Why there may be a long delay in menstruation. Why are periods late: the most common reasons for delay. How to normalize the problem with delayed periods

Delayed menstruation is one of the most early signs the onset of conception. However, the absence of menstruation on time does not always indicate pregnancy. Sometimes the delay is a consequence of stress, emotional stress, hormonal imbalance or other pathology.

All girls and women of reproductive age should carefully monitor their cycle. For greater accuracy, gynecologists recommend keeping a special calendar that indicates the start and end date of each menstrual bleeding. The regularity of the cycle indicates proper operation reproductive system.
- a set of changes in a woman’s body aimed at the ability to conceive. Its regulation is carried out using a complex hormonal mechanism.

The average duration of the menstrual cycle is . However, its length in healthy women can be shortened to 21 days or extended to 35 days.

Ovulation is the process of release of the female reproductive cell from the ovary into the free abdominal cavity. This event corresponds to the middle of the menstrual cycle - days 12-16. During ovulation and 1-2 days after it female body ready to conceive a child.

Menarche - first menstrual cycle in a girl’s life, it is the beginning of the reproductive activity of the female body. Typically, this event occurs between the ages of 11 and 14 years, but the norm is considered to be from 9 to 16 years. The time of menarche depends on many reasons - genetics, physique, diet, general health.

Menopause or menopause is the last menstrual cycle in life. This diagnosis is made post facto, after 12 months of no bleeding. The normal range for the onset of menopause is considered to be from 42 to 61 years, with an average of 47-56 years. Its onset depends on the number of pregnancies, egg supply, intake oral contraceptives, lifestyle.

Menstruation or menstruation is a part of the female cycle characterized by the development uterine bleeding. Normally, its duration is from 3 to 7 days, on average - 4-5 days. Menstruation represents the shedding of the endometrium of the uterus - its inner mucous layer.

Renewal occurs due to menstruation uterine endometrium. This process necessary to prepare the organ wall for the next cycle, during which conception is possible.

Delayed menstruation is considered to be its absence for more than 6-7 days during a normal cycle. More short term is not considered a pathology. Normally, cycle shifts by 2-3 days are possible. Delayed menstruation can occur in women and girls of any age due to natural (physiological) and pathological reasons.

Reasons for missed periods

Stress

Regulation of the menstrual cycle is a complex process that depends on many factors in the internal environment of the body. The functioning of the hormonal system is very susceptible to stress and emotional upheaval. This feature is the result of close interaction between the endocrine glands and the brain.

Psychological and emotional stress is an unfavorable environment for pregnancy. This is why the brain gives a signal to the endocrine system that conception should not occur. In response to this, the hormonal glands change their mode of operation, preventing the onset of ovulation.

A delay in menstruation can be caused by various stresses. Some women calmly endure severe shocks (the death of a loved one, diagnosis of an illness, dismissal from work, etc.). In some patients, the absence of menstruation may be associated with minor experiences.

Possible causes of missed periods also include severe lack of sleep and overwork. To restore the cycle, a woman should eliminate the provoking factor. If this is not possible, the patient is advised to consult a specialist. Usually, a delay in menstruation during stress does not exceed 6-8 days, but in severe cases, it may be absent for a long time - 2 weeks or more.

Heavy physical activity

By its nature, the female body is not adapted to strong physical activity. Excessive forceful tension can cause disruptions in the menstrual cycle. Such disorders of the reproductive system are quite often observed among professional athletes.

The reason for the delay of menstruation during heavy physical activity is the production of increased amounts of testosterone, the male sex hormone. Thanks to him, growth is possible muscle tissue in response to her tension. Normally, the female body does not have a large number of testosterone, but its increase leads to disruptions in the menstrual cycle.

High testosterone levels affect complex mechanisms between the pituitary gland and the ovaries, which disrupts their interaction. This leads to delayed menstrual bleeding.

If there are disruptions in the menstrual cycle, a woman should exclude power training. They can be replaced with aerobic exercises - dancing, running, yoga.

What are the reasons for a delay in menstruation?

Climate change

Sometimes the human body has difficulty adapting to new living conditions. A sudden change in climate can cause menstrual irregularities. This feature is most often observed when traveling to hot and humid countries.

Changes in terms and conditions external environment is a signal about the need to prevent conception. This mechanism is similar to delayed menstruation when emotional stress and shocks. The brain sends a signal to the ovaries to block ovulation.

Another reason for delayed menstruation is negative test Pregnancy is affected by long exposure to the sun. Ultraviolet rays have bad influence for the work of the ovaries. A delay may occur if you abuse the solarium.

Typically, the duration of delayed menstrual bleeding when traveling does not exceed 10 days. If it is absent for a longer period, the woman should consult a specialist.

Hormonal changes

In teenage girls, during the first 2-3 years after menarche, jumps in the cycle are possible. This feature - normal phenomenon associated with the regulation of ovarian activity. Usually the cycle is established by the age of 14-17 years; if menstruation delays continue after 17-19 years, the girl should consult a specialist.

The reason for delayed periods after 40 years is the onset of menopause, characterized by the decline of reproductive function. Typically, the menopause period lasts for 5-10 years, during which there is a gradual increase in the period between bleedings. Quite often, menopause is accompanied by other symptoms - a feeling of heat, sweating, nervousness, and surges in blood pressure.

Also long delay menstruation is natural reaction body after pregnancy. During breastfeeding, the pituitary gland produces a special hormone - prolactin. It causes blocking of ovulation and absence of menstrual bleeding. This reaction is intended by nature, since the female body must recover after childbirth.

If a woman does not breastfeed immediately after giving birth, she normal cycle recovers in about 2 months. If a young mother begins lactation, menstruation will occur after it ends. The total duration of delayed bleeding should not exceed one year.

Natural hormonal changes occur after discontinuation of oral contraceptives. While taking them, the ovaries stop functioning, so they need 1-3 months to recover. This reaction of the body is considered absolutely normal and does not require medication adjustment.

