What is Anxiety?
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress or preparation for important events. But when anxiety becomes persistent and uncontrollable from irrational fears about everyday situations, it indicates anxiety disorder, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America or ADAA. There are various kinds of anxiety disorder, all of them treatable. But only one-third of the 40 million adult Americans with anxiety disorders receive treatment.
What does ANXIETY mean?
Anxiety is a common emotion also known as the body’s natural “fight or flight” response to stressful experiences. Anxiety can be a positive thing that helps you deal with common tense situations, such as preparing for an important presentation, reacting to unexpected danger or tackling a challenging assignment at school or work. Sometimes, feelings of anxiety can become disproportionate to the situation you’re facing, and that’s when it may be time to seek professional help.
Cause of Anxiety
Research suggests that anxiety disorders may be genetic and “have a biological basis” similar to other diseases, such as diabetes. Some disorders may also be triggered by traumatic events such as the death of a loved one, combat in a war zone and an abusive childhood. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America lists other risk factors such as brain chemistry, life experiences and genetic makeup.
Common Types of Anxiety
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by panic attacks followed by an intense fear of recurrences. Symptoms of a panic attack generally come on quickly and include sweating, nausea, hyperventilation, chest pain and trembling. In severe situations, panic disorder may lead to agoraphobia–or a fear of leaving the home. Feelings of exhaustion and depression sometimes follow panic attacks as a result of the physical and mental stress they induce. Treatment for panic disorder often consists of a combination of behavioral and cognitive therapies in conjunction with medications like antidepressants or benzodiazepines.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder–or OCD for short–is an anxiety disorder involving intrusive, repetitive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. In people with OCD, disturbing thoughts or images provoke feelings of anxiety, leading the sufferer to perform ritual behaviors in an attempt to reduce anxiety. Counting, hand-washing and repeatedly checking locks are common compulsions in people with this condition.
Generalized Anxiety
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is marked by persistent worry about everyday activities and situations. Sufferers of generalized anxiety disorder often experience symptoms ranging from racing thoughts to physical symptoms like nausea and hot flashes. For some people, symptoms begin upon awakening are triggered by the simple thought of facing the day, which can lead to avoidant behavior like absence from work or school.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a form of anxiety that occurs in response to past traumatic events. In PTSD, the central nervous system is chronically overstimulated, leading to symptoms like nightmares, muscle tension and insomnia. Flashbacks–or memories of the traumatic event that triggered the disorder–often cause people with PTSD to relive the experience repeatedly, impairing their ability to function in the present.
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Psychological Effects to a child of Being a Single Mom
Effects to a child of Being a Single Mom
Being a single mom and raising kids on your own really has so many concerns to think about most especially when it comes to the child’s psychological makeup. A common concern in a single-parent family is when the parent and child are of different genders which will leave the child with no adequate role model as they grow up. But being in a non-traditional family also has good sides which not all of us may think of at first once we hear about because often times what people think about is the negative aspect.
Positive Effects to a child living with Single Moms
Because in most cases kids live with their moms, psychologists were able to observe how kids have a close knit relationship with their mothers and in other instances if the child is living with his or her father, the same kind of close knit relationship is noted. Having a close bond with the parent and the child is one of the most noted positive effects of being raised by a single mom or dad. Because the parent and the child have each other to spend most of the time with, bonding comes easy and there is more openness. Having a good relationship with your child makes it easy for the single mom or dad to influence their child and guide them to be a responsible adult. Because single moms or dads are also busy with work as they are largely dependent on themselves when it comes to earning money, there will be cases where they will have to leave their child to the relatives and other close friends. Doing this will open the child to community life early on and socializing with other people no longer becomes hard for the child. If your kids happen to be at their teen years, exposing them to responsibilities on their own teaches them to be mature at an early age.
Negative Effects to a child living with Single Moms
The fact that the child is largely affected by parental separation or growing up without the comfort of having both parents can already make it easy for us to see that there are also negative psychological effects to the child when raised by a single mom or dad. In most cases where a child is undergoing the pains of his or her parents going through separation, there is significant decrease in the child’s academic performance. It can be a really distracting phase for the child to undergo especially when they do not understand what is really happening. Some kids who are in their teens could also resort to alcohol or drug abuse, depression and even creating a negative point of view in life in general.
