How does stress affect menstruation. What are the signs of stress-induced menstrual irregularities. Can chronic stress lead to long-term changes in menstrual cycles. How to manage stress for better menstrual health.

The Relationship Between Stress and Menstrual Cycles

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but excessive stress can have far-reaching effects on our bodies, including our menstrual cycles. Many women wonder if stress can cause a missed period, and the answer is yes, it can. Stress can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance that regulates menstruation, leading to irregular or missed periods.

High levels of stress can affect the hypothalamus, a region in the brain that controls the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland, in turn, regulates the thyroid, adrenal glands, and ovaries, which are all crucial for maintaining hormonal balance. When stress interferes with this complex system, it can lead to menstrual irregularities.

How Stress Disrupts Hormonal Balance

Stress triggers the release of cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone.” Elevated cortisol levels can interfere with the production and regulation of other hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, which are essential for normal menstrual function. This hormonal imbalance can lead to:

• Delayed ovulation
• Anovulation (lack of ovulation)
• Irregular periods
• Missed periods
• Changes in menstrual flow

Identifying Stress-Induced Menstrual Irregularities

Recognizing the signs of stress-induced menstrual irregularities is crucial for addressing the issue promptly. Some common indicators include:

1. Sudden changes in cycle length
2. Skipping one or more periods
3. Heavier or lighter menstrual flow than usual
4. Increased premenstrual symptoms
5. Unexplained spotting between periods

Are these changes always due to stress? Not necessarily. Other factors, such as pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, or underlying health conditions, can also cause menstrual irregularities. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider if you experience persistent changes in your menstrual cycle.

The Long-Term Impact of Chronic Stress on Menstrual Health

While occasional stress may cause temporary disruptions in menstrual cycles, chronic stress can have more profound and lasting effects. Prolonged exposure to high levels of stress can lead to:

• Secondary amenorrhea (absence of menstruation for three or more consecutive cycles)
• Increased risk of menstrual disorders
• Exacerbation of existing menstrual problems
• Fertility issues
• Increased risk of certain reproductive health conditions

How long can stress affect your menstrual cycle? The duration varies from person to person. For some women, menstrual irregularities may resolve quickly once stress levels decrease. For others, it may take several months for their cycles to return to normal, especially if chronic stress has been an issue for an extended period.

Stress Management Techniques for Better Menstrual Health

Managing stress is crucial for maintaining overall health, including menstrual regularity. Here are some effective stress management techniques that can help:

1. Regular exercise: Physical activity releases endorphins, which help reduce stress and improve mood.
2. Mindfulness and meditation: These practices can help calm the mind and reduce stress levels.
3. Adequate sleep: Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help your body manage stress more effectively.
4. Balanced diet: Eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help support overall health and stress management.
5. Time management: Prioritize tasks and learn to say no to avoid overwhelming yourself.
6. Relaxation techniques: Try deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga to reduce stress.
7. Social support: Connecting with friends and family can provide emotional support during stressful times.

Can implementing these stress management techniques improve menstrual regularity? For many women, reducing stress levels through these methods can help restore normal menstrual function. However, results may vary, and it’s important to be patient as your body adjusts.

When to Seek Medical Help for Menstrual Irregularities

While stress-induced menstrual irregularities often resolve on their own, there are instances where medical intervention may be necessary. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if:

• You miss three or more consecutive periods
• Your periods become extremely irregular or unpredictable
• You experience excessive bleeding or severe pain during menstruation
• You have concerns about your fertility
• You experience other symptoms along with menstrual changes

What can you expect during a medical consultation for menstrual irregularities? Your healthcare provider may conduct a physical examination, ask about your medical history, and possibly order blood tests to check hormone levels. They may also recommend further testing, such as ultrasounds, to rule out any underlying conditions.

Hormonal Imbalances and Their Effects on Menstruation

Stress-induced hormonal imbalances can have various effects on menstruation. Understanding these impacts can help you better manage your menstrual health:

Estrogen Imbalance

Estrogen plays a crucial role in building the uterine lining and preparing the body for potential pregnancy. Stress can lead to estrogen imbalances, which may result in:

• Irregular periods
• Heavy or light menstrual flow
• Mood swings
• Changes in breast tissue

Progesterone Imbalance

Progesterone is essential for maintaining a regular menstrual cycle. Stress-induced progesterone imbalances can cause:

• Shortened luteal phase
• Spotting between periods
• Increased premenstrual symptoms
• Difficulty conceiving

How long does it take for hormonal balance to be restored after stress reduction? The timeline varies for each individual. Some women may see improvements within a few cycles, while others may take several months to regain hormonal balance.