Another reason for a delay in menstruation for a week or more is taking emergency contraception (Postinor, Escapelle). These drugs contain artificial hormones that block the synthesis of their own. Due to this effect, ovulation is blocked and the menstrual cycle shifts.

Lack of body weight and poor nutrition

In the endocrine metabolism of the female body, not only the endocrine glands participate, but also adipose tissue. Its percentage of body weight should not be lower than 15-17%. Adipose tissue is involved in the synthesis of estrogens - female sex hormones.

Inadequate nutrition causes severe weight loss, which leads to amenorrhea - absence of menstruation. With severe underweight, cyclic bleeding may not be observed for a long period of time. This feature is adaptive in nature - the brain sends signals that the woman will not be able to bear a child.

Constant delays in menstruation may be associated with insufficient intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E into the body. These substances participate in the endocrine function of the ovaries, causing the normal division of female germ cells.

To restore the cycle, a woman should gain the missing kilograms and reconsider her diet. It should include sea fish, red meat, nuts, and vegetable oil. If necessary, vitamin E supplements can be used.

Obesity

Weight gain can cause menstrual irregularities. The mechanism of pathology of reproductive function is associated with blocking ovulation due to excessive accumulation of estrogens in adipose tissue.

Also, against the background of obesity, insulin resistance occurs - a condition in which cells human body become less sensitive to insulin. In response to this, the pancreas begins to synthesize increasing amounts of the hormone. A persistent increase in the amount of insulin in the blood increases testosterone levels.

An increased amount of male sex hormones disrupts the normal menstrual cycle. That is why women are advised to monitor their weight and avoid obesity.

Infectious process

Any inflammatory process disrupts the normal course of the female cycle. The body perceives it as a negative background for the onset of conception, and therefore blocks or delays ovulation.

One of the most common causes of delayed menstrual bleeding is colds and other diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Usually, with such pathologies, the cycle shifts by no more than 7-8 days.

Specific diseases genitourinary organs( , ) can cause prolonged absence of menstruation due to disruption internal organs. If a woman has pain or tension in her lower abdomen, there are pathological discharge from the genital tract, body temperature rises, pain occurs during sexual intercourse, she should consult a specialist.

This pathology is characterized by multiple changes in hormonal levels, causing blocking of ovulation and a shift in the menstrual cycle. In polycystic ovary syndrome, the endocrine function pituitary gland This leads to the maturation of several follicles, but none of them becomes dominant.

With polycystic ovary syndrome, a woman's blood shows increased amount male sex hormones. They aggravate the course of the disease, further preventing ovulation. Quite often, against the background of pathology, insulin resistance is observed, which increases the secretion of testosterone.

To diagnose the disease, it is necessary to conduct an ultrasound examination. An ultrasound shows enlarged ovaries with many follicles. With pathology, an increase in androgens (male sex hormones) and their derivatives is observed in the blood. Quite often, polycystic ovary syndrome is accompanied by external symptoms- hair growth male type, acne, seborrhea, low timbre of voice.

Treatment of pathology includes taking hormonal contraceptives with antiandrogenic effects. When planning a pregnancy, the expectant mother may be advised to stimulate ovulation with the help of drugs.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a disease characterized by decreased function thyroid gland. There are many factors that cause this condition - iodine deficiency, pituitary gland pathologies, trauma, autoimmune damage.

Thyroid hormones are responsible for everything metabolic processes human body. With their deficiency, a decrease in reproductive function is observed due to blocking ovulation. That is why, with hypothyroidism, long delays in menstruation, even its absence, are often observed.

To diagnose pathologies of the thyroid gland, ultrasound examination and calculation of the amount of hormones in the blood are used. Treatment is based on the type of disease and may include iodine supplementation, replacement therapy, or surgery.

Hyperprolactinemia

This disease is characterized by increased synthesis of the pituitary hormone prolactin. Its excess quantity blocks ovulation and disrupts the menstrual cycle. Hyperprolactinemia occurs due to injury, pituitary tumors, medications, or disruptions in hormonal regulation.

Diagnosis of pathology includes a blood test for hormones, as well as an MRI or CT scan of the brain. For treatment of this disease Dopamine agonist medications are used.

Hyperprolactinemia: the main mechanism for the development of PMS

Pregnancy

Delayed menstruation is considered one of the very first signs of pregnancy. To confirm conception future mom can use test strips that determine the level of hCG in the urine. The most modern of them can detect pregnancy even before a missed period.

In addition to pregnancy, delayed menstruation can be caused by more rare pathologies and diseases:

Itsenko-Cushing's disease (overproduction of adrenal hormones);
Addison's disease (underproduction of the adrenal cortex);
tumors of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland;
damage to the endometrium of the uterus (as a result of surgery, cleaning, abortion);
resistant ovarian syndrome (autoimmune disease);
ovarian wasting syndrome (premature menopause);
ovarian hyperinhibition syndrome (due to long-term use oral contraception, radiation exposure).

By how a woman's reproductive system functions, we can judge general condition health. The appearance of cycle disorders and delayed menstruation indicate abnormalities in the functioning of the endocrine, nervous and other systems. Regular periods normal duration they say that the level of hormones is normal, the woman is able to become pregnant. The reasons for the delay of menstruation can be natural processes age-related changes, the body's reaction to external factors. Deviation from the norm is often a sign of a serious illness.

Content:

What is considered a missed period?

It is considered normal if a woman’s period comes in 21-35 days. A delay of more than 10 days is a pathology if it is not associated with a physiological restructuring of the body. Every woman experiences a slight delay in menstruation 1-2 times a year. If this repeats constantly, then you need to see a doctor for examination.

Menstruation may occur at intervals of more than 40 days (oligomenorrhea, opsomenorrhea), or may also be absent for several menstrual cycles (amenorrhea).

