Menstrual Cycle Disturbance Due to Stress

Hello! Today, we will discuss how stress can affect the menstrual cycle and what to do if you experience cycle irregularities due to stress.

Stress and Its Impact on the Menstrual Cycle

There are two polar approaches to managing a patient complaining of menstrual cycle disturbances. It's important to determine whether there is an underlying organic pathology causing these disturbances. If no pathology is found, we may adopt a wait-and-see approach, and the cycle may recover on its own. However, if pregnancy is not planned, contraception should be considered, as the calendar method does not work in such cases.

What Is Stress and How Does It Affect the Body?

Stress is a nonspecific response of the body to a situation that requires adjustment and adaptation. Regardless of whether conditions have improved or worsened, stress level is determined by how many resources are needed for adaptation.

Distress: When Stress Becomes Harmful

Distress refers to stress that leads to depletion of resources and disrupts the body's adaptation. It can undermine health by provoking immune and metabolic disturbances. Stress impacts the neuroendocrine system, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which triggers the release of corticosteroids like cortisol and adrenaline.

Menstrual Disorders and Stress

Menstrual cycle disturbances can manifest as amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) or other vegetative, vascular, and gastrointestinal disorders. Amenorrhea without somatic symptoms may indicate good adaptation of the body. The reproductive system may sacrifice its function to cope with severe stress.

How to Treat Stress-Induced Menstrual Cycle Disturbances?

Treatment of menstrual cycle disturbances depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and her current goals. For example, if a woman is planning a pregnancy, it's important to normalize the cycle and rule out pathological causes of the disturbance. For patients using contraception, combined oral contraceptives may be considered.

Herbal Therapy and Normalizing Emotional Well-being

For patients with functional stress-dependent menstrual disturbances who do not require contraception, herbal remedies like fenugreek and motherwort, as well as magnesium supplements, can be considered. It's also essential to address the normalization of emotional well-being. Breathing exercises and calming herbs like valerian and motherwort can be beneficial.

When to Consult a Doctor?

If stress factors are affecting your menstrual cycle, it's important to consult a doctor to rule out pathology that may require additional treatment. Self-diagnosing or treating such disturbances can be dangerous.

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How Stress Affects the Menstrual Cycle and What to Do About It

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Stress can lead to menstrual cycle disturbances. Learn how stress affects the body and what methods can help restore your cycle.