We can now see how a child can be really affected by being raised by a single mom or dad. In every situation or family set up we know that there are pros and cons involved and in many cases, the child is the one greatly affected. This explains why parents should be really careful when it comes to making decisions because.
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The Advantages of Being in a Single-Parent Family
Single-Parent Family
We often have read about articles and stories about family struggles but rarely do we read about single-parent families most especially those centered on single moms. A common set-up when it comes to single-parent families are those with single moms. In the US, over 18.9 million kids are said to be living in a single-parent family. Although there are noted disadvantages that single-parent families have, being raised by a single mom or single is dad not entirely all that bad. There are also advantages to being in a single-parent family that both single moms and dad and kids may also reap.
Advantages of single-parent family
Lesser Incidents of Conflicts at home
One of the common reasons why parents decide to take on separate lives is because of irreconcilable differences. Situations where both partners no longer have the understanding of being with each other will only resort to fights and quarrels at home which can largely affect the kids. But when two parties decide to be civil and opt for a single-parent family arrangement, there is lesser conflict at home. When there is no tension at home, kids feel more safe and less anxious.
Freedom in making Decisions
When it comes to decision making, single moms or dads no longer have to worry about what the other partner thinks most especially when it comes to things regarding at home and other concerns not unless that decision will greatly affect the other partner’s communication with the child.
Greater opportunity to bond with relatives and other family members
Kids who grow up in a single-parent family household usually have stronger bonds with their grandparents and other members of the family. In fact, a study done by a professor in Hebrew University of Jerusalem was able to observe that adults who were raised in a single-parent family usually turn to their grandparents than their peers when it comes to most things. Because of this, there is also a noticeably better social interaction and performance and even behavior at school.
It is true that having a traditional family where there is a mother and father is more ideal, we cannot deny the fact that there really are single-parent families existing. In most cases, people who are in this situation are challenged because they not only are concerned with raising their child on their own but also when it comes to how their child will deal with society that can also be cruel at times.
Being in a single-parent family also has a number of cons of its own but growing up in one does not right away connote an entirely negative experience. For parents and even kids who are in this kind of set-up, they will definitely agree that being in a single-parent family is better than a traditional family where the mother and father is there but there are constant fights and conflicts happening. If you are a single mother or father and is in this kind of set-up, remember that you are not alone, there are many other families in this situation. The challenge here is to raise your kids to be the best they can be and teach them to appreciate what they have.
The Advantages of Being in a Single Parent Family
Parenting Tips for Single Moms
Best Parenting Tips for Single Moms
To be a single parents really entails a lot of hard work and dedication to being a single mom or father because raising a child is not a joke and what is at stake here is the life of not just your child but another person whom we want only but the best. The situation of being a single mom without a spouse and raising a child can really be draining; you will be making major decisions on your own and the actions you make will affect your child. Balancing time between work and time for your kids is another parenting tips to consider. Thus, there are a few parenting tips for single moms that you may use for this.
Parenting Tips for Single Moms
- Budget time by running all the errands in one trip. If you know that you have so much time with only little time in your hands, try to run all the errands when leaving the house. Going back and forth to get stuff from the store will only mean more time taken up. Doing errands could also be a good way to bond with your kids by bringing them with you.
- Take time to listen to your child or children. You will really be surprised as to how smart and opinionated your child is when it comes to things. Because in most of your lives you will be with each other, allow them to also feel responsible by asking them about decisions you will decide on. This will make your child feel important and really part of the family.
- Always be honest. If you are teaching your child to be honest at home and in school then be an example yourself. Because you are in non-traditional family set up and your child starts asking questions, speak honestly about what has happened before between you and his or her father so that your child will not be disturbed by these questions until they grow up.
- Do not be afraid to ask help from your family and friends. Who else are the best people to turn to and to trust when it comes to your kids? It would definitely be your family and friends. You can also ask help from the kid’s dad if you are out of time or if you need a little more time at work or attending to something else. This will allow kids to also bond with other members of the family and their dad.
More Parenting Tips for Single Moms
- Build your own life and career. To be fulfilled individually is the solace you must have now that you are on your own. Establishing yourself financially is also good especially you have kids and you are running a household on your own.
