Stress & Your Menstrual Cycle: What's the Connection?

Whether you've just taken a new job, had to move, or suffered a breakup, stress is going to be a factor.

A little stress can be good for your health, but when it starts to cause problems with your mood, weight, relationships, or sleep schedule, it may be time to reevaluate your lifestyle.

Can stress also mess with your period?

Turns out, yes.

However, even though it's pretty common, it's far from normal. If you're constantly having irregular periods, it could be sign that your endocrine system is ready to snap and that your hormones are out of balance. If irregularity continues to happen due to stress, it can also mess with your fertility long-term, your thyroid, and your bone density.

What can you do to help your body respond better to stress?

Alisa Vitti, HHC, joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how stress can impact your menstrual cycle and what you can do to help your body respond better to stress.