10 reasons why menstruation may be delayed, according to experts

Menstruation is a process experienced by women of childbearing age and can vary in duration, quantity, and regularity. However, there are times when menstruation may be delayed, causing worry and anxiety. Therefore, we present 10 reasons why menstruation may be delayed, according to experts.

1. Stress

How stress affects menstruation

Stress is one of the most common factors why menstruation can be delayed. When we experience stress, our body releases the hormone cortisol, which can affect the production of other hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, essential for the menstrual cycle, which you can experience with constipation. If this is your case, click here .

An imbalance in these hormones can cause changes in the regularity of the menstrual cycle, including delayed menstruation.

Chronic stress versus acute stress

Chronic stress, which is stress that lasts over time, can have a more significant impact on menstruation than acute stress, which is stress that is short-lived.

Chronic stress can affect ovulation and therefore the onset of menstruation. On the other hand, acute stress can cause a delay in menstruation, but is less likely to have a long-term effect on the menstrual cycle.

2. Changes in body weight

Weight gain

Weight gain can be another reason why menstruation may be late. Excess body fat can cause an increase in estrogen production, which can disrupt hormonal balance and affect the regularity of the menstrual cycle. In some cases, losing weight can help regulate the menstrual cycle. We give you some recommendations on what you can and cannot eat during your menstruation .

Weightloss

On the other hand, weight loss can also affect menstruation. When a woman loses a significant amount of weight in a short period of time, the body may interpret this as a sign of stress, which can affect hormone production. Additionally, extreme weight loss can lead to amenorrhea, which is the absence of menstruation.

3. Excessive exercise

The impact of exercise on the menstrual cycle

Exercise is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, excessive exercise can be a reason why menstruation may be delayed.

Intense exercise can cause changes in hormone levels, affect ovulation, and ultimately delay menstruation. Read here the sports activities that experts recommend when you are on your days .

Find a balance

It is important to find a balance in the amount of exercise you do. There are different recommendations depending on age, activity level and general health. Consulting with a doctor or exercise professional can help determine the appropriate amount of exercise to maintain a regular menstrual cycle.

4. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects approximately 10% of women of childbearing age. PCOS is characterized by the presence of cysts on the ovaries and can cause irregularities in the menstrual cycle, including delayed menstruation.

How PCOS affects menstruation

PCOS can cause an imbalance in hormones, which can affect ovulation and ultimately menstruation. Women with PCOS may experience irregular menstrual cycles, longer periods, or no menstruation at all.

• You may be interested in: How to know when the first day of your period is ? How do I know if my menstrual cycle is normal?

5. Use of hormonal contraceptives

Hormonal contraceptives and menstruation

Hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, patches, and intrauterine devices (IUDs), may be another reason why menstruation may be late. These birth control methods release hormones that can alter the body's natural hormonal balance and affect the regularity of the menstrual cycle.

Delayed menstruation after stopping hormonal contraceptives

When a woman stops using hormonal contraceptives, it may take some time for her body to regulate her menstrual cycles again. During this adjustment period, you may experience delayed menstruation or irregular menstrual cycles.

6. Pregnancy

Pregnancy and menstruation

Pregnancy is one of the most common reasons why menstruation may be late. When a woman becomes pregnant, her body begins to produce the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs and therefore stops menstruation. How can you know if you have menstrual or pregnancy pains?

Pregnancy test

If pregnancy is suspected, it is important to take a pregnancy test as soon as possible. Home pregnancy tests are usually accurate and can detect pregnancy in the first few weeks after conception. If the test is positive, it is essential to go to the doctor to confirm the pregnancy and begin prenatal monitoring.

7. Perimenopause

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the stage preceding menopause, when hormone levels begin to fluctuate and the body prepares to stop menstruating. Perimenopause can begin in your 40s and last several years before menopause fully sets in. Do you know at what age women stop their period? Here we tell you .

Symptoms and delay in menstruation

During perimenopause, it is common to experience irregular menstrual cycles and delayed menstruation. Other symptoms include hot flashes, mood swings, and difficulty sleeping. If you suspect you are in perimenopause, it is important to speak with a doctor to discuss treatment options and symptom management.

8. Thyroid problems

The thyroid and menstruation

According to experts, “the thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the front of the neck, just below the Adam's apple and is responsible for producing, storing and releasing thyroid hormones.”

Thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism (underproduction of thyroid hormones) or hyperthyroidism (overproduction of thyroid hormones), can affect the regularity of the menstrual cycle and cause delays in menstruation.

Diagnosis and treatment

If a thyroid problem is suspected, it is essential to see a doctor for tests and receive appropriate treatment. Treatment for thyroid problems may include medications, dietary changes, and in some cases, surgery.

9. Eating disorders

Eating disorders and menstruation

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, can have a negative impact on menstruation. Malnutrition and extreme weight loss associated with these disorders can affect hormone production and ultimately lead to delayed menstruation or no menstruation at all.

Recovery and menstruation

Recovery from an eating disorder can take time and effort, and it is essential to seek support from health professionals and loved ones. As the body recovers and returns to a healthy state, menstruation may begin to become regular again.

10. Certain medications

Medications that arise from menstruation

Some medications can affect menstruation and cause delays in menstruation. These medications include antidepressants, antipsychotics, corticosteroids, and chemotherapy medications.

Consultation with the doctor

If a medication is suspected to be arising from menstruation, it is important to speak with the doctor before making any changes to the medication. The doctor may adjust the dosage or suggest an alternative that does not affect the regularity of the menstrual cycle.

There are numerous reasons why menstruation may be late. If you experience a delay in menstruation and are concerned, it is essential to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive the appropriate treatment.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing stress also helps prevent delayed menstruation and maintain a regular menstrual cycle.

These articles may interest you:

• 25 things you should never do during your menstrual period
• Why does my period last so long? How do you know if it is normal?
• The 15 hygienic habits related to menstruation that all women should know

Frequent questions

If I have regular menstrual cycles, how much can the date of my period vary?

It is important to keep in mind that regular menstrual cycles typically last approximately 24 to 38 days. If you have a regular cycle and experience a delayed menstrual period , this is normal. It may happen that your period arrives three or five days before or after the expected date. It is essential to remember that there are various reasons why this can happen, whether due to medications, physiological or pathological factors. The most important thing is to stay calm and keep track and control of your menstruation , in addition to being aware of any changes or irregularities you may experience throughout the month.

Is there any home remedy to prevent delayed menstruation?

It is crucial to seek medical guidance at all times. You should ask her all your questions or concerns related to your menstrual cycle. Menstruation is an integral part of our body and to manage it properly, it is essential to have the supervision of a gynecologist, in addition to having a healthy life. This way, you can prevent possible health problems and make sure everything is in order. And if you have pelvic pain or suffer from PMS, here are some natural remedies that can help you regulate your period .

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