- Allow your child to be independent. Give them responsibilities and tasks that they may share with you or do on their own so that they learn to make major decisions at a young age and develop this as they get older.
There are many other parenting tips that you may find online and even when you read about it in books. It is true that there is no single class to be a single mom but these tips can help guide you.
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Tips to Being a Single Mom
Being Single Mom
Being a single mom is a very challenging task, parenting is already hard for two people how much more if it were done by just a mother. There are numerous households today that have single parents, most of which are single moms. Being a parent all on your own can sometimes make you feel isolated and stressed-out but there are ways in which you may be able to remember when you are dealing with your kids and life in general to make the task of being a single mom much easier.
Learn to do Multitasking
Being a single mother requires you to learn the skill of multitasking. It would be best to have your day planned out or better yet have an organizer with you. This way, you will know what your priorities are for that day and what errands you must do. This will give you ample time to budget your time beginning from work responsibilities to things you must do at home and taking time to help your kids in doing their homework. You can also place time for yourself such as during your kid’s bath where you may take time to read a few articles for beauty and health. It’s really about managing your time.
Don’t take the blame all to yourself
If you feel guilty or depressed in seeing kids with their moms and dads or finding out they go home to housewife moms, don’t be because we all have different situations, in your case it just so happened that it’s more convenient for the kids and for you and their dads to be in that kind of set up. The point here is to really make the most of what you have and make sure to utilize the resources that you have. If your child starts asking questions explaining it in a way they will understand will eventually make them understand why they are in that situation.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help
Single parenthood does not mean you are on your own or that you are alone. The good thing about being a single mom is how you can always turn to your family and friends for help and support. Having a strong moral support from important people in your lives will really let you go through it much easier. Even if you and your partner are no longer living in a single roof, you two may not work out well in marriage but you can always work together as parents for your kid/s.
Also give yourself “Me Time”
It is true how being a single mom can be really energy and emotionally draining at times this is why it is very important that you have time for yourself. Remember the line “you cannot give what you don’t have” is really applicable because if you do not take time to love and pamper yourself, giving love to your kids and other people would be hard this is why you must always have a “me time” which you may spend on your own or going out with good friends.
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Mediterranean Diet
Understanding Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean Diet first began in 1945 by an American doctor named Ancel Keys who was staying in Salerno, Italy. The diet became well known by the 1990s. More than just a diet, the Mediterranean Diet involves a more holistic approach, it’s not just the eating but it also involves the lifestyle. It is definitely a diet that anyone can use for a lifetime because of the many health benefits it brings.
What is the Mediterranean Diet?
The Mediterranean Diet is a dietary plan that is based on eating customary foods and drinks of countries around the Mediterranean Sea. It has a more contemporary nutritional approach. By tradition, Western Europe actually has two broad nutritional approaches which are the Northern European and Southern European. The Mediterranean diet is more on the Southern European approach and is centered on the diet of people of Creete, Greece and southern Italy but today Spain, Southern France and Portugal are included already despite the fact that Portugal does not surround the Mediterranean Sea. Basically a Mediterranean Diet is composed of the following:
- Lots of plant-based foods
- Fresh fruits
- High intake of nuts, beans, seeds and cereals
- Use of olive oil as a source of dietary fat
- Dairy foods which are mainly cheese and yogurt
- Consumption of only 4 eggs per week
- Moderate consumption of fish and poultry
- Low consumption of red meat per week
- Low to moderate intake of wine
- The 25-35% of calories are from fat and 8% of the calories are from saturated fat
Goal
The Mediterranean Diet is designed to ensure that all the essential elements of healthy eating are part of the diet starting with consuming fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish and healthy fats which we can get from using Olive oil. From here, we can see that the diet is aimed at limiting the intake of fats and making healthier choices when eating foods that contain fat rather than removing it from the diet. But the fats in the diet are the ‘good fats’ which are the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
How does it work?
The Mediterranean Diet was not really designed for weight loss but it was rather made for the purpose of promoting a healthy lifestyle by eating the right kinds of foods. The diet is more of a combination of Mediterranean foods from different countries such as Italy, Spain, Greece, North Africa and Greece giving dieters loads of healthy and tasty choices.
Basically the Mediterranean Diet is centered on the following concepts:
- Consumption of foods that are from plant sources such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, beans and grains. Fruits and vegetables should be included on the diet on a daily basis.
