Question:
I know they say outbreaks can be triggered by stress and sure enough...this past week sure did get to me. I have only had one outbreak before, very small area and it's in a wierd area - right at the very top of my butt crack - lol sorry. So it's not like I can see it very easily, but I do check it out to see what's going on. I just felt an itch - scratched it without thinking and sure enough.. i can feel the tiny little bumps coming up. I'm just getting over my first period since I was diagnosed-and that can be a trigger too right? I all of a sudden feel really sad about it again...i guess that will take time.

Thanks for the help!

Answer:
I'm pretty sure my period is my trigger. I seem to get outbreaks somewhere around a week after my period starts. I think it's because during PMS and the first few days of my period, my body is so stressed (i've always known i was more likely to get sick durning that time as well, so i'm sure my immune system is overtaxed) that it can't fight the virus at that time.

I am just now getting over mine, and if i don't get an outbreak this month, then the immune support herbs i've been taking are helping. I can actually feel them help every time i take them (i'm also in the middle of a hay fever). Wouldn't it be nice for something so simple to make a big difference?

But to answer your question, yes, it's absolutely possible that your period is your trigger. And you'll find there are a lot of people who get sad when they get an outbreak - even people who've been dealing with this for years. It's easy to forget when we're outbreak-free, but having that constant physical reminder can really set you back. Keep your chin up! It'll be over soon!