Is it possible to mentally delay your period

Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Related Articles. How to Decode Your Vaginal Discharge. Trending Topics. What Parents Need to Know. Share this article via email with one or more people using the form below. Not much is known about the relationship between stress and periods. However, stress certainly plays a role in suppressing the functioning of the hypothalamus, which controls the pituitary gland — the body's master gland — which, in turn, controls the thyroid and adrenal glands and the ovaries; they all work together to manage hormones.

Ovarian dysfunction may lead to problems with estrogen production, ovulation, or other reproductive processes. Estrogen is an important hormone that helps build the uterine lining and prepares the body for pregnancy. Because stress can affect the part of the brain responsible for producing hormones, it can throw hormonal levels out of whack, which can lead to changes in the frequency and duration of your menstrual period. Reducing your level of stress or finding effective coping mechanisms may help your body revert to a normal menstrual period.

Talking with a therapist or possibly taking anti- anxiety medication can lower stress and help you manage stress symptoms, eventually allowing your system to return to regularity. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. Women's Health. Primary Care. Mental Health. More Button Icon Circle with three vertical dots.

It indicates a way to see more nav menu items inside the site menu by triggering the side menu to open and close. Madeleine Burry. It's normal for stress to delay a period, or even cause you to skip it entirely. Stress hormones are known to affect menstruation, and research has found that those with higher levels of perceived stress are more likely to miss a period. If your period is irregular or doesn't occur for three months, you should talk with a gynecologist. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Madeleine Burry is a freelance writer for Insider. Additional comments. Email optional. Receive a selection of our best stories daily based on your reading preferences.