Several reasons, more or less serious, may play a role in delaying the period. Besides a possible pregnancy, other causes for the late appearance of the period are:
Changes in body weight and excessive exercise
Weight gain is blamed for abnormalities in the cycle associated with hormonal disorders. It should be noted that even a 10% weight gain is likely to cause changes in the period.
In contrast, high weight loss, whether due to pathological causes such as anorexia nervosa or not, can lead to amenorrhea, as the fat reserves needed to produce estrogen are reduced. Exhaustive exercise, even when not causing a lot of weight loss, can also lead to period disorders, as the body adapts to increased physical stress by reducing estrogen production.
Psychological stress
Long-term excessive stress is associated with effects on general health. Especially in the menstrual cycle, uncontrolled stress can affect the hypothalamus, that is, the area of the brain that regulates the balance of hormones associated with the period. If you are experiencing a very difficult situation in your life that is causing you great psychological distress, it would be helpful for your gynecologist to know how to help you stabilize your cycle.
Drugs and major lifestyle changes
Certain medications can affect your cycle, and so can conditions such as diabetes, endometriosis and uterine cancer.
Disruption of the period can also be caused by a significant change in your daily schedule, such as an extended period of lack of sleep.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
It is a common problem in women of childbearing age and one of its symptoms is disorders in the period. It may be related to complete suspension of the period or unstable cycle.
Contraceptives
Contraceptive pills help regulate the menstrual cycle. Receiving them, however, may result in the suspension of a period. It’s completely normal and you don’t have to do anything about it.
Early menopause
The first symptom of menopause is disorders of the period or amenorrhea. As the procedure usually begins after 45 years, women under the age of 40 may not suspect that changes in their period are associated with premature menopause. In any case, it is your doctor who will assess the condition and help you deal with it.
Thyroid and prolactin disorders
The normal functioning of the thyroid gland, among other things, ensures the production of prolactin, an ovulation-related hormone. However, thyroid disorders can affect your period without disturbing prolactin, while they may affect prolactin without causing changes in the period. The endocrinologist will assess whether an increase in prolactin is associated with delay in period.
Gluten intolerance
Gluten intolerance is the result of a chronic intestinal disease that prevents the body from assimilating gluten – a simple protein -. With proper nutrition, the sufferer can relieve the symptoms of the condition, including disorders of the period.