Lifestyle Factors That Can Influence Menstrual Health

In addition to stress management, other lifestyle factors can significantly impact menstrual health. Consider the following aspects when working to improve your menstrual regularity:

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can support hormonal balance and menstrual health. Focus on incorporating:

• Leafy green vegetables
• Fruits
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins
• Healthy fats (e.g., avocados, nuts, seeds)

Can certain foods help regulate menstrual cycles? Some studies suggest that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and vitamin D may help support menstrual regularity. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular exercise can help reduce stress, improve mood, and support overall hormonal balance. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.

Is there a risk of overexercising affecting menstrual cycles? Yes, excessive exercise can lead to amenorrhea, especially in athletes or those with very low body fat percentages. It’s important to find a balance that works for your body.

Sleep Habits

Quality sleep is crucial for hormonal balance and stress management. Poor sleep can disrupt the body’s natural rhythms and contribute to menstrual irregularities. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep schedule.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as endocrine disruptors, can impact hormonal balance and menstrual health. Consider using natural cleaning products and personal care items to minimize exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

Natural Remedies and Supplements for Menstrual Health

While lifestyle changes are the foundation for improving menstrual health, some natural remedies and supplements may offer additional support. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Herbal Remedies

Some herbs have been traditionally used to support menstrual health and regularity:

• Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)
• Dong quai
• Red raspberry leaf
• Black cohosh

Do these herbs effectively regulate menstrual cycles? While some women report positive effects, scientific evidence is limited, and more research is needed to confirm their efficacy and safety.

Nutritional Supplements

Certain nutrients may help support hormonal balance and menstrual health:

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vitamin D
• Magnesium
• B-complex vitamins
• Iron (for those with heavy menstrual bleeding)

Can supplements alone regulate menstrual cycles? While supplements may provide support, they should be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle and stress management techniques for optimal results.

Coping with Stress-Induced Menstrual Changes

Dealing with irregular or missed periods due to stress can be challenging. Here are some strategies to help you cope:

1. Track your menstrual cycle: Use a period tracking app or calendar to monitor changes in your cycle.
2. Practice self-care: Prioritize activities that help you relax and unwind.
3. Communicate with your partner: If you’re sexually active, discuss the potential impact of stress on your cycle and fertility.
4. Be patient: Remember that it may take time for your cycle to regulate after reducing stress levels.
5. Seek support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your concerns and stress management strategies.

How can you differentiate between stress-induced menstrual changes and other health issues? If you’re unsure about the cause of your menstrual irregularities, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation.

The Role of Hormonal Contraceptives in Managing Stress-Related Menstrual Issues

For some women, hormonal contraceptives may be recommended to help regulate menstrual cycles affected by stress. These methods can provide several benefits:

• Consistent hormone levels
• Predictable menstrual cycles
• Reduced menstrual symptoms
• Potential improvement in stress-related symptoms

Are hormonal contraceptives a long-term solution for stress-induced menstrual irregularities? While they can be effective in managing symptoms, addressing the underlying stress is crucial for overall health and well-being. Hormonal contraceptives should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, who can help determine the most appropriate option based on individual needs and health history.

Stress, Menstruation, and Fertility: Understanding the Connection

Stress-induced menstrual irregularities can have implications for fertility. When stress disrupts ovulation or causes anovulation, it can make conception more challenging. Understanding this connection is important for women trying to conceive or those concerned about their future fertility.

Impact on Ovulation

Stress can interfere with the timing and occurrence of ovulation by:

• Delaying the release of eggs
• Causing irregular ovulation patterns
• Preventing ovulation altogether (anovulation)

Effects on Conception

Irregular ovulation can make it difficult to predict fertile windows, reducing the chances of successful conception. Additionally, chronic stress may affect the quality of eggs and the overall reproductive environment.

Can stress-induced fertility issues be reversed? In many cases, addressing the underlying stress and allowing the body to return to its natural rhythms can improve fertility. However, the timeline for recovery varies among individuals.

