The menstrual cycle is majorly affected by a delicate balance of hormones in a woman’s body. While many tend to link irregular periods with stress or medical issues, changes in the environment, such as temperature, light exposure, or even relocation to a new place, can also affect your menses.
These environmental stressors affect bodily function through dehydration, increased physical stress, and disruption of endocrine and thyroid systems. There are reported disorders in cycle length, intensity of bleeding, and timing of menstruation. Though there is a lack of awareness about these causes.
Moreover, these changes can induce hormonal imbalance, impact sleep patterns, and emotional well-being, leading to temporary changes in period timing, flow, or symptoms. These environmental changes further impact menstrual hygiene management, particularly in vulnerable populations. Hence, women should be attentive when it comes to your menses. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr Sujata Uday Rajput, Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Lullanagar, Pune, shares how environmental shift can mess with the menstrual cycle in women.
How Do Environmental Changes Affect Your Period?
Very hot or very cold weather can stress the body and throw off its hormones. Hot weather can make you tired and dehydrated, which might make your periods lighter or later. Cold weather can make cramps and mood swings worse.
Your biological clock, or circadian rhythm, gets messed up when you travel or shift to a new time zone. This stops the flow of hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, which can cause periods to be erratic or missing. Research indicates that women residing in polluted environments may suffer from irregular menstrual periods, dysmenorrhea, or increased menstrual flow as a result of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Environmental Shifts And Menstrual Cycle (Image Credits: Canva)
The hypothalamus, which controls menstruation, can be affected by the environment and sleep patterns that are not normal. Did you know? This can make your cycle unpredictable or push back ovulation.
When you move, you might eat or do different things. Sudden weight loss, growth, or an imbalance in your diet may also affect the frequency and heaviness of your periods. Talk to the doctor about these reasons.
Menstrual health is important. It is necessary to ensure proper hydration, adhere to a well-balanced diet loaded with fresh fruits, whole grains, pulses, lentils, nuts, and seeds, and follow a structured sleep schedule. Try to get a sound sleep of 8 hours per day, and even while traveling. Try relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation to manage stress and stay calm. Exercise daily for at least 45 minutes to maintain hormonal balance and make sure to keep track of periods. Discuss any unusual signs with the doctor. While temporary irregularities are common, if irregular periods persist for more than two months, it’s best to consult a gynaecologist. It is advisable to take charge of your reproductive health to prevent any concerning issues.