Can a prolonged quarantine affect the menstrual cycle? We ask the gynecologist [EXPLAIN]
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The COVID-19 epidemic in Poland continues and there is little indication that it will end soon. Many women complain that switching to a sedentary lifestyle, working remotely, and pandemic-induced stress have disrupted the menstrual cycle. What to do in this situation?

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Many women, who had their periods regularly before the pandemic, have complained about cycle disorders in recent months. The much larger amount of time we spend at home certainly influences this. The stress and the fact that the pandemic strongly affects our well-being are also important.

The gynecologist Marta Mączka replies without hesitation that the lifestyle we live now may, for many reasons, translate into disorders of the menstrual cycle. At the time, when we are late, however, we should consider pregnancy first. Although hopes of increasing the birth rate, which many experts had in the spring of 2020, have turned out to be ineffective, there are still many women for whom the epidemic and lockdown is a good time to get pregnant.

– For some women, getting pregnant would now be a dream come true, for others it would be a rational choice, and for others it would be associated with a sense of additional economic risk – taking into account the modest home budget in times of a pandemic. However, even the latter group must not forget that the chance of getting pregnant in the time of COVID-19 is almost identical to that in pre-pandemic times. That is why the first thought of women with late menstruation should be directed to this side: pregnancy – says the drug in an interview with Medonet. Marta Mączka.

  1. Also read: What are the first symptoms of pregnancy?

Stress is not an ally for women

However, pregnancy is not the only possible cause. After its exclusion, you can follow at least a few other leads, and the majority of factors causing disturbances in the monthly cycle are closely related to the circumstances in which we have to find ourselves today.

– In the current situation, it seems that stress and an automatic increase in prolactin may be the most likely factors, apart from pregnancy. Hyperprolactinemia caused by the action of a large number of strong environmental stress factors, including anxiety related to the possible loss of employment or livelihood, disturbances in falling asleep and sleep continuity, changing the eating pattern and diet, less physical activity – may lead to the cessation of menstruation. Similarly, some antidepressants or anxiolytics may extend the monthly cycle in a woman by increasing the concentration of prolactin, explains the gynecologist.

It also happens that your period does not come on time due to a change in the metabolism of adrenal hormones, which – like an increase in prolactin – is due to excess stress.

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What about a sedentary lifestyle?

Lack of exercise also affects the course of the menstrual cycle, especially in women who are generally very active and have not left home in the last weeks. Marta Mączka gynecologist emphasizes that home quarantine does not absolve us from taking care of providing ourselves with a dose of exercise every day (at least 20-30 minutes). Physical activity and sticking to a diet with the lowest possible glycemic index can prevent disorders of sugar and insulin metabolism, which is one of the more common causes of menstrual disorders.

– Exercising with an online fitness instructor or running will not only positively affect sugar and insulin metabolism, but also contribute to the production of natural happiness hormones, biogenic opioids: endorphins, enkephalins, dynorphins, which we all need so much – emphasizes the specialist.

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Usually, a late period is not a cause for concern, however, if you have persistent menstrual disorders or if your period has stopped completely, you should always consult your doctor. Sometimes this condition is caused by an infection or serious illness that requires immediate treatment. In the era of epidemics, most gynecologists offer television visits instead of stationary visits.

Do you feel pain or burning when using pads? Try the eco-friendly reusable Loffme sanitary pads made of materials suitable for allergy sufferers.

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Bow. Marta Mączka – obstetrics and gynecology specialist, WOMAN and MOTHER Medical Center.

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