Exist natural causes delays in menstruation. In addition to pregnancy, this could, for example, be lactation or menopause. If the delay is not associated with normal physiological processes, then the nature of the pathology must be immediately established to avoid complications.

Physiological causes of delayed menstruation

The menstrual cycle is a strict sequence of processes associated with preparing the female body for pregnancy. Even completely healthy woman malfunctions of this mechanism may occur under the influence external factors. These include:

Emotional state: tense anticipation of menstruation, if a woman is afraid of the onset unwanted pregnancy, stress at work, personal worries.
Increased physical and mental stress, intense sports.
Moving to a new place of residence, changing climate, occupation, daily routine.
Poor nutrition, addiction to diets, obesity, vitamin deficiency.
Colds, chronic gastritis, diabetes, kidney disease.
Taking antibiotics and some others medicines.
Use of hormonal contraceptives, abrupt discontinuation of contraception.
Hormonal changes in the body during puberty. For 1-2 years, periods come irregularly, even missing for several months due to the immaturity of the ovaries. Then the cycle is established. If this does not happen, then it is necessary to find out the cause of the violations.
Changes in hormonal levels during menopause. Rare, irregular periods are a sign of the onset of perimenopause, which precedes the complete cessation of menstruation.
An increase in prolactin levels in the body during the postpartum period associated with milk production. If a woman does not breastfeed, her periods will return after 2 months. If she is breastfeeding, her period comes after she stops putting her baby to the breast.

Note: If your period does not come 1 year after giving birth, this may be a sign of a disease caused by birth injuries.

Constant delays occur due to intoxication of the body with alcohol, drugs, and nicotine. Cycle disorders often occur in women working in hazardous industries on the night shift.

Video: Causes of delayed menstruation. When to see a doctor

Pathologies that lead to delayed menstruation

In addition to pregnancy, diseases of the reproductive and organs can be the cause of delayed menstruation. endocrine system.

Hormonal disorders

A common cause of menstrual irregularities are diseases of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, and ovaries, which cause hormonal imbalance.

Hypothyroidism - insufficient output thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Without these substances, it is impossible to produce sex hormones in the ovaries: estrogens, progesterone, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), which ensure the maturation of the egg, ovulation and other processes of the menstrual cycle. Delayed periods are one of the first signs of thyroid disease in women.

Hyperprolactinemia- a disease of the pituitary gland associated with excessive production of prolactin. This hormone suppresses the production of estrogens, which are responsible for the timely maturation of eggs. The work of the ovaries is disrupted by congenital underdevelopment of the pituitary gland and brain tumors.

Adenoma(benign tumor) of the pituitary gland or adrenal gland. Leads to obesity, excess body hair growth, and menstrual irregularities.

Ovarian dysfunction- disruption of the production of sex hormones in the ovaries. This condition may be the result of previous inflammatory diseases, hormonal disorders, intrauterine device, use of hormonal drugs.

Video: Why menstruation is delayed or absent

Diseases of the reproductive system

Inflammatory diseases of the uterus and ovaries lead to disruption of the production of hormones that are responsible for the processes of maturation of eggs, follicles, and endometrium. As a result, they are often the cause of delay. At the same time, the volume and nature of the discharge changes, pain appears in the lower abdomen, lower back, and other symptoms. Often, inflammatory processes are the cause of infertility, tumors of the reproductive system, and mammary glands. Inflammatory diseases arise due to the penetration of infection due to improper hygiene care for the genitals, unprotected sexual intercourse, traumatic damage to the uterus during childbirth, abortion, curettage.

Salpingo-oophoritis- inflammation of the uterus and appendages (tubes and ovaries). The process can cause ovarian dysfunction.

Endometritis- inflammation of the uterine mucosa, which leads to the appearance hypomenstrual syndrome(menstruation can come every 5-8 weeks and not even more than 4 times a year).

Cervicitis- inflammation of the cervix. The process easily spreads to the uterus and appendages.

Endometrial hyperplasia. There is a pathological thickening of the mucous layer lining the uterus. Causes a long delay in menstruation, after which comes heavy bleeding. Pathology occurs due to hormonal disorders caused by diseases of the endocrine glands.

Uterine fibroids- a benign tumor in the uterus, single or in the form of several nodes located both outside and inside the uterus. This disease is characterized by irregular menstruation. Long delays can alternate with short cycles.

Polycystic ovary syndrome- formation of multiple cysts outside or inside the ovaries. The disease may occur without symptoms. It is often discovered when examining a woman for a long (more than 1 month) absence of menstruation.

Uterine polyps- the formation of pathological nodes in the endometrium, which can spread to the cervix. Characterized by delayed menstruation and prolonged heavy bleeding. Malignant tissue degeneration often occurs.

Endometriosis- growth of the endometrium into the tubes, ovaries, and neighboring organs. In this case, patency is impaired fallopian tubes, which can cause a delay in menstruation. Except normal pregnancy, menstruation with endometriosis does not come on time due to an ectopic pregnancy, if the embryo is attached in the tube and not in the uterine cavity. As a result, a pipe rupture can occur, which can be life-threatening for the woman. Instead of the expected menstruation, spotting mixed with blood appears. A woman should pay attention to the appearance of such signs as nausea, vomiting, nagging pain in the lower abdomen (on the side where the egg is attached).

Ectopic pregnancy also occurs after diseases leading to adhesions of the tubes and ovaries (salpingoophoritis).

Endometrial hypoplasia- underdevelopment of the uterine mucosa, in which the endometrial layer remains too thin and cannot hold a fertilized egg. This leads to termination of pregnancy at the very beginning, when the woman does not yet know about its occurrence. The next menstruation comes with a delay, and brown spotting may appear before it. Hypoplasia results inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs, operations on the uterus and ovaries, hormonal disorders in the body.

