Causes Of Delayed Period

Delayed Period

Your last period was delayed? If you’re  a sexually active person what is the first thing you think of? You’re pregnant. It is possible, but there are other reasons that may explain the absence of menstruation. Find out what are they! Absence of menstrual cycle or period is also called, in medical terms amenorrhea.

You should note that there are two kinds of amenorrhea: primary – in which case up to age 16 there was no menstrual cycle (period) and secondary – no menstrual cycles for 3-6 months situation that precedes normal cycles.

Menstruation Cycle

There are many factors that may cause menstrual or period disturbances, but in most cases delays of menstruation are caused by:

1. Pregnancy. If after unprotected intercourse your menstruation is delayed, there are chances you are pregnant. Pregnancy is by far the most common cause of amenorrhea.
2. Birth Control. If you stopped taking the pill is likely for you to face with an absence of menstruation for the following 3 to 6 months.
3. Breastfeeding. There are cases in which ovulation is present, however, menstruation may be delayed, depending on each person body.
4. Some drugs. Antidepressants, antipsychotics, drugs used in chemotherapy and oral corticosteroids can influence the menstrual cycle.
5. Premature Menopause. It is the case in which menopause occurs before the age of 40 years.
6. Excessive weight loss. Interrupts many hormonal functions in the body causing absence of menstruation.
7. Ovarian tumors. Some ovarian tumors lead to amenorrhea.
8. Eating disorders. Anorexia or bulimia  can create hormone levels problems that can disturb the menstrual cycle
9. Hormonal Disorders. For example, polycystic ovary syndrome can affect menstruation. Polycystic ovarian syndrome, also known as Stein Leventhal syndrome, is widespread among women, being seen in 6% of women of childbearing age.
10. Strenuous exercise or sports. Women who do ballet, or gymnastics, long distance running can often face periods without menstruation.
11. Stress. Stress can affect the hypothalamus that controls the activity of hormones involved in regulating menstruation. The result is the absence of menstruation.

Do not ignore these menstruation disturbances !

It is recommended you consult a gynecologist who after a detailed history and pelvic exam can advise you, and can recommend a correct treatment after a correct diagnosis of the problem you face.

Overcome your fear and embarrassment of going to the gynecologist! There are problems that any woman can encounter which require a gynecologist opinion, so it is advisable to go at least once a year and make a routine appointment.