Which statement describes the relationship between stress and menstrual health?

• A. Stress has no effect on menstrual health.
• B. Stress only affects fertility but not symptoms.
• C. Stress can contribute to amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea.
• D. Stress always cures menstrual disorders.

Answer: (C)

Stress can disrupt menstrual health by altering the brain–hormone signaling that governs the cycle. When stress is high, the body's stress response raises cortisol and other mediators, which can dampen GnRH pulses from the hypothalamus. With less GnRH, the pituitary releases lower levels of FSH and LH, which can delay or prevent ovulation and lead to amenorrhea (absence of menses) or irregular, infrequent cycles (oligomenorrhea). Stress can also influence menstrual symptoms: cramps and pain can become more noticeable due to heightened pain perception, increased muscle tension, or changes in inflammatory or prostaglandin activity, contributing to dysmenorrhea. In short, stress is capable of affecting both cycle regularity and symptom severity, rather than having no effect or curing issues.