Here's how stress affects women's periods

Ladies, you're not imagining things. If you notice your cycle becoming irregular during stressful periods, it's because stress can and really does affect menstruation.

"Stress is a very potent stimulus for a hormonal imbalance," Dr. Q began, in an episode of Pinoy MD. "When you're stressed, your estrogen levels can surge."

Explaining that menstruation is a careful balance between estrogen and progesterone hormones, Dr. Q said when estrogen levels are up, "magkakaroon ng irregularity [in a woman's menstrual cycle]."

It can make your irregular for one, making you experience your periods every other month, sometimes every two to three months even.

According to Dr. Q, stressed out sisters can even experience insanely strong periods or strangely weak ones.

"Kaya important ang healthy living. Kung nakakaramdam ka ng stress, dapat alam natin paano lalabanan."

Still reeling from all the stress the past year has brought upon us? Here are several ways we can deal with stress. 

— LA, GMA News