Menstruation Late: Should I Worry?

Menstruation late; am i pregnant Usually, that’s the first thought that comes to mind. However, pregnancy is not the only reason why menstruation is late. Read more reasons for this article!

In this article, we will tell you when you should see a doctor or worry if your period is missed.

Menstruation late – am I pregnant?

In theory, a  woman’s menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. However, the human body does not function like a robot or a clock, so women can have their period sooner or later.

The function of our body is combined with several systems that work together like a well-oiled machinery. Thus, the immune, metabolic, circulatory, hormonal system must be in perfect condition for the menstrual cycle to be exactly four weeks.

If your period doesn’t come on time, you may be worried or even a little excited about the possibility of pregnancy. Pregnancy is the most common cause of delayed menstruation, but not the only one. Other factors can also affect timing.

Menstruation late – the most common causes

We’ll start by telling you about the factors that cause menstrual delays that you don’t have to worry about. However, you should pay attention to them so that they do not happen again in the future.

1. Stress and anxiety

Women today are under a lot of pressure (at work and in social life), which affects their health. While it is “normal” for stress to change the menstrual cycle, it is not good.

Maybe you’re going through something in your life that will change your period. An anxious pre-wedding time, trip, major change, or stressful final exam, responsibilities, or financial situation that has a direct impact on your hormone production.

In these situations, your period will be delayed by just a few days or they will start when you solve the problem. It should not be a sign of other problems, but visit a gynecologist for safety.

2. Changes in weight

You may notice changes in your period, as well as being late if you lose or gain more weight. You should know that  adipocytes (fat cells) play an important role in hormone production and can completely confuse your menstrual cycle.

Overweight women produce more estrogen than normal and really skinny women produce less. To undo this problem, you should figure out how much you should weigh and strive to achieve that goal.

3. Breastfeeding

Women who have just given birth will have their period several months later. The body needs to return to a normal rhythm after the radical hormone change it underwent during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Some women do not menstruate until a year or more after giving birth. If this happens to you, see your doctor to see what is going on.

4. Ending contraception

If a woman uses birth control pills, her period will be regular. However, when he stops using them for some reason, his body has to start working again naturally,  which means that the eggs have to work independently.

This may delay ovulation and, as a result, menstruation. It is normal for this to happen once. However, if your period does not come within the next month, see your doctor.

Menstruation late – when to see a doctor?

However, in some cases,  delayed menstruation may be associated with more serious health problems or may require special medical treatment. However, that doesn’t mean you should worry or think negatively. Instead, seek professional help to address the following potential issues, such as:

1. Inflammations and diseases

Some common diseases such as the flu, urethritis, and tonsillitis can interfere with your menstrual cycle, especially if you are taking medication to treat them.

2. Thyroid problems

An overactive or underactive thyroid gland can cause a lot of imbalance, including delayed menstruation.

You need to check what kind of treatment you need – medication, iodine supplementation or maybe even thyroid removal.

3. Ovarian polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

This is a disease associated with the endocrine system, characterized by menstrual disorders and the formation of ovarian cysts. It can lead to infertility in more advanced or untreated cases.

To treat this syndrome, healthier lifestyles and weight loss are recommended whenever possible. Patients are also prescribed certain hormone preparations depending on whether the woman wants to become pregnant in the future or not.

You should not worry if your period is up to five days late, as the human body is not accurate. However, a longer delay may be a sign of illness or problem. Once you’ve narrowed out the “normal” situations that lead to changes in your menstrual cycle, make an appointment with your doctor.