It’s a common belief that when women fall in love or start a new relationship, their periods can be affected in different ways. Some women report their periods become irregular, others say their PMS symptoms seem more extreme, while some notice their cycles synchronizing with their partner’s. But is there any scientific evidence that our menstrual cycles are actually impacted by being in love? Let’s take a closer look at what the research says.
Does falling in love change your hormone levels?
Our menstrual cycles are controlled by a complex interplay of hormones. When we fall in love, there are definitely changes to hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, cortisol and estrogen. But it’s unclear if these hormone fluctuations are significant enough to disrupt the menstrual cycle. Here’s a quick overview of how some hormones are impacted when we fall in love:
- Dopamine is one of our main “feel good” neurotransmitters and it surges in new romantic relationships. This can cause feelings like euphoria and intense energy.
- Oxytocin, sometimes called the “love hormone”, also rises when we’re falling for someone. Oxytocin promotes bonding, intimacy and trust.
- Cortisol, one of our main stress hormones, often elevates when we’re in new relationships since romantic situations can be exciting but also nerve-wracking!
- Estrogen levels can fluctuate but research hasn’t confirmed a consistent direct link between estrogen and falling in love.
While these hormone changes certainly affect our mood and behavior when we’re falling in love, scientists aren’t convinced they directly impact menstrual cycles. Our bodies are quite good at regulating hormones to maintain regular cycles. Significant life stress is more likely to cause hormonal disruptions that lead to period changes. Overall the evidence that being in love fundamentally alters our hormone balance enough to affect menstruation is weak.
Can falling in love cause period syncing?
Some women report they’ve synced menstrual cycles with a new partner, getting their periods at the same time. But contrary to popular belief, scientific research has found very limited evidence that couple’s cycles actually synchronize.
In one study, 186 Chinese couples who slept in close proximity kept menstrual diaries for at least 3 months. Only 13 couples showed cycle synchronization, which is about what would be expected by random chance. So this research did not find couples synchronize periods from being in love or close physical contact.
Later studies found that women who socialize a lot can experience menstrual synchrony. But the effects tend to be very temporary – after a few months, cycles drift out of sync again. Therefore, occasional cycle overlaps between new couples are probably just coincidence. There’s no hormonal mechanism in place for women’s bodies to “communicate” their period timing.
While the romantic idea of period synchrony is appealing, science tells us being in love does not cause long-term menstrual cycle synchronization. Any short-term syncing up of cycles between new partners is likely just chance rather than biology.
Can falling in love make PMS worse?
Some women report increased PMS symptoms like moodiness, food cravings and breast tenderness after falling in love. This may be explained by the hormonal and emotional changes that come with new relationships.
Cortisol and other stress hormones do tend to be higher when we’re first dating someone. These hormones can exacerbate PMS symptoms like fatigue, anxiety and irritability. The dopamine highs and lows of new love can also intensify PMS mood swings and cravings.
On top of hormonal changes, relationship excitement and drama can also aggravate PMS. Say you have a fight with your partner right before your period – this emotional upset can make typical premenstrual symptoms seem amplified.
While the hormonal rollercoaster may worsen PMS initially, these effects likely stabilize over time. As the relationship becomes more secure and less stressful, PMS symptoms often return to normal baseline levels.
So if PMS seems more extreme after falling in love, rest assured this is usually temporary. Take extra care of yourself during this time by reducing stress, eating healthy, exercising, and getting plenty of sleep. The symptoms should improve within a few cycles as your body adapts to the new relationship.
Can falling in love make your period late?
It’s commonly thought that getting into a new relationship can make your period late. This may be because women presume being in love is causing hormone changes that affect their cycle. In reality, there are other explanations for why your period can be delayed in a new relationship:
- Increased sexual activity – Having more sex around your fertile window can temporarily delay ovulation, making your period 1-2 weeks late.
- Changed routines – Traveling, different sleep patterns, more dates and socializing could indirectly affect your cycle length.
- Increased stress – Excitement and anxiety from a new romance may delay menstruation.
- Prioritizing the relationship – You may overlook period symptoms or be inconsistent with tracking dates.
So while being in love does not directly alter your cycle length, some secondary factors associated with new relationships can occasionally contribute to a late period. However, sustained changes to your regular cycle are unlikely. If your period remains very delayed or irregular for months, see your doctor to check for other potential causes.
Can falling in love stop your period altogether?
It’s highly unlikely that being in love would suddenly stop your period altogether. The hormones of early romance are not potent enough to permanently switch off the complex menstrual cycle. However, in very rare cases, a woman might experience sudden amenorrhea (missed periods) if a new relationship caused extreme emotional turmoil or physical stress severe enough to disrupt ovulation.
For example, situations like these could potentially trigger amenorrhea:
- Your partner severely restricts your food intake
- You develop an anxiety disorder or severe depression due to the relationship
- You start excessively exercising, strict dieting or undergo dramatic weight changes related to the relationship
If your period suddenly stops for three months or more, always see your doctor. Brief amenorrhea from acute stress often resolves on its own, but a full medical workup is needed to rule out other possible causes like pregnancy, hormonal imbalances or health conditions.