Addition: One of the common causes of delay is anorexia, a mental illness associated with an eating disorder. It is usually observed in young women. The desire to lose weight becomes an obsession. In this case, food ceases to be absorbed, and complete exhaustion occurs. Menstruation comes with increasing delay and then disappears. If you manage to regain weight, your periods will appear again.

Why are constant delays in menstruation dangerous?

Constant delays in menstruation indicate hormonal disorders, lack of ovulation, and abnormal changes in the structure of the endometrium. Pathology can arise due to serious, even dangerous diseases: tumors of the uterus, endocrine glands, polycystic ovaries. The cause of a missed period is an ectopic pregnancy.

It is necessary to establish a diagnosis as early as possible, to find out the degree of danger of the processes, since they lead, at a minimum, to infertility and early menopause. Diseases associated with delayed menstruation cause breast tumors, cardiovascular problems, diabetes, weakened immunity, premature aging, changes in appearance. For example, if the delay occurs due to polycystic ovary syndrome, then the woman experiences a sharp increase in weight, up to obesity, hair appears on the face and chest (as in men), acne, and seborrhea.

Timely treatment of diseases that cause prolongation of the cycle often helps to avoid infertility, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and prevent the occurrence of cancer.

Examination methods, establishing the reasons for the delay

To determine the cause of the delay in menstruation, an examination is carried out.

It is checked whether the woman is ovulating. To do this, measurements are carried out throughout the entire cycle basal temperature body (in the rectum), a schedule is drawn up. The presence of ovulation is indicated by a sharp increase in temperature above 37° in the middle of the cycle.

A blood test for hormones is carried out to detect deviations from the norm and possible consequences.

Using ultrasound, the condition of the pelvic organs is studied, the presence of tumors and other pathologies in the uterus and appendages is detected.

The brain and the condition of the pituitary gland are examined using computer and magnetic resonance imaging (CT and MRI) methods.

Delayed menstruation happens to every woman. For small deviations(up to 5 days) it is considered the norm. But regular fluctuations in the schedule and a longer period should alert you.

We can talk about the norm when there is no menstruation due to pregnancy. In all other cases, it is necessary to find out the cause and, if necessary, begin treatment.

What is the menstrual cycle?

Menarche, or the first menstruation, appears mainly at 12-15 years old. Then for about 2 years hormone levels are regulated and cycle setting. At this time, deviations are possible in the form of an earlier onset or delay of bleeding. It is also possible that they will be absent for a certain period of time.

The monthly cycle is counted from the beginning of one menstruation to the beginning of the next. In normal health duration these time periods should be the same. Their average duration is 28 days, but a gap of 21-35 days is also considered normal.

At the beginning of the cycle Estrogen levels increase. The thickness of the uterine mucosa increases significantly (up to 10 times). It becomes soft and juicy as new lymphatic and blood vessels. In essence, the ideal bed for embryo attachment is being prepared.

In the ovary at this time occurs process of egg maturation. Approximately in the middle of the cycle, it enters the cavity fallopian tubes. Coming ovulation phase, at which conception becomes possible. If it does not happen, then the preparation of the bed is in vain, and the thickened juicy mucous membrane of the uterus is rejected. The described cycle is repeated monthly.

What factors may cause a delay?

It should be recalled that a period delay of 4-5 days is considered normal. The reasons for delayed menstruation can be different, we will look at the main ones. Diagnosis of a specific case is carried out at an appointment by a gynecologist.

Ovarian dysfunction

In fact, a delay in menstruation is dysfunction. This concept general plan, by which we mean disruption of ovarian hormone production. Its cause may lie in problems with the organs of the endocrine system - in particular, the thyroid gland. Therefore, first of all, it is recommended to study hormonal levels.

Stress

This factor can provoke not only a delay, but also a cessation of menstruation. Persistent state provokes nervous excitement hormonal imbalance. A stressful situation can be a lack of time, problems at work, at home, an exam, conflicts, prolonged mental stress, etc.

Physical exercise

Heavy physical work often leads to disruption of the monthly cycle. In principle, overwork is also stress for the body, causing disruption of all systems, including endocrine. The solution is to change work, lifestyle, and normalize the working day.

Climate change

This situation, when the menstrual cycle is disrupted when moving, is familiar to many women. Its occurrence is due not only to the change climate zone, but also because At the same time, the lifestyle and diet also change. Vacations at sea often have a negative impact on the female body due to excess ultraviolet irradiation and iodine.

Weight problems

Delayed menstruation may be a consequence of deviations in body weight from the norm. A sharp decline weight provokes hormonal imbalances, which result in significant fluctuations in the monthly schedule.

For determining normal weight you should calculate the so-called BMI (body mass index), dividing the weight by the height squared. If the value is more than 25, we can talk about obesity. If the indicator is less than 18, then there is a deficiency of body weight. If the delay is not very long (5-10 days), weight normalization is often a sufficient measure to regulate the cycle.

Intoxication

The cause of the disorders is long-term intoxication of the body as a result of:

smoking;
frequent drinking of alcohol;
drug addiction;
work in hazardous industries;
living in environmentally unfavorable areas.

The solution in such cases is to eliminate the risk factor.

Heredity

Often the tendency to delays is inherited, which is due to hormonal characteristics. Therefore, it is necessary to find out whether the patient’s mother or grandmother had any similar problems. Perhaps their reason lies in a genetic disease.

Gynecological factors influencing delayed menstruation

Diseases

Menstruation is often delayed due to the presence of female pathologies:

inflammation in the organs of the reproductive system;
uterine fibroids;
endometriosis;
adenomyosis;
malignant tumor in the cervix or body of the uterus.

In these cases, the only solution to the problem is treatment of the underlying disease.

Miscarriages and abortions

Artificial termination of pregnancy is a real hormonal shock for the body, which is preparing to bear the fetus: it has to urgently “cancel” all processes that have begun and rebuild again.

In addition, when curettage significantly the lining of the uterus is damaged, which very often provokes complications leading to disruption of the monthly cycle. It generally returns to normal after a few months. For longer-term disturbances and the presence of discharge, medical consultation is necessary.

