7 Unexpected Signs of Stress
A hair-trigger temper, scarfing down comfort foods, nights spent tossing and turning—all hard-to-miss signs that you've got too much on your plate. But what about these more subtle warnings?
By Emma Haak
Photo: Cultura RM/Ian Spanier/Getty Images
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Your Periods are Leveling You
Why it could be stress: Your stressed body is pouring out chemicals that help you take action and dialing down production of those that would alleviate your distress, says Sinha. And that means you'll feel pain more acutely, including discomfort from your menstrual cycle. Women with higher levels of perceived stress reported more severe symptoms, including cramping and pain, during their periods, found one study in the
Journal of Women's Health.
Other possible causes: See your doctor to rule out causes like fibroids, a copper IUD, pelvic inflammatory disease and endometriosis.
Published 08/25/2015