- As much as possible, dieter should keep away from processed foods and fresh foods are preferred which happen to be rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
- Olive oil is the chief source of dietary fat.
- The main low fat dairy products of the diet are cheese and yogurt. There should be a limit of four eggs in a week.
- There should be a moderate intake of fish and poultry as well as other meats such as beef, lamb and pork.
- If a dieter is going to eat chicken it should be skinless. Turkey is much more preferred as it is leaner.
- There is restriction of intake of foods that are high in sugar or saturated fat.
- Low to moderate intake of wine (1-2 glasses per day for men and 1 glass per day for women) which should be drank during meals.
For those who are accustomed to eating meat and processed food, it may be hard to follow the diet at first but eventually, it becomes easy to follow plus the wide variety of food choices make meals interesting.
Advantages
- Easy to follow
- Does not require measuring or weighing
- Not for weight loss but can help a person lose as much as 10 lbs. in 5 weeks
- Offers a wide variety of food choices thus it is not boring
- Can be lifelong diet plan
- Proven to be effective in lowering the risks of developing heart diseases, specific types of cancer and even diabetes
Disadvantages
- It may be hard to follow the dietary plan because some people may not be accustomed to the food
- There is a need to cook fresh foods
- Not really meant for weight loss
Who can benefit from the Diet?
Anyone can follow the Mediterranean Diet as it offers a very healthy meal plan and helps in improving the quality of life by means of healthy eating. As long as you are willing to try Mediterranean cuisine, then following this diet won’t be a problem at all.
Celebrities who have used it
The Mediterranean Diet definitely did not miss out on attracting even celebrities in Hollywood such as celebrity chef Rachel Ray whose cooking is centered on using olive oil and includes fruits, vegetables, wine and whole grains to her recipes. Celebrity Brooke Burke, actress Penelope Cruz, Jennifer Garner, Isla Fisher and Heidi Klum also follow the Mediterranean diet. More than just a diet, these celebrities have looked up to it as healthy lifestyle.
How many people have used and benefited from the diet?
The Mediterranean diet is followed by people from different parts of the globe and not just in the Mediterranean region. It has been thought of as an ideal diet because it’s healthy and yet it still does not fail its dieters to choose from a wide variety of foods offered plus the fact that it has great health benefits, lots of people are getting drawn to it and is a growing number to this day.
Conclusion
The Mediterranean diet many not be a weight loss plan but it does help promote a healthy way of living and a better life. It is not like other diets that a specific program is laid out and pre packed foods are served. It is more of knowing what foods to eat and which ones to cut out from the diet. Although some people prefer to use for weight loss, there are also those who closely count on their calories to really lose weight but the mere fact that it is low in fat and does not encourage eating too much of meat and focuses on eating fruits, vegetables, nut and whole grains, the diet can help in losing weight but at a much slower pace.
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Best Anti-aging Foods
Anti-aging Foods
Nowadays, a lot of individual are looking for the best anti-aging foods to slow down the natural aging. Aging is a natural process and each and every person has to pass through this process. You cannot avoid or escape aging, as genes are programmed to determine your lifespan to some extent. Even though, genetics plays an important role in the aging characteristics and the lifespan of a person, it is the lifestyle of that person, which becomes the crucial factor in the long run.
List of Best Anti-aging Foods
- Broccoli
As people age, their bodies continually take in toxins every day from polluted air, chemicals, nearby smokers or unhealthy foods. These toxins can all speed the aging process. More magazine states that a plant chemical found in broccoli, called sulforaphane, speeds the function of enzymes in the body. In doing so, sulforaphane helps the body get rid of toxins faster. More magazine also states that the fresher the broccoli is, the more sulforaphane it contains, leading to more potent anti-aging foods effects.
- Blueberries
Blueberries contain vitamins C and E as well as antioxidants called anthocyanins which are known to neutralize free radicals and provide support to the cardiovascular system, the eyes and the digestive system. A study done at the Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, rats that were fed blueberries in addition to their regular chow scored better on tests of balance and coordination as they aged. In a study at the University of Michigan, after 90 days of eating blueberries, rats had better insulin sensitivity and lower fasting blood sugar–important indicators of a reduced risk for diabetes, one of the most common diseases of aging.
