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Myperiodis, and always has been, very regular, reliably arriving every 21 days.
MirageC/Getty Images
She asked if I experienced any stressful life changes recentlyand I immediately felt seen.
At the time, my husband and I were uprooting our lives and moving to a new state.
I was mentally and emotionally fried.
The most likely reason my period was MIA, according to my doctor?
For example, when you are embarrassed, your body releases adrenaline and you blush.
Stress throws off some key hormones that control your menstrual cycle.
These kinds of big or overwhelming events cause your body to ramp up production of cortisola.k.a.
That is, ultimately, what happened to me.
The source of stressand how you copecan influence your bodys response.
They go up and stay up.
There are plenty of things that can keep you feeling tense for days.
Everyone responds to difficult situations differently.
But there are probably more people who, if theyre really stressed, will have anirregular menstrual cycle.
When should you be concerned about a delayed period?
If your period is only late a single month or two, its probably no biggie.
But if your periods past-due month after month, its time to investigate.
), theres a lot you’re able to do to manage how you respond to stress.
And that, in turn, can minimize the impact that cortisol has on your cycle.
Andresearchsuggests that doing a hobby, such as an art project, dramatically lowers cortisol levels.
At a basic level, a hobby takes your mind off the bad in your lifeeven if momentarily.
Youre just focused on the activity in front of you, says Dr. Domar.
Exerciseis also a great stress buster.
Again, I messed up.
That change in my exercise routine probably did nothing good for my stress levels.
Researchshows that regularly working out reduces cortisol levels, protecting you from the damaging health effects of chronic stress.
Even more, working out prevents you fromruminatingby taking your mind off whatevers going wrong in your life.
You dont need to be a gym rat to reap the benefits.
In general, moderate exercise is best, says Dr. Domar.
The most effective workout?
The one you enjoy, says Dr. Domar.
you could just lay down and listen to chill music or doodle in a notepad.
Not only will this immediately help you decompress, but itll help you stay calm under pressure moving forward.
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