Delayed menstruation: eight possible reasons

Delayed menstruation is not always a sign of pregnancy. Know other possible causes

delayed menstruation

Edited and resized image of Ava Sol is available on Unsplash

Delayed menstruation is not always a reason for pregnancy. Common causes can range from hormonal imbalances to serious medical conditions. But it's totally having delayed menstruation at two times in a woman's life: when menstruation starts and when menopause arrives. As the body goes through the transition, the menstrual cycle can become irregular.

Most women who have not reached menopause usually menstruate every 28 days. However, a healthy menstrual cycle can range from 21 to 35 days. If your period is not within these limits, it may be for one of the following reasons:

1. Stress

Stress releases hormones. Changing your daily routine can affect the part of the brain responsible for regulating menstruation - the hypothalamus. Over time, stress can lead to illness or sudden weight gain or loss, which can delay menstruation.

If you think stress may be disrupting your period, try practicing relaxation techniques and making lifestyle changes. Adding more exercise to your regimen can help get you back on track.

2. Low body weight

Women with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, may have delayed periods. Weighing 10% below what is considered a normal range for your height can change the way your body functions and stop ovulation. Treating the eating disorder and gaining weight in a healthy way can bring the cycle back to normal. Women who do extreme exercise, such as marathon runners, may also have delayed periods.

3. Obesity

Just as low body weight can cause hormonal changes, so can excess weight. Seek help from nutritionists to carry out a diet and exercise plan to regulate menstruation.

4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that causes the body to produce different hormones. Cysts form on the ovaries as a result of this hormonal imbalance. This can make ovulation irregular or stop it altogether.

Other hormones, such as insulin, can also become unbalanced. This is due to insulin resistance, which is associated with PCOS. Treatment consists of treating the symptoms.

5. Contraceptive

Your period may come late when you start or stop taking birth control pills. Birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, which prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. It may take up to six months for the cycle to return to normal after stopping the pill. Implanted or injected contraceptives can also alter menstruation.

6. Chronic diseases

Chronic illnesses such as diabetes and celiac disease can also affect the menstrual cycle. Changes in blood sugar are linked to hormonal changes, so although it is rare, poorly controlled diabetes can delay menstruation.

Celiac disease causes inflammation that can lead to damage to the small intestine, which can prevent the intestine from absorbing essential nutrients. This will make your period come late.

7. Early perimenopause

Most women begin menopause between 45 and 55 years old. Women who develop symptoms in their 40s or earlier are considered to have early peri-menopause. This means that the supply of eggs is running out and the result will be the end of menstruation.

8. Thyroid problems

An overactive thyroid gland can be the cause of delayed menstruation. The thyroid regulates metabolism, affecting hormone levels. Thyroid problems can usually be treated with medication. After treatment, menstruation returns to normal.

When to seek medical help

If you have the following symptoms, seek medical advice:

  • exaggerated bleeding
  • Fever
  • Strong pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Bleeding that lasts more than seven days
  • Bleeding after entering menopause and not having menstruated for a year


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