A delayed period can be puzzling and traumatic for most women. While at times it is pregnancy, there may be many other causes as to why your period will become delayed or irregular. If you know them, you can be a better master of your reproductive life and assist yourself in making a call as to when to visit a doctor.
Here are the 10 most frequent causes of late periods and how they affect your body.
1. Pregnancy
The most common reason for missing or lacking a period is pregnancy. If the woman is pregnant, an egg is deposited in the uterus, and the body produces hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) that will suppress menstruation. If you are sexually active and your period is delayed, you could try a pregnancy test to see if you are expecting or not.
2. Stress
Stress can ruin your body, your cycle, too. When you undergo physical or emotional stress, the brain releases the hormone cortisol, which can interfere with the regular rhythm of reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone. That interference can result in a delay in ovulation, which means you get a late or missed period. Stress can result in longer-term abnormalities if it is persistent, so attempt to deal with stress using relaxation mechanisms, exercise, or by means of a counselor if needed.
3. Changes in Weight
Both excessive weight gain and loss can impact your menstrual cycle. Very low body fat lowers estrogen levels, which can lead to irregular or missing menstrual periods, known as amenorrhea. Being very overweight, particularly when combined with obesity, can also lead to a hormonal imbalance likely to delay menstruation. Maintaining a healthy weight, which is obtained by having a balanced diet and doing physical activity every day, ensures a regular cycle.
4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is an endocrine etiology reproductive-age disorder of women. It is associated with ovarian cysts, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism (high male hormone levels). PCOS can be associated with menstrual irregularities or amenorrhea, or other signs such as acne, hirsutism, and obesity. If you notice frequent irregularities in your cycles, access the services of a health practitioner for diagnosis and management.
5. Hormonal Contraceptives
The pill, patch, implant, and hormonal IUD all impact your menstrual cycle. These types of methods prevent you from ovulating or control your ovulation, which usually leads to lighter, shorter, or no periods. Your cycle will take a few months to return to normal after you discontinue hormonal contraceptives, and your periods may be delayed. If you have irregular bleeding or prolonged lack of periods on the pill, consult your physician.
6. Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid hormones that are secreted control metabolism, energy, and almost all bodily functions, including the menstrual cycle. Both underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism and overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism can interfere with your cycle. Hypothyroidism can cause heavier, irregular, or late periods, and hyperthyroidism can lead to lighter or even missing periods. If weakness, weight loss or gain, mood swings, and menstrual irregularities happen, a thyroid screen is warranted.
7. Too Much Exercise
Extreme body training, particularly without food, will halt or delay your menstruation. Endurance athletes and those who do excessive exercise can be victims of hypothalamic amenorrhea, when the brain senses a decrease in sex hormone secretion based on perceived physical stress. Exercise with rest and eating is how to keep hormones and regular menstrual cycles in place.
8. Perimenopause
If women are in the perimenopausal stage (usually between ages 45-55), the hormonal changes of the perimenopausal stage can cause skipped cycles or irregular cycles. The levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate wildly during this period, causing irregular menstrual cycles. An extended menstrual cycle among young women may warrant an examination, whereas such fluctuations in perimenopausal women are most probably owing to the aging process.
9. Medications and Medical Treatments
Some drugs and medical interventions influence your menstrual cycle. They are chemotherapy, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and antibiotics. Some drugs change hormone levels or disrupt ovulation, which causes delays. When you start a new drug and discover that your cycle is disrupted, inform your health care provider.
10. Underlying Health Conditions
Certain medical conditions influence menstruation, i.e., diabetes, celiac disease, or long-term diseases disrupting hormone secretion. Diseases of the reproductive organs or inflammatory illnesses can also lead to delayed menstruation. If you have a chronic disease or irregular menstruation with an unknown cause, approach your doctor to exclude underlying causes.
When to See a Doctor
Although the occasional delay in menstruation is not preventable and not usually harmful, you need to visit a doctor if:
- Your delayed menstruation has lasted for more than one month without any cause
- Heavy bleeding or heavy cramping happens
- You have symptoms of weakness, excessive hair growth, or weight loss
- You are certain that you are pregnant, but the tests fail
- Your irregular periods persist for months
A doctor can perform tests, lab tests, and scans to diagnose the condition and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
Knowing why your period is late allows you to be in control of your reproductive system. From life’s fitness and stress to medical conditions and age, your period falls under the command of numerous factors. Paying attention to your body and consulting proper medical advice when necessary keeps you healthy and maintains good health.
