Have you ever missed a period? It can raise concerns and make you paranoid if you do not want to conceive, and be a cause of further worry if you do plan to conceive.
If your period arrives a few days late, there is usually no need to be concerned. However, if the time extends, you need to address this issue as soon as possible. You may experience delayed periods due to stress and weight fluctuations. Hence, it becomes important to find the underlying cause to seek necessary measures.
Causes Of Delayed Periods
Stress
When you have a hectic schedule and a hassled professional and personal life, you may experience delayed periods. It is one of the most prevalent reasons which affect your body's hormones. When stressed, your body creates a lot of cortisol, a hormone that can affect how well your reproductive system usually works. Stress may sometimes be unavoidable, but you can always seek measures to improve your mental health.
Also Read: 8 Ways To Take Care Of Your Menstrual Hygiene
Birth Control
You may experience delayed periods if you have been taking birth control pills. The hormones oestrogen and progestin in birth control pills stop your ovaries from releasing eggs. After stopping the pill, your cycle may take up to three months to normalise.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
You may experience periods delays if you suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome. PCOS makes your body generate more male hormone androgen, leading to cyst formation on the ovaries. As a result, ovulation may become erratic or cease altogether. Unbalanced levels of other hormones, including insulin, are also possible. Insulin resistance, which is frequently linked to PCOS, is to blame for this.
Body Weight
Your weight plays an important role in regulating your menstrual cycle. Being overweight and underweight can cause your periods to delay.
When you lose too much weight, your cycle may become erratic or cease entirely. This is because ovulation can be stopped by insufficient body fat. It is mostly seen in people with eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia.
Similarly, being overweight leads to excess production of oestrogen hormones and hampers your menstrual cycle. It is frequently connected to menstrual irregularities or anovulatory cycles, in which a woman's period may cease.
Thyroid Problems
Other factors linked to delayed periods are thyroid issues like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. This is because the thyroid controls your body's metabolism, which impacts your hormone levels as well.
Also Read: 3 Reasons Why You Are Breaking Out Before Periods
Exercising Too Much
Did you know excessive exercise can also cause delayed periods? This is most common in athletes who require a lot of training. Increased hormone production from harder workouts may impact your menstrual cycle. In addition, intense workout leads to calorie burning. As a result, your body doesn't have enough energy to maintain all of its systems when you burn too many calories.
Takeaway
The menstrual cycle lasts approximately 28 days, beginning on your first period and ending on your subsequent period. However, it can even go up to 38 days. It is considered late if your period arrives even later than this or on average. You should visit your doctor if you have irregular or delayed periods. It is better to keep track of your menstruation cycle for proper diagnosis.
