Stress is so common nowadays that it has already been called a disease of civilization. The fast pace of life, the pursuit of material goods, instability and professional uncertainty, family or health problems make stress an indispensable component of our everyday life. And while a small dose of stress has a positive effect on us, providing adrenaline and stimulating action, chronic stress can become a factor that has a very negative impact on the functioning of our entire body.
Stress and hormonal balance
In women, chronic stress can significantly disrupt the menstrual cycle. This is because under stress, the body increases the production of certain hormones, including:
- prolactin – produced by the pituitary gland, the excess of which causes that the period may be more frequent than every 25 days or less frequent than every 33 days, and over time it may disappear altogether. In addition, elevated prolactin reduces libido and causes vaginal dryness, making intercourse uncomfortable,
- cortisol – produced in the adrenal cortex, which in turn inhibits the action of progesterone in excess, which can lead to the appearance of premenstrual syndrome and disturb ovulation.
Stress and menstruation
Consequently, this leads to irregularities in the menstrual cycle, such as:
- irregular periods or lack of them,
- delayed ovulation or its complete disappearance,
- disturbed production of cervical mucus — in a single cycle there may be no or several fertile mucus,
- severe premenstrual syndrome,
- dysmenorrhea, especially in young women.
If you have these symptoms and suspect that their occurrence is caused by the stress you experience, you should share your assumptions with your gynecologist at your next visit. At the same time, remember that you can take appropriate steps yourself to try to help yourself.
Fighting stress
Stress cannot be completely eliminated from our lives. So what are we left with? You have to tame it and find an effective way to minimize its consequences. Here are some tips for dealing with stress:
- Find something you enjoy – for some it will be listening to music, for others reading, walking, relaxing bath, cycling. Let it be anything but something special for you to make you feel important and special. Mental health plays a key role in coping with stress.
- Take care of physical activity – movement, physical effort, even the smallest one, effectively relieves nervous tension and stimulates the secretion of endorphins – hormones responsible for well-being.
- Get enough sleep – the right amount of sleep increases productivity, increases concentration, improves mood and strengthens the immune system.
- Follow a healthy, balanced diet — proper nutrition will strengthen the body, calm the nerves and make it resistant to stress.
- Go through life with a smile – in spite of everything, despite adversity, try to look for positive aspects everywhere.