A late period can send your mind into overdrive. You might wonder whether you’re pregnant or whether stress could be affecting your cycle.
Stress can be a common cause of a late period and can cause changes in your body that may lead you to think you are pregnant. At New Hope Center, we provide women with medical-grade pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds so you get the clarity you need.
We’re here to provide answers and support.
Schedule an appointment at our center today.
How Stress Can Affect Your Period
Stress can affect the hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle.
This is because excessive cortisol can affect part of your brain called the hypothalamus, which is responsible for releasing chemicals to your pituitary gland, which stimulates your ovaries.
Under stress, this can affect the release of hormones estrogen and progesterone, which normally bring on your period.
A missed or delayed period here and there isn’t cause for concern. If stress continues, however, this could eventually lead to hormonal imbalance and irregular periods.
There are also other reasons for an irregular period, including weight changes, exercise changes, travel, pregnancy, and anovulation.
Can Stress Cause Pregnancy-Like Symptoms?
Stress can cause similar physical and emotional symptoms that mirror early pregnancy symptoms. This is the reason why a late period combined with these symptoms can lead you to think you could be pregnant.
Stress can cause a missed period and symptoms that resemble early pregnancy, including fatigue, headaches, nausea, mood changes, and difficulty sleeping.
The most accurate way to verify pregnancy is with a test and an ultrasound, since symptoms can be mistaken for other causes.
If you are pregnant, finding healthy ways to manage stress is important for both your well-being and your pregnancy. Normal pregnancy symptoms, such as fatigue and nausea, can also feel heightened if you are already stressed.
When To Take a Pregnancy Test
If your period is late and you are experiencing symptoms that could be related to either stress or pregnancy, taking a pregnancy test is a good next step.
The most accurate time to take a pregnancy test is one day after your missed period. If your period still hasn’t arrived after a week and your first test was negative, consider taking another pregnancy test or speaking with a healthcare provider.
Get Pregnancy Confirmation at New Hope Center
New Hope Center is here to help you through this uncertain time. We provide free pregnancy services if you think you may be pregnant and need answers.
If your pregnancy test result is positive, we will also provide you with the factual information you need about your options and the support that may be available.
Contact us to make an appointment.
