Stress and Delayed Period

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Stress and Delayed Period

Print Email More

Question:

Can stress delay your period, and if so, for how long?

Answer:

The menstrual cycle results from a sequence of hormonal activity involving the brain, pituitary gland, ovaries, and uterus. Despite many opportunities for disruption, the cycle is remarkably consistent in most women from month to month.

Emotional and physical stress can affect the menstrual cycle and delay the period. Stress decreases hormone signals originating in the brain. This results in the failure of the ovary to release an egg. This causes an imbalance in the ovarian hormones estrogen and progesterone. The period may be delayed for a few days to a few weeks and may be heavy when it does occur.

Several other conditions, most notably pregnancy, can also delay the period. It should not be assumed that stress is the cause without first checking a pregnancy test and consulting a health professional.

Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Print Email More

Last updated:	July 20, 2009

Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, Use of Content Agreement and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.