Hormonal contraception

Contraceptives taken by a woman contain a large amount of hormones that regulate the cycle and adjust it to the medication regimen. Refusal of pills can cause a fairly large delay in menstruation, since irregularities can persist for several months before final normalization of hormonal levels.

Emergency contraception is especially dangerous. The intake of a huge dose of hormones can lead to serious disruption of the reproductive system. Such methods of protection can be used in exceptional cases.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

The disease is diagnosed based on characteristic changes appearance resulting from increasing testosterone levels. They are identified during examination of the patient. This:

excess male pattern hair;
increased oily skin and hair;
excess weight.

However, these signs do not always indicate for the presence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): they may be a consequence of genetic or national characteristics. For example, small mustaches are not uncommon among Asian women: their appearance is not accompanied by a cycle disorder and is not caused by a pathological process.

An advanced form of PCOS can become cause of infertility. Treatment is carried out using oral contraceptives, which restore normal hormonal levels.

Taking medications

The active phase of the menstrual cycle is often delayed due to prolonged use of medications. The most dangerous in this sense the following are considered:

corticosteroids;
anabolics;
antidepressants;
antiulcer drugs;
hormonal agents;
diuretic medications.

Climax

At a certain age (over 45 years), the cause of a disruption in the monthly cycle is often the beginning of menopause. Women themselves can feel the changes occurring in the body:

irregularity of menstruation and decreased intensity;
increased sweating;
dry skin;
tides;
the appearance of excess weight;
nervous tension.

All these signs indicate a decrease in the level female hormones and gradual decline of reproductive function.

Are missed periods dangerous?

The very fact of delayed menstrual bleeding does not pose a threat. The danger lies in the cause of constant delays in menstruation. Therefore, when they appear, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination.

For example, if menstruation is regularly delayed due to high levels of prolactin in the blood, the cause may be the formation of a microadenoma in the brain. Lack of treatment leads to irreversible consequences.

Untreated inflammatory processes in the organs of the reproductive system, diseases of the uterus and ovaries increase the likelihood of developing infertility.

If the reason is endocrine disorders, then, in addition to the failure of the monthly cycle, they also provoke a failure of almost all organs and systems.

Even visible reasons there is no need to worry and the delays are only related with a change in daily routine or a vacation at sea, if they appear periodically and last for a long time, it is necessary to undergo an examination.

Faced with a delay in menstruation, every woman begins to worry: whether she is pregnant. Naturally, the first thing she does in this case is run to the pharmacy and buy a pregnancy test. Let's say the test shows a negative result. First, the woman will calm down: there is no pregnancy. And then? Then, for sure, he will wonder what the reasons for the delay in menstruation are, other than pregnancy.

Before you start studying possible reasons delays, it is worth considering the mechanism of the occurrence of menstruation itself, as well as finding out what the menstrual cycle is. Unfortunately, many girls and women do not know the structure of their own bodies well enough. We will eliminate illiteracy.

The menstrual cycle is a continuous process in a woman’s body that ensures reproductive functions. This process starts, oddly enough, in the head. The cerebral cortex is responsible for menstruation. Unfortunately, scientists have not yet been able to figure out which part of it controls the process. However, for us now this is not so important. The important thing is that the cerebral cortex transmits information to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Both produce important hormones that regulate the functioning of the uterus and ovaries. In addition, it is the pituitary gland and hypothalamus that are responsible for the work of many other secretion glands, which are also involved in the menstrual cycle.

The cycle traditionally begins to count from the first day of menstruation. Its average duration is 28 days, although, as is known, each organism is individual, and it is considered the norm cycle duration from 21 to 35 days. Most important factor in this matter is, after all, cycle regularity, not its duration. The first half of the cycle is reserved for the maturation of the next egg and preparation of the body for conception: the bursting follicle forms the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. Together with tarragon, progesterone prepares the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg: the endometrium, the mucous layer of the uterus, thickens.

If fertilization occurs and the fertilized egg is implanted into the mucous layer, completely natural delay of menstruation, which lasts until the end of pregnancy, and if a woman is breastfeeding, then a little longer. And if the egg is not fertilized, then the corpus luteum stops producing progesterone and begins to gradually decrease, the mucous layer of the uterus is rejected and comes out in the form of menstruation. The shedding of excess mucus inevitably damages the blood vessels, which causes bleeding.

Reasons for delayed menstruation other than pregnancy

The first menstruation - menarche - begins in a girl at about 12-14 years of age. Since hormonal levels have not yet established in adolescents, in the first 1-2 years a girl’s cycle, as a rule, is not regular. However, within 2 years it should be settled, and later, delays in menstruation, in addition to pregnancy, should cause concern in the girl. A delay is considered to be a situation when menstruation is delayed by more than 5 days. Such delays 1-2 times a year are quite normal, but if they bother you more often, then you should consult a doctor and find out what is causing them.

Ovarian dysfunction

When a woman comes to the doctor with a complaint about irregular cycle, many doctors diagnose her with ovarian dysfunction. However, it is worth understanding that ovarian dysfunction is an irregular cycle and a constant delay in menstruation, except for pregnancy. That is, with this diagnosis the doctor only states the current situation. And the causes of dysfunction can be very different, and it is very important to determine the specific cause of the delays.

Stress and physical activity

The most common reasons Delays of menstruation, in addition to pregnancy, are a variety of nervous tension, stress and the like. Difficult work environment, exams, family problems - all this can cause a delay. A woman's body perceives stress as difficult life situation, in which a woman should not yet give birth. It is worth taking care of changing the situation: contact a family psychologist, change jobs, or learn to relate to the situation more simply, and the like. Keep in mind that overwork and lack of sleep are also very stressful for the body.

Excessive exercise also does not contribute to the regularity of the menstrual cycle. It is known that professional athletes often experience problems with delayed periods and even with childbearing. The same problems plague women who take on physically demanding jobs. It's better left to men.

