For a significant number of women, not having a period is a sign that they may be pregnant. However, this is not the rule. When should you be concerned if your period is significantly late and what might be the reason?
The duration of a normal menstrual cycle varies from 21 to 35 days, the norm is usually 28 days. Approximately seven days of irregularity is acceptable. However, when severely irregular menstrual periods become the norm or, worse, the period disappears, it is imperative to determine the cause (in cases where pregnancy has been ruled out).
Lack of menstruation is often associated with hormonal changes, which include pregnancy, menopause, or some illness. However, this is not always the case. What other reasons can there be for not having a regular period?
Menstrual disorders may result from improper diet, especially the diet with a significant caloric deficit. Fast food or draconian starvation may also be a direct cause of significantly delayed menstruation.
Ladies who suddenly decide to engage in intense sports can expect menstrual disorders. Why does this happen? Because as a result of intense exercise, the secretion of female hormones decreases and the secretion of male hormones increases, which may even lead to the complete disappearance of menstruation. Many professional female athletes do not menstruate for this very reason.
Frequent travel, especially time zone changes, can also contribute to missed or irregular periods. Frequent stressful situations and fatigue, and even taking antibiotics, can also delay your period.
Hormonal changes also have a significant impact on a late period or its disappearance. Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism are among the most common causes cited. In order to check the level of hormones, it is best to go for a gynecological, but also endocrinological consultation. Only a doctor can determine the cause of the lack of menstruation – for example, tumors on the ovaries can be an effect or a cause.
And what diseases affect cycle disorders? Such conditions include, but are not limited to: diabetes, developing Alzheimer’s disease, but also gallbladder failure.
Menstrual disorders can result from polycystic ovarian syndrome. It is typical for women who struggle with this condition to have increased production of male hormones, such as testosterone. Unfortunately, this disorder also makes it difficult to get pregnant.
When should you be concerned? When we notice such symptoms as: seborrheic changes, significant hair loss, so called alopecia areata or excessive facial hair. Immediately you need to see a gynecologist, who will perform a special ultrasound.
Irregular menstruation or the disappearance of the period does not necessarily mean a disease. However, it is an unnatural situation, so it is necessary to determine the cause of its origin. Often, cycle disorders also make it difficult to get pregnant. A gynecologist, after establishing the reason for absence of menstruation, will decide on the best way of treating it, for example with the use of hormonal therapy
Remember also that before you start taking any pharmaceuticals, you should change your lifestyle, for example by introducing healthy eating habits. Such changes, however, should not be made too drastically, as they may do more harm than good.
Read also: Why is endometriosis still difficult to diagnose and treat?
Main photo: Oana Cristina/ unsplash.com
