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Can The Stomach Flu Affect The Menstrual Cycle?
Question: Hi. I'm hope I'm asking this in the right section..
I was 3 & a half weeks late for my period last month and when it finally arrived, it wasn't as long as it usually is.
I've taken 2 pregnancy tests which both came back negative (these were taken after 2 weeks).
My periods usually last 4-7 days (my diet for the previous month usually affect it [ie. If I eat more junk food than usual then my period will be heavier & can last for 8 days but if I eat less then it's lighter and last between 3 & 6 days]).
This past month I did eat in the middle of healthy & unhealthy so it should've been at least 3 days (2 of those usually heavy). But this time it wasn't. It only lasted 2 days, 1st day heavy-ish and the other lighter than expected.
Apart from the duration, everything else was normal (cramps, tiredness, consistency etc).
The week leading up to my period starting, I did have stomach flu but as that's a different part of my body, that shouldn't of had an affect on other areas ??
I'm a little worried but everything looks & feels normal. This is the first time in 15 years that I've had a 2-day period so I am understandably a little worried.
I do have a cervical smear test booked in 2 weeks so I will mention this to my nurse but in the meantime, I just wanted to ask on here for advice or just reassurance?
Thank you
I was 3 & a half weeks late for my period last month and when it finally arrived, it wasn't as long as it usually is.
I've taken 2 pregnancy tests which both came back negative (these were taken after 2 weeks).
My periods usually last 4-7 days (my diet for the previous month usually affect it [ie. If I eat more junk food than usual then my period will be heavier & can last for 8 days but if I eat less then it's lighter and last between 3 & 6 days]).
This past month I did eat in the middle of healthy & unhealthy so it should've been at least 3 days (2 of those usually heavy). But this time it wasn't. It only lasted 2 days, 1st day heavy-ish and the other lighter than expected.
Apart from the duration, everything else was normal (cramps, tiredness, consistency etc).
The week leading up to my period starting, I did have stomach flu but as that's a different part of my body, that shouldn't of had an affect on other areas ??
I'm a little worried but everything looks & feels normal. This is the first time in 15 years that I've had a 2-day period so I am understandably a little worried.
I do have a cervical smear test booked in 2 weeks so I will mention this to my nurse but in the meantime, I just wanted to ask on here for advice or just reassurance?
Thank you
Brief Answer:
stress induced hormonal imbalance...is the cause for the delay.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query to healthcare magic.com,
Firstly i understand your concern here completely that for last 15 years you have been having regular menses and have been timing them well as well and then suddenly your menses have been delayed for 3 and half weeks, this is natural to make you feel concerned, but i would like to assure you that going by your history this is a completely normal event.
Your pregnancy tests after 2 weeks have been negative and hence it is ruled out completely.
Secondly the likely reason of your delayed menses in this case is most likely the stomach flu. Please don't be surprised because if you may know, any stress be it physical, social , psychological, emotion or any illness can actually cause stress induced hormonal imbalances and increased progestins in the body which can delay the menses completely and also effect the flow of menses.
The stomach flu and the illness has been stressful to the body immune system and that has caused the stressful hormonal imbalance which has caused the delay and the scanty menstruation. This would not be continued to the next cycle as you stand treated already.
So you can consider this as an episodic event and need not be much worried by the same. your menstrual cycle shall resume naturally hence. Try avoid any stressors and yes maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Regards
stress induced hormonal imbalance...is the cause for the delay.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query to healthcare magic.com,
Firstly i understand your concern here completely that for last 15 years you have been having regular menses and have been timing them well as well and then suddenly your menses have been delayed for 3 and half weeks, this is natural to make you feel concerned, but i would like to assure you that going by your history this is a completely normal event.
Your pregnancy tests after 2 weeks have been negative and hence it is ruled out completely.
Secondly the likely reason of your delayed menses in this case is most likely the stomach flu. Please don't be surprised because if you may know, any stress be it physical, social , psychological, emotion or any illness can actually cause stress induced hormonal imbalances and increased progestins in the body which can delay the menses completely and also effect the flow of menses.
The stomach flu and the illness has been stressful to the body immune system and that has caused the stressful hormonal imbalance which has caused the delay and the scanty menstruation. This would not be continued to the next cycle as you stand treated already.
So you can consider this as an episodic event and need not be much worried by the same. your menstrual cycle shall resume naturally hence. Try avoid any stressors and yes maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
Answered by
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