But don’t think that moderate exercise or morning jogging can affect the situation. An active lifestyle has never bothered anyone. We are talking specifically about excessive loads under which the body works for wear and tear.

Climate change

Women who spend their holidays away from home often experience delayed menstruation. Sudden climate change is also stressful situation for the body. In addition, the delay may be caused by excessive exposure to the sun or abuse of solariums. By the way, an excessive amount of ultraviolet radiation in a woman’s life can cause much more unpleasant consequences, up to skin cancer.

Weight problems

Scientists have long found out that adipose tissue is directly involved in all hormonal processes. In this regard, it is easy to understand that the reasons for a delay in menstruation, in addition to pregnancy, may also lie in weight problems. Moreover, both excess and lack of weight can provoke a delay.

The fat layer, in case overweight, will accumulate estrogen, which negatively affects the regularity of the cycle. With underweight, everything is much more complicated. Prolonged fasting, as well as weight loss below 45 kg, is perceived by the body as an extreme situation. Survival mode turns on, and in this state pregnancy is highly undesirable. In this case, not only a delay in menstruation is possible, but also its complete absence– amenorrhea. Naturally, problems with menstruation disappear with normalization of weight.

That is, plump women need to lose weight, thin women need to gain weight. The main thing is that this must be done extremely carefully. A woman’s diet should be balanced: the food should contain proteins, fats, carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and microelements. Any diet should be moderate and not debilitating. It is better to combine them with moderate physical activity.

Intoxication

Acute intoxication of the body also provokes a delay in menstruation. Alcohol, tobacco, drug addiction - all this has an extremely negative effect on the state of the reproductive system. The same reaction of the body can be caused by long-term work in hazardous chemical industries.

If the doctor cites intoxication as the reason for the delay in menstruation, then you will need to give up stimulants, or think about changing jobs.

Heredity

It makes sense to check with your mother and grandmother if they had similar problems. If there were, then perhaps it was all a matter of heredity. Unfortunately, the exact cause of hereditary problems with the menstrual cycle is not always possible to establish.

Gynecological causes of delayed menstruation

Often, the reasons for late menstruation, in addition to pregnancy, lie in various gynecological diseases.

Thus, a delay in menstruation is caused by various tumor formations: uterine fibroids, cysts, cervical cancer. In addition, various enametriosis and endometritis, adenomyosis, infectious and inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system. An incorrectly installed spiral can also cause a delay.

It is especially important to diagnose tumors, both benign and cancer, in a timely manner, as they require urgent examination and treatment. Otherwise, the outcome could even be fatal. However, inflammatory processes also require timely treatment, since they can also have the most disastrous consequences. Including infertility.

Miscarriages and abortions

Miscarriages and abortions also affect the menstrual cycle. Firstly, termination of pregnancy causes rapid and dramatic changes in the body, especially in hormonal levels. In addition, curettage inevitably damages the uterine mucosa. Both of these entail a delay in menstruation. Within a few months after an abortion or miscarriage, the menstrual cycle returns to normal. If any strange discharge appears or the cycle does not settle over time, it makes sense to consult a doctor again.

Taking hormonal contraceptives

Another factor influencing the menstrual cycle is hormonal contraceptives. Due to the hormones they contain, they regulate the menstrual cycle, subordinating it to the rhythm of taking pills. After a woman stops taking the pills, she may experience some cycle disruptions for several months due to hormonal changes.

Emergency hormonal contraceptives are, as a rule, a necessary measure. However, you should not abuse it either. After all, we are again talking about a sharp change in hormonal levels, which never goes away without leaving a trace.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

In some cases, a pathology such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) may be the cause of a delay in menstruation, in addition to pregnancy. This name hides serious hormonal disorders associated with disruption of the ovaries; the production of tarragon and androgens increases. In addition, the disease is characterized by disruption of the pancreas and adrenal cortex.

Often this diagnosis You can put it simply by a woman’s appearance. Due to the increased production of androgens, she is often overweight and has male pattern hair growth, that is, upper lip, on the legs, excess hair growth in groin area and so on. However, appearance, this is still not a 100% indicator. So, in Eastern women, facial hair is a consequence of their national characteristics, and not of any violations. So, in any case, it is necessary to do tests.

Of course, PCOS can lead to infertility, but there is no need to worry because this condition is quite easily treated with hormonal medications. As a result of taking medications, not only the functioning of the ovaries is restored, but also the appearance of the patient improves. Most often, women with polycystic ovary syndrome are prescribed a course of hormonal contraceptives. They restore normal amount female sex hormones in the body, which leads to normalization of the cycle and the disappearance of other symptoms.

Non-gynecological causes of delayed menstruation

The reasons for the delay of menstruation, in addition to pregnancy, may not lie in gynecological diseases. As you remember, the cerebral cortex, pituitary gland and hypothalamus are responsible for regulating the cycle. Thus, brain dysfunction can also affect the menstrual cycle.

In addition, diabetes mellitus, diseases of the thyroid gland or adrenal glands and other diseases of the endocrine system. As a rule, in this case, the woman is faced with other unpleasant symptoms, from weight problems to deterioration in well-being.

Taking medications

Many medications, especially anabolic steroids, antidepressants, diuretics, anti-tuberculosis and other drugs. Therefore, if a delay in the menstrual cycle occurs while taking new medications from the ones listed above or any others, it makes sense to consult a doctor. If there is such a possibility, it is worth replacing the drug with another one that will not cause such consequences.

Climax

Older women may suspect menopause as a reason for delayed menstruation, other than pregnancy. On average, at the age of about 50, women begin to feel changes in their bodies: periods become irregular, their intensity changes, and much more. All this suggests that the fertile (reproductive) period in a woman’s life is coming to an end. The production of progesterone and other female hormones decreases, which causes all the changes listed above.