- Acai
Acai fruit is a healthy berry that comes from a palm tree in the Amazon. It has a rich flavor, which tastes like a cross between chocolate and berries. Acai can be found in many health food stores, usually in the form of dried acai berries or acai juice. Anti-aging specialist Dr. Nicholas Perricone says that acai is full of cancer-fighting antioxidants and amino acids that promote cell renewal. Perricone states that the essential fatty acids in acai also smooth membranes in the skin, reduce insulin levels and decrease inflammation in the body, one of the major causes of aging. The Mayo Clinic states that acai berries are a soild source for fiber, antioxidants and fats to help the heart.
- Olive Oil
Olive oil’s protective qualities for both the heart and in regard to cancer come from polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants. These findings have been reported in The Journal of Nutrition and the European Journal of Cancer Prevention, among others. In addition to other benefits, a Journal of the American College of Nutrition study suggested olive oil and other Mediterranean diet staples may be connected to less wrinkling of skin.
- Yogurt
Yogurt is also an anti-aging food, which has been associated with longevity. Even though, there is no scientific evidence to prove the anti-aging properties of yogurt, it is rich in calcium, which boosts the bone health and prevents osteoporosis. It contains beneficial bacteria to promote the health of the digestive system and the immune system. These bacteria are also good to prevent the age-related problems of the intestine.
- Green Tea
Green tea is another food loaded with antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin and catechins. As reported in The Journal of Nutrition, Cancer Prevention Research and elsewhere, a growing number of studies indicate that it has some protective effects in regard to certain cancers as well as liver damage.
- Red Wine
The results from numerous studies have been reported in Carcinogenesis, Nature and Clinica Chimica Acta: the International Journal of Clinical Chemistry. Red wine contains several antioxidants, including a polyphenol called resveratrol that may help ward off age-related illnesses. In one study, resveratrol appeared to prevent cancer by limiting tumor growth in rats. In another study, resveratrol extended the lifespan of mice on a high-calorie diet.
- Salmon
Omega-3 fatty acids are famous for preventing premature aging and even reversing some of the aging signs in your skin. High-fat fish such as salmon, sardines, herrings, and mackerel are ideal sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. Health experts recommend that you consume salmon or other high-fat fish daily, or at least three times a week. If you are allergic to fish, you can also take an Omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
Lifestyle includes the foods we eat and proper nutrition is also vital in determining the aging process. Even though, the market is flooded with anti-aging foods and creams, intake of the right anti-aging foods can go a long way.
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How Stress Affects Menstrual Periods
Menstrual Periods
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Can Stress delay Menstrual Periods?
Health experts say that stress can also be one of the contributing factors as to why delayed menstrual periods occur. Most women are unaware as to how stress can cause health problems in the body. It is also with stress why hormonal imbalance happens which explains why some women suddenly notice pimples in their faces, weight changes, eye bags and in other cases difficulty conceiving.
Stress and the Menstrual Periods
Whenever the body undergoes stress especially in constant and excessive amounts, the hormones adrenalin and cortisol are being excreted. This is one of the body’s coping mechanisms to stress because the hormone adrenaline gives the body more energy in order for it to push through functioning. The hormone cortisol on the other hand increases the function of the brain and also slows or stops whatever part of the body that is considered to be not essential in its current state of stress thus one of the effects is delayed periods because the body suppresses the function of the reproductive system.
Cortisol’s Effect: How Stress Affects Menstrual Periods
When there is too much amount of cortisol released, it checks on the various functions of the body to see which ones needs to be stopped or slowed down in order to cope with stress and in most cases, the reproductive system is included in the lists thus delayed or irregular menstrual periods happen. The hormone cortisol then signals the brain to stop the release of hormones estrogen and progesterone which are hormones necessary for menstruation to occur.
For clarification, stress is not the only reason as to why menstruation may be delayed, irregular or ceases. Every woman has different stress levels which is why stress may manifest in different ways for every woman. But nonetheless, when you experience any irregularities in menstruation, you may want to assess your physical activities and even emotional state and if you take note that you are undergoing or have gone through stress you may consider it to be one of the causes but there is nothing wrong with having yourself checked by a doctor to ensure the safety of your health.
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Cause of Irregular Periods
What is Irregular Periods?