Stress Management for Fertility

For women trying to conceive, implementing stress management techniques is crucial. Consider the following approaches:

1. Fertility awareness methods: Track ovulation signs to better understand your cycle.
2. Mindfulness practices: Incorporate meditation or yoga to reduce stress levels.
3. Couples counseling: Address relationship stress that may be impacting fertility.
4. Lifestyle modifications: Focus on a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
5. Professional support: Consult with a reproductive endocrinologist if stress-related fertility issues persist.

By addressing stress and its impact on menstrual health, women can take proactive steps towards improving their overall well-being and reproductive health. Remember that every individual’s experience with stress and menstruation is unique, and it’s essential to work closely with healthcare providers to develop personalized strategies for managing stress-induced menstrual irregularities.

Stress & Menstrual Cycle: Missed Period Due to Stress

Imagine you’re planning a dream vacation — taking a 13-hour flight to Sydney so you can swim in the Great Barrier Reef and trek through the Australian Outback. You’ve got a lot to organize and pack, and the thought of dealing with a menstrual period so far from home begins to worry you. Will you be able to handle any uncomfortable cramps and back pain on such a long flight? If your period comes while you’re on vacation, will you still be able to snorkel among the coral?

Your Menstrual Period and the Power of Stress

Even though you may not be planning an adventure around the world, stress and anxiety can still take a toll on you – and your period. Although some stress can be good and even help us challenge ourselves, too much can negatively impact health. The body is sensitive to any unexpected disruptions. Excessive worrying can put the digestive system into overdrive, causing stress symptoms like diarrhea, frequent urination, and abdominal pain; the pulmonary system may respond with rapid breathing.

The female reproductive system can be affected, too. In fact, for some women, stress may play a role in causing irregular or missed periods. As stress levels rise, there’s a chance that your menstrual period will temporarily stop, a condition known as secondary amenorrhea.

(If you’ve been dealing with amenorrhea for a few months, however, your doctor may ask about your health history and perform various tests, including checking hormone levels. Pregnancy, cysts, tumors, hormone deficiencies, and factors other than stress can cause more than one missed period.)

How Stress May Affect Menstruation

Not much is known about the relationship between stress and periods. However, stress certainly plays a role in suppressing the functioning of the hypothalamus, which controls the pituitary gland — the body’s master gland — which, in turn, controls the thyroid and adrenal glands and the ovaries; they all work together to manage hormones.

Ovarian dysfunction may lead to problems with estrogen production, ovulation, or other reproductive processes. Estrogen is an important hormone that helps build the uterine lining and prepares the body for pregnancy. If the ovaries aren’t working properly, side effects may involve the menstrual cycle, including missed periods or irregular periods.

Getting Back on Track

Because stress can affect the part of the brain responsible for producing hormones, it can throw hormonal levels out of whack, which can lead to changes in the frequency and duration of your menstrual period.

Reducing your level of stress or finding effective coping mechanisms may help your body revert to a normal menstrual period. Talking with a therapist or possibly taking anti-anxiety medication can lower stress and help you manage stress symptoms, eventually allowing your system to return to regularity.

It’s not possible to completely eliminate stress from your everyday life, nor would you want to. Finding healthy methods to cope with excessive stress is the best way to not let it wreak havoc on your body’s natural functioning.

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How Late Can a Period Be? When to Be Concerned

Certain factors can affect your monthly cycle, including weight change and stress. If your period is a few days late, it typically is not a cause for concern. But a period that’s a few weeks late may indicate an underlying condition.

If you don’t have any known condition affecting your menstrual cycle, your period should start within 21 to 35 days of your last period, depending on your normal cycle.

Regular periods can vary. If your regular cycle is 28 days and you still have not had your period on day 29, your period is officially considered late. Likewise, if your regular cycle is 32 days and you still have not menstruated on day 33, this would be late for you.

Either of these two scenarios may technically be late, but should not be an immediate cause for concern. Variations in menses from month to month can occur due to various reasons.

After 6 weeks without bleeding, you can consider your late period a missed period.

Several things can delay your period, from basic lifestyle changes to chronic health conditions. Here’s a look at 10 potential culprits.

Your body’s stress-response system is rooted in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. While you may no longer be running from predators, your body is still hardwired to react as if you were.

When your stress level peaks, your brain tells your endocrine system to flood your body with hormones that switch on your fight-or-flight mode. These hormones suppress functions, including those of your reproductive system, that are not essential to escaping an imminent threat.

