School Stress + Periods

Hello finals season! Goodbye periods?

As we approach the end of the semester stress from assignments, classes, tests and exams are really piling on. Many students experience irregularity in their cycles due to this stress. This could mean missing their periods, or experiencing a delay in their cycles. Many studies have shown that stress can impact your period and cycles.

Why does this happen?

The body’s stress response system is located in the hypothalamus region of the brain. This region is responsible for signaling the endocrine system to flood the body with hormones in reaction to stress. When stress levels are peaked, hormones switch on the fight-or-flight response. These hormones suppress certain bodily functions that are not essential to escaping imminent threat, including those of the reproductive system. In some ways, you can think of it as energy conservation and focusing the energy somewhere else. In a hypothetical situation, where you are running away from a predator, your body will shift its focus and energy to regulating the bodily functions and hormones required to keep you running and “turn off” the bodily functions that are not required at that moment.

When under a lot of stress, such as the stress of finals season, your body can stay in a state of fight-or-flight. This may trigger your body to temporarily stop ovulating which in turn can delay your period. On the other hand, it can also cause spotting, often between periods. The irony of it all is that stressing about not getting or missing your period actually prolongs the cycle as your stress levels are high.

Tips for finals season:

1. Track your period

Tracking your period may be helpful in terms of knowing when your period is predicted to come. This may help alleviate some of the stress in trying to remember when your cycles are all on your own. Tracking your symptoms can also help you determine common trends such as how stress impacts your period.

1. Practice self-care

Self-care seems to be all the rave these days but for good reason. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, something as small to help you destress is all it takes. Whether that be 10 minute meditation, taking a bath, or talking on the phone with a friend, anything helps.

1. Eat!

We all fall victim to busy schedules and sometimes that can get in the way of eating balanced meals throughout the day. Maintaining your eating habits throughout finals season can seem hard due to your many other priorities, but it is important to remember that without proper nutrition your brain and body cannot function to the best of its ability.

1. Get in some physical activity

When studying, our minds are active but our bodies remain in a sedentary state. Going on a small walk, doing some stretches, or following a workout class online can all reduce your stress by getting the rest of your body working too.

References

Osborn, Corinne O'Keefe. “How Late Can a Period Be? When to Be Concerned.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 1 Oct. 2021, https://www.healthline.com/health/how-late-can-a-period-be#pregnancy.