Normal Menstrual Cycle vs. Irregular Periods
The normal menstrual cycle happens every 21 to 35 days. It may last for 3 up to 7 days which varies from one woman to another. There are women who have heavy menstrual flows while others experience otherwise. But what every woman should take note of is metrorrhagia. Metrorrhagia is a medical condition where a woman experiences bleeding in between periods. The possible cause as to why irregular bleeding occurs in between periods could be because of abnormalities that may involve the female reproductive system or in most cases, hormones. This could also attribute to irregular periods.
Cause of Irregular Periods
Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding
One of the most common reasons as to why a number of women experience irregular menstrual bleeding is due to Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding. A woman may only be sure that she has this is if she has undergone a series of laboratory tests and thorough clinical examinations. Women who have this problem have problems with ovulating because of hormonal imbalance. Treatment for this includes oral contraceptive pills or inducing ovulation if a woman wishes to get pregnant.
Pregnancy Complications
If you are aware that you are experiencing irregular periods, health experts recommend that you first have it checked and treated before getting pregnant. The reason for this is because a woman may not be aware that the bleeding is no longer due to irregular periods but because of pregnancy complications already. Bleeding in the early part of pregnancy can be dangerous and needs to diagnosed as early as possible. Possible pregnancy complications that manifest bleeding are ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy outside the uterus.
Uterine Polyps
Uterine polyps is the growth of the uterine wall that protrudes within the cavity of the uterus and can also cause irregular periods. Women who are diagnosed with uterine polyps are mostly in their 40’s but it may also happen to women in their younger years. It is still unknown as to why uterine polyps occur in women but health experts have noted that it is common among women who are obese, hypertensive and have undergone Tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer.
Treatment for Irregular Periods
It is advisable that women take note of their periods on a monthly basis in order to find out if the pattern of their monthly periods is consistent. This is a useful aid in order to see if you are experiencing abnormalities in your menstrual cycle. If you have been experiencing excessive bleeding for a certain period of time already, you should have it checked by your physician. Irregular periods may also be avoided by means of having a healthy diet which will help you stay fit and healthy and control your hormones. If your exercise is a strenuous one, it may be time for you to change it as it may also affect menstruation.
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Cause of Missed Periods
Missed Periods Explained
Menstruation is one of the things that make a woman unique from the men. It normally happens every once a month which begins from puberty and ends on menopause. Menstrual cycles are largely brought about by the hormone particularly estrogen. It is with the increase of estrogen where the uterine lining thickens but with decreased estrogen the uterine lining sheds off causing menstruation. With this we can say menstruation is affected by the rise and fall of hormones but we should also take a look at the other reasons why missed periods occur.
What is a Missed Period?
In the medical field, absence of menstruation or a missed period is termed as amenorrhea. Amenorrhea may be primary or secondary. Primary amenorrhea is when a woman does not experience menstruation until she reaches 16 years of age while secondary amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation for more than 6 consecutive months that has already experienced menstruation on the previous months.
Cause of Missed Periods
Pregnancy
Normally during menstruation, estrogen levels are high allowing the uterus lining to thicken in preparation of the fertilized egg. The egg will come from the ovary passing through the fallopian tubes toward the uterus. The fertilized egg will be attached to the uterus wall. In pregnancy, instead of the uterus lining to shed, it will stay as it is to support the fertilized egg until it develops to be a fetus thus the missed period or absence of menstruation.
Breastfeeding
Estrogen is responsible for producing prolactin which causes milk in the breasts. During the peak of breastfeeding, estrogen levels are high but it will eventually decrease when the baby is weaned from breastfeeding. There are women who may experience ovulation during breastfeeding while there are those who experience missed periods.
Lifestyle Stress
Stress, may it be in the form of emotion or physical can affect menstruation causing missed periods because it affects hormonal levels. When a woman undergoes depression or emotional stress, the hormone cortisol is affected making its level high which affects progesterone and estrogen thus causing missed periods. Extreme exercises and sudden weight change may also cause missed periods.
Menopause
When a woman approaches her thirties, the estrogen and progesterone levels decrease. Before the onset of menopause, a woman undergoes the phase called perimenopause which may last for two to eight years. It is during perimenopause when the levels of estrogen and progesterone are irregular and one manifestation of this are missed periods.