A woman´s period or menstrual cycle normally takes place every 21 to 35 days and will last anywhere from 2 to 7 days. Some of us, however, will experience at some point in our lives a delay in our period.
While it can be worrisome for those practicing sexual intercourse, it is important to know that pregnancy is far from being the only reason for delay in the menstrual cycle.
So, without further ado, here are the top 10 causes for delayed periods.
Stress
Suffering from anxiety is certain to disrupt the workings of a hormone called gonadotrophin which is linked to regular menstruation and ovulation which could cause period delays.
In this case it´s indispensable to treat the cause of anxiety and wait for the body to regulate itself again. Meditation can help significantly with any level of stress.
Birth Control
Contraceptives will in many cases affect the time between a woman´s cycles. Whether it is an intrauterine device, pills or the Depo-Provera shot, birth control can disrupt the menstrual cycle.
Nevertheless, doctors recommend that women who are taking it and whose period are more than 5 days late, to take a pregnancy test since no birth control is 100% effective.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
During the menstrual cycle a woman’s ovaries should develop around five follicles that will compete to release a mature egg. Ladies with PCOS develop extra follicles thus extending the length of the process.
This can be the cause of your late period although some women may stop having periods altogether. A common symptom of PCOS is weight gain and thicker hair on face and breasts.
Weight Loss
Eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia may be the cause for serious weight loss which would in turn disrupt the woman´s ovulation process.
It´s important to address the cause and work towards regaining that weight in order to stabilize the hormones and menstruate regularly.
Extreme Exercises
This applies to people who often does strenuous exercises for various hours within a day, usually much longer than 2 hours.
People who run marathons and are subject to considerable exhaustion. This will affect the thyroid and pituitary hormones. It is recommended that you are guided by a sports doctor to regulate and prevent the issue.
Medications
There are pharmaceuticals such as chemotherapy meds, anticonvulsants, antidepressants and etc. that may put your period on hold. It is wise to read the labels and discuss the situation with your doctor.
Recently Started Having Periods
Young ladies who just started having their menstrual cycles can suffer from a delay. This is due to the body still adjusting to the new condition and finding it´s balance, though it´s nothing to be worried about as it should regularize with time. Also, women who stopped using birth control may go through this and it is a normal reaction.
Chronic Diseases
Conditions caused by modifications in one´s blood sugar like diabetes or inflammation in the intestines due to celiac disease, although not common, can cause hormonal complications that may lead to period delays.
Perimenopause
It happens for women in their late 40s who are close to menopause to start having delays in their cycle.
For women whose period are delayed for a while at the age of 45 or less, it could be a sign that menopause is coming early or that the ovaries have failed earlier than normal. It´s always best to check with a doctor for confirmation
Schedule Modifications
As silly as it may sound, a change in your routine like traveling and experiencing jet lag or switching your work hours from day to night and vice versa can mess with your body´s schedule. So, if your period is a few days late or early in this case, it´s nothing to worry about.
The takeaway
If you are experiencing delays on your period and believe it is due to any of these reasons stated above it is ideal that you contact your doctor and make healthy changes to your life. In many cases, a healthy diet, exercise and meditation can help to reverse most diseases and health conditions.
We wish you the best of luck!
