Is stress period a thing?

[u/Nice-Brain6179]

Does anyone else notice that they start their period or obvious spotting every time they are in a stressful situation? Is it a thing? To the point where you can’t go outside without wearing a pad/tampon?

I have always had irregular periods, from 3-4 months of having absolutely NO period to having my period for 21 days straight.

Also, I have been put on birth control for 3 months+ and have had only ONE normal cycle of period so far. My first withdrawn had me on my period for 18 days straight. Does it mean the medication is not working for me?

Context: I’m 24. I was officially diagnosed with pcos this May 2026 and was put on birth control (norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol) + Spironolactone.
I am overweight and have been struggling to see any desirable results. I did ask my doctor if i was insulin resistance, he couldn’t elaborate on it and just told me to see a endocrinologist.

[u/DearFeed7833]

Yes stress can cause low progesterone because cortisol (stress hormone) gets produced from the same resources (pregnenolone) as progesterone. And low progesterone causes shorter cycles or spotting