All the answers to a frequently asked question: why menstruation is delayed.
Most frequent causes why your period does not come
If there is a delay in the menstrual cycle of days, a week or more, it does not mean that you are pregnant as the only possible option. There are other reasons for this delay, so would-be moms also have to avoid delusions.
To discover the main causes of delayed menstrual cycle we have made a selection of the most common . Please note that some of the causes below cannot be self-diagnosed without further ado. In case of doubt, it is pertinent to attend the medical consultation.
When asked why the period is not coming, the following are the most common reasons.
1. Stress
Whether due to academic, work or family problems, the truth is that women’s lives are very demanding. Young women today have the demands of their generation and also often have to break the gender stereotypes that pressure them.
This stress negatively impacts many things in our lives, and the menstrual cycle is no exception. High rates of stress can decrease the amount of gonadotropins, hormones involved in regulating the reproductive cycle of women. This results in no ovulation, and therefore the disappearance of the expected period.
It is necessary to visit a specialist to eliminate the source of stress and thus fight to bring the hormonal system back into balance.
2. Medicines
If you are taking a new drug and notice any irregularities in your menstrual cycle, it is best to notify your doctor of this observation.
Special attention must be paid if the contraceptive pill is also being taken . Some drugs are incompatible and could have inhibitory effects on the normal function of this pill.
3. Shift changes
People who are forced to make changes in work shifts or habits may have slightly altered cycles , especially if the changes are not gradual.
So that the menstrual cycle is not affected, these changes should be as gradual and long-term as possible, as well as not very frequent.
4. Weight gain
The body mass index is also a factor that can determine the regularity in the period . An excessive weight can influence the hormonal balance and, therefore, lead to irregularity linked to the absence of the menstrual cycle.
When the extra weight is lost, most women regain the regularity they once had.
5. Weight loss
In this case, the body mass index is so low that the body has deficits and does not perform certain hormonal synthesis. In cases of anorexia it is a common symptom, and there are different psychosocial reasons that can make us reach this point today.
But you have to think that throughout our evolutionary history that was not so strange. In times when food was lacking, our body “saved” to maintain our survival. In fact, in addition to what the rule supposes, it was a strategy to avoid getting pregnant, because in difficult times that could be a life sentence.
6. The flu
A temporary illness like the flu can cause a delayed menstrual cycle . Our body is involved in another fight to heal, and it is best to reserve its energy to face the affectation. Once the body recovers, the period recovers and should appear a couple of weeks after you ovulated.
7. Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome affects between 5% and 20% of women of reproductive age . It is a fairly complex disease in which multiple cysts are observed in the ovaries and which ends up specifically affecting the menstrual cycle.
Girls with this disorder have acne and seborrhea, which is often associated with irregular menstruation. Periods are sometimes very heavy in terms of bleeding, and ovulation disturbances can lead to fertility problems.
8. Thyroid problems
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism lead to dysfunctions of the correct hormonal and metabolic functioning that alters our body. In general, our organic activity is slowed down (hypothyroidism) or accelerated (hyperthyroidism), with the consequent associated problems.
Women are much more affected by these thyroid gland problems than men. Therefore, it is normal that in these conditions the menstrual cycle is also altered. The treatment is carried out through medications, which allow the problems associated with the disease to be regulated.
8. Pre-menopause
This period is between the reproductive phase and the non-fertile phase of a woman’s life . It is a more or less long period in which the cycles may be less frequent.
The probability of fertility is reduced but still exists, so it is still necessary to use contraceptive methods.
9. Menopause
When a woman enters the period known as menopause, it is because the body has already stopped ovulating and, therefore, being fertile. It is a natural process in the female body that should not surprise anyone.
Other unnatural causes for which a woman stops ovulating are chemotherapy and hysterectomy, that is, surgical removal of the uterus.
10. Pregnancy
This is the most obvious cause of all those on the list . A woman without any affectation of the previous ones and sexually active has to think about pregnancy. Beyond the fact that contraceptive methods are being used, this should be the first hypothesis to rule out.
In the event that a different vaginal bleeding occurs, this option should also be considered. A third of pregnant women may have small bleeding during the first semester.
It is especially important to pay attention to the menstrual cycle because, in the case of being pregnant, this will be the first symptom. And if you are pregnant, it is very important to stop smoking, drinking alcohol or consuming any substance (drugs or pharmaceuticals) that may affect the fetus.
The only way to know if you are pregnant is with the beta-hCG blood test or the pharmacy pregnancy test. Other methods you may have heard of are not at all reliable. The pregnancy test is able to identify if there is a pregnancy with only one day of delay (although it is more reliable after a week).
Bibliographic references
- Biggs, W.S y Demuth, R.H. (2011). Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. American Family Physician. 84 (8): 918–924.
- Carlson, K.J., Stephanie A.E. y Ziporyn, T. (2004). The new Harvard guide to women’s health. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press.
- Gray, M. (1995). Red Moon: The Gifts of the Menstrual Cycle. Spain: Gaia Editions.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.