Menstruaçãdelayed: 10 common causes (and what to do)

10 causes of late period

If the period is late and the woman has taken at least 2 pregnancy tests in the last month, 7 days apart, and the result was negative, it is very likely that she is not pregnant.

Other common causes of missed period are:

1. Excessive physical activity

Excessive physical activity, as is the case with athletes or people who are preparing for an event or sporting competition, for example, can lead to hormonal changes, such as the increase in prolactin, which can lead to delay of menstruation. However, it is important that the person knows that it is important to practice regular physical activity, as long as it is not excessive.

2. Very restrictive diets

Some very restrictive diets can lead to hormonal fluctuations that cause changes in menstruation. In addition, the reduced supply of nutrients makes the body use the small amount of nutrients for more important functions, which can be reflected in delays or even absence in menstruation.

3. Changes in the player system

Alterations in the reproductive system, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome or the presence of fibroids in the uterus, can also cause fluctuations in female sex hormones, which can lead to changes in menstruation.

4. Hypothalamus and pituitary changes

The hypothalamus and pituitary glands are glands that are located in the brain and are responsible for regulating sex hormones. Diseases that cause changes in these glands can lead to cycle fluctuations and, consequently, delays or anticipation of menstruation.

5. Continuous use pill

The pill or other contraceptives of continuous use, as they supply hormones to the body daily and without breaks, prevent menstruation from occurring. However, minor bleeding may occasionally occur, but on different days of the cycle.

6. Pre menopause

When the menopausal phase begins to approach, it is normal to begin to experience delays or even missed periods. Some women may enter menopause at an early age and not realize that this is the cause of their missed period.

Learn when pre-menopause can appear and how to identify it.

7. Postpartum

Postpartum, menstruation can only return after the woman stops breastfeeding. However, it is necessary to use contraceptive methods during breastfeeding to avoid pregnancy.

Understand when it is normal for menstruation to return after delivery.

8. Contraceptive use

In some women who stop using contraceptives such as the pill, implant or contraceptive injection, the menstrual cycle can take about 6 months to return to being regular, which is perfectly normal and there is no reason for concern.

9. Hormonal changes in adolescence

In adolescence, hormonal changes are common, as the endocrine system is still maturing and the body is adapting to variations in hormone levels, and ovulation may not occur in some menstrual cycles, causing cycle irregularities or delay in menstruation.

However, in the case of adolescents who have already completed 16 years of age and have not yet menstruated for the first time, a gynecologist should be consulted to identify the cause, as it may be primary amenorrhea, which may be related to defects in the reproductive system, such as imperforate hymen, vaginal septum or absence of uterus, for example. See other causes of primary amenorrhea.

10. Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can increase the release of cortisol into the bloodstream, which is a type of hormone that participates in the hormonal regulation carried out by the hypothalamus in the brain, and interfere with the release of estrogen and progesterone, responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle, leading to changes in or delay in menstruation.

When to make an appointment

When your period is late, the first step is to take a pregnancy test at the pharmacy to rule out a possible pregnancy. If the test is negative, it must be repeated after 7 days. If the pregnancy test is still negative, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist, to identify the cause and treat the problem, if necessary.

The doctor may order tests, such as the progestogen test and the prolactin dosage, to be able to identify the reason for this delay and indicate the most appropriate treatment.

Also, depending on what is causing your period delay, it is also important:

Reduce the intensity of physical exercise;
Reduce stress;
Maintain a balanced diet, avoiding very restrictive diets;
Maintain your ideal weight;
Take the contraceptive pill, if recommended by the gynecologist, to regulate the menstrual cycle.

It is recommended to make regular medical appointments to identify possible he alth problems or diseases such as polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, anorexia, bulimia, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, which can cause changes in the menstrual cycle.

Home remedies to stop menstruation

There are some home remedies that can help stop menstruation, but these should only be taken when there is no suspicion of pregnancy.

1. Cinnamon Tea

To prepare this tea, you need:

Ingredients

2 shin sticks;
1 cup of boiling water.

Preparation Mode

Add the cinnamon stick to the boiling water, cover and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. After this time, remove the cinnamon sticks and drink when it is warm. This tea should be drunk 1 to 2 times a day until menstruation begins and, if necessary, can be sweetened with a little honey or sugar.

2. Agonized Tea

To prepare this tea, you need:

Ingredients

5 grams of dried flowers of agony;
500 ml of boiling water.

Preparation Mode

Add the flowers of agony to boiling water and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes and strain before drinking. You should drink 2 to 3 cups of this tea a day until your period starts.

These teas are natural options for when menstruation is delayed by a few days and should only be taken for 5 to 10 days, it is recommended to consult the doctor if menstruation does not come during that time. In addition, there is no scientific proof that they work in regulating menstruation.