Stress can have a big impact on hormone levels. The mechanisms behind this are complex, but stress alters other hormone levels in the body that in turn impact other hormones involved in the menstrual cycle. It is quite common for women to have menstrual disturbances (such as missed periods) as a result of stress, although we usually exclude other potential physical causes of problems before blaming stress levels.Many women also experience anxiety as a symptom of perimenopause or menopause.