Does Weather Affect Your Period?

The current weather is delightful, isn't it? As we embrace the warmer months, you might notice some changes taking place. Apart from the obvious environmental shifts like longer days and warmer nights, you may also observe certain physical changes, including alterations in your menstrual cycle. While some individuals may experience consistent periods throughout their lives, unaffected by factors like stress, illness, or travel, for many others, this is not the case. Surprisingly, even something as unpredictable as the weather can influence your menstrual cycle. Let's explore how.

While weather can indeed impact your period, let's first discuss the seasonal effects. Typically, stress and exercise are the two main factors affecting your menstrual cycle, with stress having a more seasonal influence. Professional stress tends to remain constant throughout the year, but personal stress often peaks during colder months, such as during the holiday season.

While the holidays are generally a joyful time, they can also be stressful for some individuals. Stress has a known connection to your menstrual cycle, and increased stress levels can lead to late or missed periods.

Exercise is another factor that works in conjunction with the weather. During the winter months, you may be more inclined to stay indoors and engage in less physical activity. However, as the seasons change and the weather becomes warmer, you are more likely to be active. 

Instead of taking a car for short distances, you might choose to walk. Rather than driving to the gym as you might in winter, you may opt for a run. Regular exercise is associated with fewer menstrual symptoms and a lower likelihood of experiencing heavy or irregular bleeding.

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Moving on to the direct effects of weather, sun exposure, which varies between summer and winter, can play a role in your menstrual cycle. According to a study published in Gynecological Endocrinology, increased sun exposure during the summer leads to heightened hormone levels, which significantly influence the menstrual cycle. The study found that excess sun exposure in the summer resulted in increased secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), larger follicle size (the sacs that contain the eggs in the ovaries), and a shorter menstrual cycle. By demonstrating that ovarian activity is greater during the summer months, the study confirms that changes in weather do indeed affect your menstrual cycle.

Many women use period-tracking apps to stay informed and avoid surprises. Some even track their menstrual cycle to identify ovulation days. Now, you can consider weather as another factor to add to your ever-evolving cycle.

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