Most women believe that having regular periods means their body is completely fit. Women think that whether hormone levels are normal can be determined just by looking at their periods. However, in many cases, sleep, mental stress, and blood sugar fluctuations can also affect your hormones and menstrual health.
Anesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine specialist Kunal Sud highlights several important aspects of women's hormonal health on Instagram. He explains how chronic stress and sleep problems disrupt hormonal balance and affect menstrual health.
Do normal periods mean good health?
A normal menstrual cycle doesn't necessarily mean hormonal balance is also normal. Even after having regular periods, progesterone and androgen levels, thyroid function, insulin resistance, and prolactin levels can be abnormal. Therefore, it's important to pay attention to pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms like acne, fatigue, frequent mood changes, and excessive body hair.
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Sleep problems increase hormonal imbalance
Both reproductive health and stress hormones are controlled by sleep and the body's biological clock. Lack of proper sleep increases cortisol levels in the body and causes various problems. Sometimes, due to sleep deprivation, ovulation doesn't occur on time.
Mental stress also damages menstrual health
Excessive mental stress delays periods. Chronic stress keeps the body constantly alert (sympathetic activation). This causes delayed ovulation and irregular menstruation. To maintain good menstrual health, mental stress must also be reduced.
Blood sugar fluctuations are also a symptom
Those suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome experience increased blood sugar levels. Glucose levels are also linked to reproductive hormones. When insulin resistance develops in the body, PCOS symptoms become more severe. Therefore, controlling blood sugar levels is also essential.
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How to avoid these problems?
Dr. Sud suggests that magnesium can help control pre-menstrual symptoms. Magnesium controls mood swings and helps reduce fluid retention. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids help reduce physical inflammation. In this case, you can eat foods rich in magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids.
