There are many other reasons why a woman may have a delayed period, including birth control to stress.
In this article, we look at eight possible reasons for being late.
1. Stress
Prolonged stress can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, making it longer or shorter, or even causing a missed period.
Some women also report more painful period pains when experiencing stress.
Avoiding stressful situations, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep can help a person de-stress and maintain a regular menstrual cycle.
If a woman is experiencing chronic stress, she may find it beneficial to talk to a doctor or counselor, who can help identify effective coping mechanisms.
2. Perimenopause
The average onset of menopause is around the age of 52 when a woman has not had a period for at least 12 months.
Many women experience symptoms 10 to 15 years before menopause. This is called perimenopause and indicates that estrogen levels are starting to fluctuate.
Irregular estrogen levels can alter a woman’s menstrual cycle, making it common for perimenopausal women to experience irregular or missed periods. Once a woman has gone an entire year without menstruating, she is said to have gone through menopause.
3. Weight Loss
Significant weight loss or vigorous exercise can cause a woman to miss her period. Being underweight or having a low body fat ratio can alter reproductive hormone levels, reducing them to levels where ovulation and menstruation do not occur.
A woman who has missed one or more periods after losing a significant amount of weight should consult a doctor or nutritionist to ensure she is getting the right amount of vitamins, minerals and nutrients her body needs.
4. Obesity
Just as being underweight can cause a woman to lose her period, being overweight can also affect a woman’s period.
Obesity and lack of menstruation can sometimes indicate that a woman has a medical condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), so it is important for a woman to be properly diagnosed by a doctor. .
A doctor may recommend a blood test or ultrasound to look at the ovaries to make sure there isn’t an underlying medical condition causing the lack of periods.
5. Birth Control
Some types of birth control, especially hormonal methods, can cause a woman to miss periods.
Typically, hormonal birth control provides a form of estrogen combined with progesterone for a fixed period of time, followed by several hormone-free days. The return of these hormones triggers a period.
Sometimes, these hormones keep the lining of the uterus so thin that there isn’t enough lining to cause menstruation. This applies to all forms of hormonal birth control, including pills, patches, shots, implants, and rings.
In most cases, this is not harmful, but women should talk to a doctor with any concerns about their birth control method.
6. Hormonal Conditions
Certain hormones, such as prolactin or thyroid hormones, can cause a woman to miss periods.
If a hormonal imbalance is responsible for a period or late, it can be easily detected with a blood test.
The cause of these hormonal imbalances needs to be evaluated by a doctor. Some hormonal imbalances are a common problem that runs in families, or they can be caused by something more serious, such as a brain tumor.
In many cases, taking medication can help the menstrual cycle return to its normal cycle.
7. PCOS
PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women of childbearing age.
Although symptoms vary among individual women, those with PCOS have abnormal hormone levels, which can lead to ovarian cysts, acne, excess facial and body hair, male pattern baldness, and obesity. Small cysts may form.
Irregular or absent periods are also a common feature of this condition.
Women who suspect they have PCOS should see their doctor for testing. If not treated properly, the absence of menstruation during the childbearing years can lead to endometrial cancer.
8. Pregnancy
Women should not rule out pregnancy as a possible reason that their periods are late, even if they are using contraception. Women can still get pregnant even if they use birth control correctly.
A sexually active woman with late menarche should use a home pregnancy test. It is important to note that no form of birth control is 100% effective. Anyone who is pregnant should seek prenatal care right away.
A woman with a negative home pregnancy test result but whose period has not yet started should see a doctor.
When to See Your Doctor
If a woman is concerned about missed periods, it may be helpful to keep a written record of her periods, including the start and end dates, and any other relevant symptoms.
If a doctor has a written record to refer to, they can make a diagnosis more quickly. Using a simple calendar can work, but there are also apps available for smartphones.
However, certain symptoms may require medical attention. They include:
- missing several periods in a row
- a positive pregnancy test
- having symptoms of PCOS, as described above
- having gained or lost a lot of weight
- feeling overly stressed
