The anxiety and stress of the current global situation—given the COVID-19 pandemic—can take a toll on your body in many different ways. For many, it can trigger insomnia, depression, headaches and even a whacked-out menstrual cycle. You could suddenly get a very light flow, a super heavy one, a long gap between your period or not get your period at all. Sounds all too familiar? We asked a doctor what you need to know.
What should a regular cycle look like?
According to Dr Vaishali Joshi, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, the normal menstrual cycle length can vary, but it is usually between 21-35 days. But if your period comes at an interval of 15 or 45 days, or bleeding happens erratically through the month, it can be considered irregular. If it's a few days off here and there, Dr Joshi says there is no need to worry. But, it usually becomes concerning when a who person has a regular cycle, begins having one that is unpredictable.
How can stress affect your cycle?
Menstruation is controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain, and it is sensitive to exercise, sleep, food habits and even emotions. “When not under stress, the hypothalamus releases hormones that stimulate the pituitary gland, which in turn stimulates the ovary to release the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. The interplay of these two hormones is what induces your period,” says by Dr Ritu Hinduja, fertility consultant, Nova IVI Fertility, Mumbai.
Stress activates a hormonal pathway in our brain called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Prolonged stress puts the body into a fight-or-flight mode, which then interferes with the communication feed between your brain and adrenal glands. When the HPA is activated, your brain signals your body to produce corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), cortisol and prolactin, says Dr Joshi. This disrupts the delicate equation of the hypothalamus, pituitary and ovaries, which then translates into irregular periods. When your body is in this time of stress, it figures that it really is not the best time to get pregnant, so it shuts down. Cortisol can delay, or even prevent, ovulation altogether. It also messes up the production of progesterone, which can sometimes cause spotting.
What can you help to help regularise your cycle?
If chronic stress has been getting in the way, it is best to speak to a doctor. Dr Hinduja says that she may ask for a blood test panel, and then prescribe medication to help. She suggests getting on oral contraceptive pills for a while to kickstart a more balanced routine.
In general, reducing your cortisol levels is important. Both doctors suggest taking time out to indulge in self-care, whether that may mean exercising, meditating, painting or reading to decompress. What not to do? Stress about it. It is important to note that freaking out about not getting your period can actually push your period back even further.
Also read:
Top 10 myths about the birth control pill, debunked
The best hormone-balancing foods to eat during every phase of your period cycle
How to make the most of your workout, based on your menstrual cycle