Anxiety and late periods?

[crazycatlady13]

Hi all,

I've been going through pretty bad anxiety over the last couple of weeks since stage 4 lockdowns started. In fact this year is the worst for me.

My periods have started becoming irregular since March, it has been late twice so far and this month it is late again and it is adding more anxiety/stress for me. My main worry of course is pregnancy even though the chances are quite low. I haven't taken a test yet because it hasn't been more than a week late but it is something I will consider if it gets any later.

I want to know, do any of you other ladies get delayed/missing periods due to anxiety? I haven't experienced this much anxiety in my life and my periods are always regular but the irregularity is stressing me out 😞

[M99]

Hi crazycatlady,

I have had similar experiences where I wouldn't get my period for a few months due to immense stress and feelings of depression. Sometimes stress and anxiety hormones like cortisol can create irregular disturbances in period cycles.

However I still do recommend keeping a close watch on it and if required take a pregnancy test. It seems like you are currently going through a lot of anxiety and stress. I hope you have some social support or someone who you can confide your concerns with. Sometimes sharing our thoughts with someone else can be of so much help.

The beyond blue community is always hear if you would like to talk.

Best,

M99.

[Emmen]

Hello crazycatlady13,

Anxiety can cause irregular periods. I did have that years ago too. It got better when I started managing my stress and anxiety though, usually that was when the triggers disappeared (e.g. during my school days, things almost went back to normal after exams).

Unfortunately stressing out about the irregularity will just add more anxiety. The lockdowns have been hard on many in our community. Have you been taking care of yourself during this time (particularly in terms of keeping in touch with friends and family, finding healthy activities to spend your time on)? These can help maintain a sense of normalcy during the lockdowns. Personally doing mindfulness exercises also helps me keep anxiety away.

If you are concerned about a pregnancy, it wouldn't hurt to do a test. You can also see your GP if you're getting concerned and want to get checked.

Do take care 🙂

- M

[crazycatlady13]

Hi M99,

Thank you, I will definitely consider a pregnancy test when needed but I am hoping I don't have to go down that route.

I, in fact, did have an anxiety attack a couple of nights ago and I didn't know I was going through anxiety until it happened. I have been talking to strangers on forums and online support groups which helps me realise that I am not alone with these feelings. I haven't seen my boyfriend in almost a month so this week I will be finally seeing him and I will see if it will help me cope better because I've been stuck at home alone for practically 3 weeks, hence the anxiety and stress 😞

[crazycatlady13]

Hi Emmen,

Thank you for your response.

Yes, the harsher lockdowns have made my anxiety worse, I haven't seen my boyfriend in almost a month because I was unwell and was afraid of getting pulled over and fined, even though parter visitations are allowed. I will be seeing him this week to give myself a change of pace.

The last three weeks I unfortunately lost interest in most of my hobbies because I have just been so overwhelmed and so bored with being stuck at home with nowhere to go.

I had an anxiety attack two nights ago and have been getting night sweats/symptoms of anxiety for the first time and after reaching out to some strangers, I have started some mindfulness exercises, most of them have been quite successful for me which is great! Talking to strangers and people about my feelings right now help a lot too.

I don't feel pregnant at all but to put me and my boyfriend's minds at ease I will definitely take a pregnancy test if it is over a week late 🙂

Thanks!

[45987]

Not sure how relevant this will be as there was zero chance of pregnancy in my case, but during a stressful time in my life a few years ago I wasn't sleeping well (averaging 4 or so hours a night and would frequently wake up around 3am and would be unable to get to sleep again), and my period stopped for about 3 months. I also wasn't eating well, so that may be a factor too.

[M99]

Hi crazycatlady,

How are you feeling now? I'm glad you're seeing your partner soon, the lockdown can take a toll on us and leave us feeling more anxious and isolated due to the unstable and restricted environment.

During times like this, it is further important to stay connected to ourselves emotionally and stay socially connected to those we love. You have taken the inizatitve to seek out social support and advice through these forums which is great.

It sounds like anxiety is something that has increased recently for you, do you know what in particular makes you feel stressed and anxious? Perhaps, some self-reflection will give you a clearer idea on how to approach your current emotions and thoughts.

Panic attacks are serious, make sure you take care of yourself. Inhale and exhale when you feel extremely overwhelmed. If you feel like you need further help, remember there is always mental health services and support available.