Can Stress Cause a Missed Period?
Holidays, Finals, or Pregnancy?
With the finals and the holidays coming, stress can be at an all-time high. Missing a period can add to that stress. Did you know that stress is one of the most common reasons your period can be late? When you’re dealing with school, work, relationships, or big life changes, your body reacts by releasing cortisol—the stress hormone. High cortisol can interfere with the part of your brain that controls ovulation. If ovulation is delayed or skipped, your period may come late or not at all.
Stress-related symptoms that can appear alongside a late period include trouble sleeping, mood swings, headaches, fatigue, appetite changes, and muscle tension.
How to Relieve Stress
You may not be able to remove every stressor, but you can take healthy steps to support your body and help your cycle regulate.
1. Try Daily Calm
- Deep breathing for 5–10 minutes
- Meditation
- Grounding exercises to refocus your mind
2. Move Your Body
- Walking, light workouts, or stretching
- Avoid extreme or excessive exercise, which can also disrupt your cycle
3. Prioritize Sleep
- Aim for 7–9 hours.
- Keep a consistent bedtime.
- Avoid screens before sleep.
4. Eat Regular, Balanced Meals
- Large shifts in eating habits or skipping meals can affect hormones.
- Choose nutritious meals and stay hydrated.
5. Set Personal Boundaries
- Reduce overwhelm by saying no when needed.
- Breaking tasks into smaller steps.
- Ask for help.
How to Rule Out Pregnancy
If you’re sexually active, it’s important not to assume stress is the only cause of a missed period.
1. Take a Pregnancy Test
Use it after you’ve missed your period and follow the directions carefully. Or contact OWCC for FREE pregnancy testing.
2. Repeat if Needed
If negative, test again in 2–3 days. Hormone levels rise over time.
3. Watch for Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Breast tenderness, nausea, fatigue, cramping, and increased urination can occur—but these also overlap with PMS or stress.
4. Make an Appointment at OWCC, if You’re Unsure
Our licensed medical staff can offer a more sensitive pregnancy test. They can also discuss other factors and give you the appropriate next steps.