While highly dramatic, it’s quite unlikely a healthy new relationship would cause complete loss of your period. More plausible causes for amenorrhea include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, premature ovarian failure or problems with the pituitary gland. Don’t assume being in love is the culprit without consulting your doctor.
When to see your doctor
Occasional menstrual irregularities are normal when life circumstances change. However, see your doctor promptly if a new relationship coincides with symptoms like:
- No period for 90 days or more
- Periods occurring less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart
- Sudden heavy bleeding and clotting
- Severe cramping and abdominal pain
- Premenstrual symptoms like fatigue and moodiness are debilitating
Ruling out underlying medical causes is important when periods become highly irregular. Keep an eye out for other red flags as well, like significant unexplained weight loss, excessive exercise, disordered eating patterns, fainting spells or intolerable emotional distress. Your doctor can check for hormonal imbalances, gynecological conditions, mental health disorders or other issues requiring prompt treatment.
Tips for minimizing period changes when falling in love
While falling in love may not directly disturb your menstrual cycle, you can take proactive steps to keep your periods on track when embarking on a new relationship:
- Reduce stress – Make time for relaxing activities like yoga, meditation, massages or warm baths. Don’t let the rush of a new relationship overwhelm you.
- Prioritize sleep – Aim for 7-9 hours per night, maintaining consistent bed and wake times.
- Eat nutritious foods – Follow a balanced diet high in fruits, veggies, lean protein, healthy fats and fiber.
- Stay active – Get regular moderate exercise to help manage stress and maintain a healthy weight.
- Track your cycle – Use a period tracking app or calendar to note symptoms and make predictions.
- Take a pregnancy test – If you’ve had unprotected sex and your period is very late, check for pregnancy.
- See your gynecologist – Keep up with routine well-woman visits for personalized guidance.
Making self-care a priority and discussing any major changes with your doctor can help prevent new relationships from disrupting your menstrual cycle. Stay alert for significant irregularities and seek medical advice when needed. With some mindfulness, you can enjoy falling in love without the added stress of period surprises!
The bottom line
Despite conventional wisdom, scientific evidence that falling in love fundamentally alters women’s periods is weak. While being in love causes shifts in hormones like estrogen, cortisol and dopamine, these fluctuations generally aren’t drastic enough to disrupt the menstrual cycle.
More plausible reasons for period changes in new relationships include increased sexual activity, changed daily routines, stress and not tracking cycles as diligently. While cycles can become irregular initially when you fall in love, sustained disruptions are unlikely in healthy women.
Severe emotional trauma or physical stress from an abusive relationship could possibly cause complete loss of periods. However this amenorrhea scenario is very rare. See your doctor promptly if your period disappears or becomes highly irregular for several months.
With some self-care practices, you can minimize period fluctuations when embarking on new romances. Stay attuned to your body’s signals and seek medical advice if symptoms seem abnormal. Overall, enjoy the magic and novelty of falling in love without worrying it will permanently throw your cycle out of sync!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can falling in love change the length of your menstrual cycle?
Falling in love is unlikely to directly change the length of your overall menstrual cycle. However, increased sexual activity around ovulation could delay that cycle’s period by 1-2 weeks. Over time as the relationship stabilizes, cycle length typically returns to normal.
Can falling in love cause you to miss a period?
In most cases, falling in love will not directly cause a missed period. However, secondary factors like increased intercourse, changed routines, stress and inattention to cycles could temporarily lead to a delayed or skipped period. If periods remain very irregular, see your doctor to rule out other potential causes.
Can falling in love cause spotting between periods?
Spotting between periods is not usually caused by falling in love. More likely culprits for abnormal uterine bleeding include hormonal imbalances, gynecological issues like fibroids or polyps, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or pregnancy. See your gynecologist promptly if you experience abnormal spotting.
Does falling in love cause heavier or more painful periods?
There is no strong evidence that falling in love alters the heaviness of menstrual flow or causes more painful cramps. Issues like extremely heavy bleeding, severe cramps or clotting should be evaluated by your doctor to rule out underlying problems.
Can falling out of love or breaking up affect your period?
The grief and stress of a breakup can certainly impact your cycle. It’s quite common to experience temporary changes like missed, late or irregular periods after a split from a serious relationship. Prioritize self-care and allow your body some time to adjust emotionally and hormonally.
Can being on birth control pills prevent period changes when falling in love?
Birth control pills can help regulate cycles and minimize period fluctuations related to stress and lifestyle changes. The pill prevents ovulation and maintains more stable hormone levels. However, occasional breakthrough bleeding and spotting is still possible when falling in love while on the pill.
The takeaway
While falling head over heels may figuratively sweep you off your feet, the scientifically proven effects on your actual menstrual cycle are small. Apart from some initial fluctuations, your period is likely to keep chugging along regularly when you fall in love. Pay attention for any prolonged or severe changes and see your doctor as needed. But otherwise, embrace the magic and novelty of a blossoming romance without worrying about your period!