Can Stress Cause a Missed or Late Period?

Other than pregnancy, stress is the most common caused of missed or delayed periods within women.
 
The hypothalamus, which is the area of the brain responsible for triggering your period each month,  is sensitive to change; especially stressful ones. When it senses stress, it releases a hormone known as cortisol into the body, the result of which can affect your reproductive system and delay your periods. Or, in some cases, it may prevent your cycle from happening altogether. 
 
This stress response may delay your period by several days, weeks, and even months. However, if you miss more than two periods you should book in to see your primary care physician or gynecologist as prolonged delays can lead to hormonal issues.

There are many factors that can affect the regularity of your menstrual cycle. If you’re experiencing a late cycle, it may be because of any of the following:
 
• Breastfeeding.
• Drug use.
• High levels of stress.
• Hormone fluctuations.
• Illness.
• Medical condition(s).
• Over exercising.
• Pregnancy.
• Significant weight variances (gaining or losing).
• Taking certain medications.
• Variations in your sleep schedule.
• Your birth control.
 
Some fluctuations in your menstrual cycle are completely normal with most women experiencing variances over the course of their lives. However, if you’ve missed more than two consecutive cycles, and have tested negative for pregnancy, then you should book in to see a specialist as soon as possible to assess your physical and hormonal health.

If you suspect that stress is the reason being your delayed or missed period, there are several methods that you can utilize to help. 
 
Firstly, it is important to identify where your stress is coming from. Tracking your moods, emotions, dietary changes, medication changes, and any big life events can help you identify what your stressors are and where they may have stemmed from.
 
Once this is complete, you can move towards actively addressing the cause of your stress. This can be done through different methods, such as journalling, talking to your doctor, speaking to a therapist, and/or utilizing self-care measures such as meditation, yoga, and exercise.

Your period is considered late if it is delayed by more than five days past its expected arrival.
 
Stress can delay your period in varying lengths depending on the person, the amount and longevity of their stress, their coping abilities, and any other medical factors that may be contributing.
 
If their stress is acute, their period may only be delayed by a few days to a week. More severe stress, or chronic stress, can cause periods to be delayed for weeks and even months.
 
If you’ve missed more than two consecutive cycles, and have tested negative for pregnancy, then you should book in to see a specialist as soon as possible to assess your physical and hormonal health.
 
If you’re struggling with irregular or missed periods, contact our team of medical professionals at Pacific Women’s Center. We offer safe, professional, and effective care to address all your hormonal concerns and get you back on the path to health. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online.We are located at 911 Country Club Rd. Suite 222, Eugene, OR 97401. We serve patients from Eugene OR, Springfield OR, Coburg OR, Creswell OR, Cottage Grove OR, Lowell OR, Junction City OR, and surrounding areas.