Is covid-19 stress delaying your periods? Here’s how Ayurveda can help

One of the most commonly diagnosed issues that cause disruption in the monthly menstrual cycle is stress. While we are trying to survive the covid-19 pandemic, it is natural for some of us to experience slight delays in our menstrual cycles.  

“We have always seen that stress delays menstrual cycles. In girls slated to appear for competitive exams, we have seen the moment these exams are over, their cycles are back on track. Hormones for a normal menstrual cycle are released from the brain, but an increase in stress levels can cause a disturbance,” Dr Meghana D Sarvaiya, senior consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals in Mumbai.

Also, Read: Here’s how menstruation affects the brain. P.S. It doesn’t make women stupid

Medical professionals identify the possible reasons for stress
While Dr Sarvaiya suggests to optimistically wait for a minimum of seven to 10 days after the due date before visiting the doctor, she identifies the possible reasons for stress possibly triggered by covid-19.

Once the stress and fear around the possible contraction of coronavirus eventually subsides, anxiety could be triggered by possible unemployment, finance, ward’s education bills, pensions and lifestyle choices that shall be compromised due to minimising wallet. 

“All of these combined will cause stress and anxiety, and when that happens, the menstrual cycles goes out of sync,” Dr Partap Chauhan, Director, Jiva Ayurveda says.

Also, Read: 6 surprising ways your menstrual cycle changes in your 30s

Fret not ladies, here are four ways Ayurveda can help you de-stress and maintain regular menstrual cycles:

1. It’s time to try the menses-soothing wonder ‘shatavari’
According to Ayurveda, shatavari helps with maintaining balanced menses, eases menstrual complications, helps fight stress, and delays signs of ageing.

How can you consume it? You can take one teaspoon of shatavari root powder and boil it in one cup of water. Once you strain it, you can add a teaspoon of honey and drink this magic potion.

2. Put on face masks to de-stress
Surprisingly, other than giving you glowing skin face masks actually calms your nerves and give you mind a break from the day’s stress. Its time to put your DIY skills to the test and make masks at home.

Here’s an Ayurvedic face mask recipe:

• Take two teaspoons of milk cream, a teaspoon of multani mitti, and add a few drops of sandalwood essence or chamomile essence. 
• Apply it on your face and neck and lay back. Sandalwood has ‘alpha-santanol’ which relaxes the mind, balances heart rate and blood pressure.

3. Calm your nerves with the Ayurvedic essence ‘dashaang’
Dashaang is a special Ayurvedic incense that is made with sandalwood, jatamansi, and other calming herbs.

While growing statistics of coronavirus might stress you out, it’s time to take a time-out for your nerves. Image courtesy: ShutterstockLow-fume versions are great for your morning yoga and meditation sessions. Daashang dhoop doesn’t just calm your mind, it will also purify the air, and reinstate positive Vaastu energy in your living space.

4. Try these Ayurvedic alternatives when you feel an urge for a caffeine kick
Malkagni, jyotishmati, brahmi, ashwagandha are great alternatives for keeping your mind sharp and overall nervous health. 

Whenever you have an urge for caffeine, make a ‘kaadha’ (concoction) of anyone these phenomenal herbs. It will free you from your caffeine dependency, and keep your brain on its toes to deal with problems.

(With inputs from IANS)