How sensitive IS the menstrual cycle?

**morgy92** · 06-16-2010 02:43 PM

This is my third month of having a late period. The first month it was only a few days late, but I was really stressed about it being late. I understand stress throws it off. Last month it was late by like almost two weeks, but at that point in time my boyfriend was worried I would be pregnant, making me worried and I was stressing out about AP test that I was going to be taking. And this month...he broke up with me about a week and a half ago and I've been emotionally depressed and everything. And I've been worried about money with buying stuff for my first year away from college. Yes me and him were sexually active from a few weeks before the start of my first late period. But every period I had, other than the fact it was late, was normal heaviness and fit with the fact my period lasts 5-7 days.
My menstrual cycle is normally 27 or 28 days. So....
Month 1: 30 days
Month 2: 39
and this current month: 33 days and counting.

**sourpuss** · 06-16-2010 03:13 PM

Have you taken a home test? Sounds like you're under a lot of stress and that can definitely throw everything off.

**morgy92** · 06-16-2010 03:55 PM

I haven't yet with me not having much extra money, if any.

**morgy92** · 06-16-2010 04:03 PM

AND I have another question to pose to anyone looking at this, how lasting are the effects of stress on the cycle month to month? Like would the cycle slowly turn back to its regular cyclic nature? Or, depending on the amount of stress, permanently change?

(I feel bad that I lack this knowledge about myself and would love ANY help to rectify it

please and thank you)

**Mes T** · 06-16-2010 05:46 PM

It's hard to say, it really all just depends on the woman - for some, stress doesn't even affect the menstrual cycle in the first place.

Also, your cycle can change just naturally every few years. You might be going through a change like that at the moment.

Take a home pregnancy test. They're not expensive and will ease your mind.