Gynecology, Obstetrics and In Vitro Fertilization Specialist Op. Dr. Seval Taşdemir mentioned that the stress caused by Covid-19 can cause menstrual irregularity.
What is menstrual bleeding?
The shedding of the uterine lining after hormonal changes is called menstrual bleeding. This shedding, in which pregnancy does not occur, recurs every 28 days. These 28 days are counted from the first day of the period until the first day of the next period. However, it is extremely normal for this period to last between 21 and 35 days.
What are the cycle periods?
A normal cycle includes the follicular phase and the luteal phase. It is divided into two main periods. These phases are separated from each other by ovulation. The follicular phase until ovulation is the period when the lining of the uterus thickens. The period that starts with the first day of menstrual bleeding ends with ovulation and then the luteal phase begins.
What are the conditions required for regular menstruation?
At the beginning of the menstrual process. Hormones secreted from the brain play an important role. Following these secreted hormones, hormones are also secreted from the pituitary gland. In order for menstruation to occur, there must be follicles in the ovaries and the hormonal cycle must be regular.
The menstrual cycle occurs with the thickening of the inner layer of the uterus, therefore the inner layer must be sensitive to hormones. In addition, the absence of any disorder that would prevent the bleeding from flowing out creates the necessary conditions for menstruation.
The egg cell that develops during the cycle passes through the fallopian tubes and reaches the uterus. In cases where there is no pregnancy, the unfertilized egg does not implant in the uterus and therefore there is no need for the thickened uterine inner layer. As a result, the thickened layer is shed and removed from the body through bleeding.
It is not certain exactly at what age the first menstrual period will occur. This process varies according to environmental and genetic conditions. Generally, the first menstrual bleeding occurs between the ages of 11 and 14. During the first two years following bleeding, the bleeding process is irregular and it is extremely normal to occur sometimes twice a month and in some cases every 3-4 months.
In some cases, the time between 2 menstrual cycles may be longer. There are various reasons for this. However, the recent Covid-19 epidemic and quarantine process experienced all over the world have caused increased stress in women. Reasons for menstrual delay include various diseases, excessive stress, increasing age, intense exercise and sudden weight changes.
In addition to causing edema, restlessness and increased stress in women, menstrual delay can actually cause pregnancy to be delayed. For this reason, regular sleep, healthy nutrition and regular exercise are recommended to control stress.
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