Over time, the woman's periods stop altogether. I would like to warn women who suspect the onset of menopause: they should not immediately give up contraception, since before menstruation disappears completely, there is a certain period when women’s cycles are irregular. Sometimes the body skips 1-2 months, after which menstruation resumes. There is a risk of unwanted pregnancy. At this age, it is rare that a woman is ready to give birth, and even now it can be dangerous for both mother and child.

Among other things, due to the fact that menopause is associated with serious changes for women, they often do not recognize the onset of pregnancy, associating all the symptoms with a new period in their life. There have been cases when women found out about their pregnancy directly during childbirth. To avoid similar situations, it is necessary to remember that even after a woman begins menopause, she still remains a woman, which means she must be attentive to her body and monitor everything that happens in it.

Why are constant delays in menstruation dangerous?

In itself, a delay in menstruation, except for pregnancy, is not dangerous; much more dangerous are the reasons that cause this symptom. It is very important to monitor at the early stages many of the diseases of which delay may be a symptom. In addition, it is much more convenient for the woman herself when her cycle is regular. This allows you to plan your own life more reliably, and even diagnose pregnancy at an earlier stage. And in some cases this is very, very important.

As you can see, there can be a huge number of reasons for a missed period, besides pregnancy, and you are unlikely to be able to determine for yourself what the actual reason is. It's better to see a doctor so he can check everything necessary tests and research and made a diagnosis.

After this, the gynecologist will prescribe the treatment that best suits you or refer you to the appropriate specialist, depending on the causes of the disease: endocrinologist, oncologist, and so on. The main thing is not to worry ahead of time. In most cases, the situation is not that serious.

You know how the objects around you work - phones, computers, Appliances, but you don’t know how your body works. Therefore, in any incomprehensible situation, you fall into suspended animation. Only if your period is late do you run to the pharmacy for a test.

Doctors name about a dozen reasons for delayed menstruation. And although pregnancy is in first place on this list, it is far from the only reason for a missed period.

The moment when the egg is released into the abdominal cavity (and most often this happens on the 14th day of the cycle) is called. The egg lives for a day or so. So, if in these 24 hours there is a sperm that can fertilize her, she will return to the uterus in order to very soon become an embryo.

If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum stops producing the hormone progesterone and gradually decreases. The mucous layer of the uterus is rejected and comes out. Menstruation begins. Why blood? Because the detachment of excess mucus damages the blood vessels. This is the cause of bleeding.

First menstruation

A signal that puberty happened, the girl's first menstruation occurs at the age of 11-13. It happens even earlier - at 9 years old. But doctors regard this as the appearance of menstruation too early. There is also a mark for late periods - after 15 years. In such cases, consultation with an endocrinologist is required. After all, we can talk about a malfunction of the endocrine system or a hormonal imbalance.

First menstrual bleeding is considered a turning point in a girl’s sexual development. Doctors call it menarche (from the Greek words for “month” and “beginning”). After this significant event, she is already able to get pregnant, carry and give birth to a child.

What influences its appearance?

Many factors. The most important:

physical development individually for each child. If a girl is ahead of her peers (her breasts grow and develop faster - this is considered the first sign of puberty; usually within two years the mammary glands take the same size and shape as in adulthood; a few months after breast growth, pubic hair appears ; the cervix begins to secrete a certain amount of mucus - whitish discharge);
genetics - almost always a win-win. If the mother and grandmother had late periods, then the girl’s period will be the same;
nutrition affects physical development, and therefore the menstrual cycle. A lack of vitamins delays the appearance of menstruation, so even adult women sometimes experience a delay in menstruation in the spring against the backdrop of;
chronic diseases (tonsillitis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma), traumatic brain injury affect physical development. Taking medications regularly may disrupt your cycle;
stress affect the condition of even an adult organism.

Delayed menstruation - negative test

Naturally, the first thing that comes to mind when your period is late is pregnancy. And, if a home test gives a negative result, there is no need to rush to rule out this cause. Firstly, even the most reliable tests do not provide a 100% guarantee of a reliable result. The test could be defective, it could be stored or transported incorrectly, you could simply use it incorrectly or misinterpret the results. Therefore, if the delay in menstruation is 1 week or more, it makes sense to use at least two or three tests of different mechanisms of action (we have already written about what they are), and even better, visit a gynecologist who will conduct an examination and prescribe reliable tests.

However, pregnancy does not always cause menstruation to not occur at the scheduled time. In gynecology, there are a number of reasons for delayed menstruation, other than pregnancy. We'll talk about them below.

Reasons for missed periods

What are the reasons for delayed menstruation in an adult woman, if not pregnancy? By the way, the often observed delay in - also occurs due to pregnancy. It’s just that the cause-and-effect relationship is perceived a little differently here. A delay in the menstrual cycle does not occur due to thrush, but due to pregnancy. It’s just that in the first days a woman experiences hormonal changes and her immunity decreases (so that the embryo is not rejected), which is what the insidious fungi of the genus Candida take advantage of. Therefore, delay and white discharge with a cheesy consistency are frequent reasons for visiting an antenatal clinic.

Thrush is one of the most common ailments in early pregnancy. However, it cannot by itself cause a delay in menstruation. But what can it do? What can cause a delay in menstruation besides pregnancy?

Ovulatory syndrome is a feeling of pain in the lower abdomen during ovulation. An examination is indicated to rule out serious problems, such as, for example. The cause is often severe emotional shock, hormone therapy, acute inflammation.
- the absence of menstruation for three months or more indicates hormonal disorders in the body. For a shorter period, for example, a delay of 2 months, they do not speak of amenorrhea, but of a disruption of the menstrual cycle.
Lactation.
The use of contraceptives, especially or due to a sudden interruption of the course.
Cysts delay the cycle.
Gynecological diseases (uterine fibroids,).
Delay after - and this happens. In this case, you should definitely consult a doctor.
Excessive exercise stress, stress, hypovitaminosis (lack of vitamins), sudden loss or weight gain. This same group of reasons includes a spring delay in menstruation, when the body is weakened.

