Menstrual Irregularity: A Physiological Adaptation to Cope Perceived Stress

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Autonomic Nervous System Physiology
• Psychoneuroendocrinology

Background:

• Menstrual cycle regulation involves the hypothalamus and is influenced by hormonal integration.
• The hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis can be affected by stress.
• Understanding the interplay between stress, autonomic tone, and menstrual health is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze perceived stress levels in women.
• To compare autonomic tone between women with regular and irregular menses.
• To investigate the relationship between stress and menstrual cycle characteristics.

Main Methods:

• A pilot cohort study included 100 healthy young women.
• Perceived stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14).
• Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured on days 2, 10, and 21 of the menstrual cycle.

Main Results:

• Women with menstrual irregularity reported significantly higher perceived stress scores.
• Heart rate variability analysis indicated parasympathetic dominance in women with irregular menses.
• Specific HRV parameters (e.g., R-R interval, heart rate, LF/HF ratio) differed significantly between groups.

Conclusions:

• Menstrual irregularity in healthy young women may be a physiological adaptation to perceived stress.
• This adaptation appears to help maintain parasympathetic nervous system dominance.
• The findings highlight a potential link between psychological stress and reproductive health outcomes.