Moms, did you know that late periods can occur due to stress? According to some studies, late periods can be caused by several factors, one of which is stress. However, late periods are often associated with pregnancy. This is natural because the most common sign of pregnancy is a late period. So, how do you differentiate late periods due to stress and pregnancy? Let's take a look at the differences between late periods due to stress and pregnancy below.
Causes of Delayed Periods
Delayed menstruation does not always indicate pregnancy. Several conditions can cause menstrual cycle irregularities, such as stress, obesity, extreme weight loss, contraceptive drug use, polycystic ovary syndrome, excessive exercise, and early menopause.
High stress hormones can affect the sex hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and cause disruptions in the cycle. If moms experience menstrual delays for more than three consecutive periods but a negative pregnancy test, you should consult a doctor to find out the cause and treatment according to complaints.
Differences in Delayed Periods Due to Stress and Pregnancy
Every woman's menstrual cycle is different. If you have a normal menstrual cycle, even one day late can be considered a late period. Based on the causes of late periods described earlier, late periods due to stress and pregnancy are different. There are some differences between late periods due to stress and pregnancy that you need to know.
1. Cramps or Abdominal Pain
Late periods due to stress and pregnancy are seen from the type of abdominal cramps. If you have a late period but experience abdominal cramps, this could be an early sign of pregnancy. This abdominal pain may be similar to cramps experienced before or during menstruation, focusing on the bottom or back. However, in pregnancy, you will also experience other symptoms.
2. Check Cervical Mucus
Cervical mucus that indicates pregnancy is usually thicker due to hormonal changes after fertilization. However, if the mucus is not very thick, this could be due to a delay in menstruation due to hormonal imbalance.
3. Increased Urination Intensity
If your period is late, your body will experience changes, especially in the frequency of urination. Due to hormonal changes in the body, the kidneys need to process more fluid so that the bladder will fill up quickly. These changes make moms will often urinate.
4. Breast Changes
The difference between late periods due to stress and pregnancy can also be seen from breast pain. When menstruation is delayed due to pregnancy, pain in the breasts can be an early sign. The breast areola also darkens and enlarges, indicating hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. Meanwhile, breast pain during menstruation will last longer.
5. Increased Basal Body Temperature
If moms have late periods and basal body temperature rises, this could be a sign of young pregnancy. But if your period is late without an increase in basal body temperature, it is most likely caused by unbalanced hormones.
If you already understand the difference between late periods due to stress and pregnancy, but the symptoms point to pregnancy, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test immediately. If the result is positive, immediately consult a gynecologist to confirm the pregnancy.
How Long is a Normal Period?
A normal menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days after the end of menstruation. During this time, it is considered within normal limits. If it's longer than that, you may be considered to have a late period. But keep in mind that one or two days late is normal. What you should be aware of is that if your period is delayed beyond your menstrual cycle, it could indicate certain health problems.
How to deal with late periods due to stress
If you experience these symptoms, immediately manage stress well so that it does not have an impact on menstruation. Some ways to deal with late periods due to stress include:
Eating healthy foods to maintain hormonal balance.
Doing relaxation or meditation techniques.
Doing fun activities to relieve stress.
Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy body.
Interacting with loved ones to relieve stress.
Conclusion
By knowing the difference between late periods due to stress and pregnancy, moms can pay more attention to maintaining health. Starting from controlling diet and nutrition to stress levels. If you experience abnormalities in menstruation, don't hesitate to consult a doctor, moms. (VIO / MKK)
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