Delay of menstruation when taking vitamins in sufficient quantities, absence of physical and emotional stress, healthy image life and the absence of gynecological diseases indicates the beginning of pregnancy.

Lack of menstruation after “force majeure”

The female body is a very delicate system. And the slightest violence against him (even if it is pursuing, as it seems to us, good goals) may cause a crash. The same thing happens after experiencing turning points in a woman’s life (defloration, childbirth).

So, any extraordinary events in a woman’s life entail a cycle disruption and lead to a temporary absence of menstruation. Let's consider these situations in more detail.

Lack of menstruation after postinor

Lack of menstruation after the use of emergency postcoital contraception is a fairly common occurrence. In fact, it was invented for extreme cases and was initially intended as a method that, if destined to be resorted to, would not be used by everyone and no more than once in a lifetime (for example, preventing conception after rape). And this method is certainly not designed for the banal “because it happened that way.” Be more prudent. And if “that’s what happened,” be sure to contact your gynecologist and don’t be shy to tell him that you took Postinor.

Delayed menstruation after birth control

Taking hormonal contraceptives almost always causes some disruption menstrual cycle. If after cancellation birth control pills, menstruation does not occur within 4 - 5 days, this is perceived as the norm. If the delay is longer (a week or more), you should definitely consult a doctor, as there is a risk of severe hormonal imbalance. This happens if the drug was chosen incorrectly.

The duration of delayed menstruation after discontinuation of oral contraceptives is usually influenced by the following factors:

duration of drug use,
woman's age,
regularity of the cycle before starting to take the pills (the delay will be longer if there were delays before taking the pills),
the drug itself that the woman took.

Gynecologists consider the full period for restoring the natural menstrual cycle after discontinuation of hormonal contraceptives to be 3 months.

Lack of menstruation after abortion

If a woman has to undergo an abortion, her cycle will certainly be disrupted. Moreover, it doesn’t matter, the abortion was carried out with the help medical instruments or vacuum aspiration.

Lack of menstruation after vacuum – normal reaction body to stress. Normally, menstruation will occur one month after the intervention. An acceptable deviation is considered to be up to 7 days in one direction or another.

Lack of periods after childbirth

And even so physiological and natural process how childbirth leads to a “delay” of menstruation. If a woman is breastfeeding, her period will begin no earlier than in six months to a year. The same mothers who refuse breastfeeding, no periods after childbirth 1 – 3 months.

Delayed menstruation after the first act

Many young girls are interested in whether a delay in menstruation is possible after the “first time”? The process of defloration, although natural and destined for every woman, is still perceived by the body as force majeure, and therefore sometimes causes some delay (up to 10 days or longer). Ideally, of course, every girl is advised to visit a gynecologist after such a significant event in her life (at least to get acquainted), but who follows this advice?

Reasons for delay other than pregnancy and gynecology

In addition to all the reasons listed above, a delay in menstruation can also be caused by conditions and situations that seem to be unrelated to the functioning of the genitals. You just always need to understand that the body is a single system, and problems in any part of it lead to general discord. So, from so to speak, no gynecological reasons Menstrual delays can be distinguished as follows.

General intoxication of the body

Regardless of what caused it, the menstrual cycle may malfunction. The body, weakened by the fight against toxins, cannot afford such a “luxury” as unnecessary bleeding. That is why menstruation is postponed indefinitely. Keep in mind that we are talking about any intoxication - from infection with a virus to inhaling harmful chemical odors for too long.

Sudden weight change

You've taken another super-efficient revolutionary diet and really achieved incredible results in the thankless field of losing weight! No matter how you achieve a delay in menstruation, or even problems with women's health. The menstrual cycle reacts with a delay to sharp “jumps” in weight, both in the direction of decrease (to which young girls who forcibly deplete their body are more often susceptible) and increase. Therefore, doctors advise avoiding experiments.

By the way, even if your weight does not increase sharply, but has increased significantly, sooner or later the cycle will begin to fail. At first, regular delays will appear, and the cycle will stretch. And subsequently, menstruation may disappear altogether (amenorrhea). Of course, here we are not talking about a couple of extra kilograms, which seem so from a cosmetic point of view, but about morbid obesity, when a girl’s weight exceeds 100 kg or more.

Moving and climate change

What can we say about the dramatic change in climate, if after a banal trip on vacation from Kyiv to the Odessa region, menstruation can begin 7 or more days later than it should have been according to plan. In such a situation, you don’t even need to worry, your body has simply undergone stress, but believe me, it can cope with it.

In the case of longer trips (and if, in addition, you had to spend more than 3 hours on the plane), a delay can be practically guaranteed. However, over time, when the body adapts to new conditions (if by then you do not go back), everything will return to normal and the cycle will be adjusted again. After a vacation in an exotic country, be prepared for a delay of more than 7 days. In this case, the only thing you should do is just wait. Time heals stress from travel, it’s a pity it also erases some memories.

How to induce menstruation if you are late?

Before you set a goal to speed up the process, for example, before going on vacation or going to the pool (“so that your subscription doesn’t disappear”), think carefully: is it worth it?

After all, one way or another, but any artificial actions can cause hormonal imbalance. Any doctor will tell you that this will lead to cycle failure, at a minimum.

By the way, if after a delay you have a period with clots, this may signal a spontaneous termination of pregnancy -. In any case, if the discharge due to a delay in menstruation differs from your usual, contact your gynecologist. Bloody discharge after a delay should have a normal appearance and consistency. You should especially be wary of a delay in menstruation and yellow discharge- often these are symptoms of inflammatory processes in the female genital tract.

In any case, by delaying menstruation, the body tells us about some kind of failure. Therefore, this important symptom should never be ignored. Take care of your body and be sure to seek qualified medical advice if you have any questions.