Can stress cause missed periods?

The period is controlled by the hypothalamus, a part of the brain. It is sensitive to external factors like exercise, sleep, and stress. When the hypothalamus is functioning properly, it releases chemicals that stimulate the pituitary gland. Further, the ovaries are stimulated by the pituitary gland, which releases the hormones estrogen and progesterone that stimulate the period. When the hypothalamus does not send signals to the ovaries, ovulation is delayed or stopped altogether. As a result of this, periods can be delayed or missed.

At the same time, due to stress, the cortisol hormone can increase in the body, which affects the function of the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary. As a result, periods become irregular. This cortisol itself causes missed periods. This condition is called amenorrhea in medical language.

(Read More - Ayurvedic solution for irregular periods)

If periods are being missed due to stress, then the doctor advises taking the following measures -

1. Lifestyle changes
2. Medicine

During stress, the body produces a stress hormone called cortisol, which has the opposite effect on the body and can lead to missed periods. To avoid missing periods due to stress, it is advised to make all efforts to get rid of stress, which includes exercise, consumption of nutritious food, and trying to be happy.

(Read More - How to get periods early)