mental health care professional to determine the type of treatment plan that's best for your physical and mental health. Making an effort to manage stress will reduce your risk of becoming depressed and missing your period.
In addition to eating a well rounded diet and practicing good sleep hygiene , try to incorporate stress-lowering activities into your day.
While there isn't a one size fits all option when it comes to stress relief, a few ideas to consider include:. An antidepressant , such as Prozac fluoxetine or Zoloft sertraline , can be an effective way to relieve symptoms of depression—but it's not right for everyone. In addition to possible side effects , some antidepressants can even cause your period to be late or delayed. You may even be prescribed oral contraceptives to create a regular schedule of withdrawal bleeds, however, combination birth control pills have been linked to depression , so make sure to alert your doctor to your mental health history.
It may take some trial and error, but it is possible to get back to feeling normal and your body back to functioning normally. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Everything feels more challenging when you're dealing with depression. If this is the case, speak with your doctor — it may be a sign something else is going on.
Heavy bleeding every so often, especially at the beginning of your period, is probably nothing to worry about. But if you soak through a pad or a tampon in an hour or less, call your health care provider, who can check you out to make sure everything's OK.
Unfortunately, cramps are a fact of life for many girls. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful. Try taking them as soon as you notice cramps starting instead of waiting for the pain to get bad. Regular exercise can make cramps less painful and help with PMS symptoms. Plus, exercise is a good mood lifter. Some girls find that heating pads or warm baths can also help with cramps.
Some research suggests that female hormones interact with brain chemicals in a way that can affect mood in those with PMS. Lower serotonin levels are associated with depression, irritability, and carbohydrate cravings, all of which can be PMS symptoms. Between 3 and 8 percent of menstruating women have an even more severe condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder PMDD. These women become seriously depressed a week or two before their periods.
To be diagnosed with PMDD, a woman must have at least five of the following symptoms around the time of her period:. These symptoms will disappear shortly after menstruation starts. Instead, another mental or physical illness may be the cause. For many women, lifestyle changes can be a successful part of PMS treatment.
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