Skip Nav

Stress and Your Period

I'm sure every single one of you can relate to the stress of your period being late. If you are not wanting to be pregnant, it can be the worst feeling ever, and it brings up a lot of questions until you finally get your period or take a pregnancy test.

Did you know that stress could also be the cause of your late period? Stress can affect the functioning of the hypothalamus - the gland in the brain that regulates emotions, as well as the hormones required to release your eggs. If you're feeling stressed, worried, or nervous, you may ovulate later in your cycle or not at all. This in turn will make you get your period later than expected, or sometimes you'll skip your period altogether.

This info is only helpful if you are not on some kind of hormonal birth control (you don't ovulate, so you don't have to worry). If you use condoms, a diaphragm, or the FAM (Fertility Awareness Method - also known as the Rhythm Method), than knowing how your emotions affect your cycle is going to be key in preventing a major meltdown if your period is late.

If you want to know how you can prevent a possible late period, then

During the time you ovulate, which is usually about 10-18 days after the first day of your period (depending on your cycle), try to eliminate any work-related or relationship stress. Get a massage, take a walk, slip into a relaxing bath, or spend some downtime reading a book on the couch - do things that make you feel calm and happy.

Also, make sure to get regular exercise and eat a balanced diet. Remember that your period is there so you can have a baby (if you want to), so if you're not taking care of yourself, your body will delay or prevent ovulation until your body is fit to be pregnant. It is important to do all you can to keep your mind and body healthy.


Latest Love
Buy Our Editors' July Picks! Order Now>>