How Do Stress and Anxiety Affect Menstrual Cycles?
Stress and anxiety can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle. This disruption can lead to amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) or dysmenorrhea (painful periods). Women experiencing high levels of stress may notice their periods becoming irregular or even stopping altogether.