If you’re under a lot of stress, your body can stay in fight-or-flight mode, which can make you temporarily stop ovulating. This lack of ovulation, in turn, can delay your period.

Severe changes in body weight can screw with your period’s timing. Extreme increases or decreases in body fat, for example, can lead to a hormonal imbalance that causes your period to come late or stop entirely.

In addition, severe calorie restriction affects the part of your brain that “talks” to your endocrine system and gives instructions for the creation of reproductive hormones. When this communication channel is disrupted, hormones can get out of whack.

A strenuous exercise regimen can also cause missed periods. This is most common in those who train for several hours a day. It happens because, whether intentionally or not, you’re burning way more calories than you’re taking in.

When you burn too many calories, your body doesn’t have enough energy to keep all its systems running. More strenuous workouts can increase hormone release that can affect your menstruation.

Periods typically go back to normal as soon as you lessen training intensity or increase your caloric intake.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a set of symptoms caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. Many people with PCOS do not ovulate regularly.

As a result, your periods may:

• be lighter or heavier than standard periods
• arrive at inconsistent times
• disappear altogether

Other PCOS symptoms can include:

• excess or coarse facial and body hair
• acne on the face and body
• thinning hair
• weight gain or trouble losing weight
• dark patches of skin, often on the neck creases, groin, and underneath breasts
• skin tags in the armpits or neck
• infertility

Many people love the pill because it makes their periods so regular. However, it can sometimes have the opposite effect, especially during the first few months of use.

Similarly, when you stop taking the pill, it can take a few months for your cycle to get back to normal. As your body returns to its baseline hormone levels, you may miss your period for a few months.

If you’re using another hormonal birth control method, such as an intrauterine device (IUD), implant, or shot, you might completely stop getting your period.

Perimenopause is the time leading up to your menopausal transition. It typically starts in your mid- to late 40s. Perimenopause can last for several years before your period stops completely.

For many, missed periods are the first sign of perimenopause. You may skip a period 1 month and be back on track for the following 3 months. Or, you may skip your period 3 months in a row and find that it arrives unexpectedly, often lighter or heavier than you’re used to.

Early menopause, also known as premature ovarian insufficiency, happens when your ovaries stop working before you turn 40.

When your ovaries are not working the way they should, they stop producing multiple hormones, including estrogen. As your estrogen levels drop to all-time lows, you will begin to experience the symptoms of menopause.

Late or missed periods may be an early sign. You may also experience:

• hot flashes
• night sweats
• trouble sleeping

Other signs of premature ovarian insufficiency include:

• vaginal dryness
• trouble getting pregnant
• decreased sexual desire
• mood disturbance or mood changes

Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that produces hormones that help regulate many activities in your body, including your menstrual cycle. There are several common thyroid conditions, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect your menstrual cycle and cause irregularity, but hyperthyroidism is more likely to cause late or missed periods. Sometimes, your period may disappear for several months.

Other symptoms of a thyroid issue include:

• heart palpitations
• appetite changes
• unexplained weight changes
• nervousness or anxiety
• slight hand tremors
• fatigue
• changes to your hair
• trouble sleeping

Certain chronic health problems, especially celiac disease and diabetes, are sometimes associated with menstrual irregularities.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that affects your digestive system. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their immune system reacts by attacking the lining of the small intestine.

When the small intestine is damaged, it impairs the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food. This can lead to malnourishment, which affects normal hormone production and leads to missed periods and other menstrual irregularities.

Those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes might also experience a missed period in rare cases. This tends to only happen when blood sugar levels are not managed.

If there’s a chance you may be pregnant and your cycles are typically regular, it may be time to take a pregnancy test.

Try to do this about 1 week after your period was supposed to start. Taking a test too early can result in the test being negative even if you’re pregnant, as it’s too early for the test to pick up the pregnancy hormone in the urine.

If your periods are typically irregular, it can be harder to find the right time to take a pregnancy test. You may want to take a few tests over the course of several weeks, or talk with a healthcare professional to be sure.

Other early symptoms of pregnancy to watch for include:

• tender, painful breasts
• swollen breasts
• nausea or vomiting
• fatigue

Your period is generally considered late if it has not occurred within your cycle’s usual time frame since the start of your last period.

Many things can cause this to happen, from routine lifestyle changes to underlying medical conditions. If your period is regularly late, make an appointment with a healthcare professional to determine the cause.

Delayed periods and stress: signs and causes

Can stress be the cause of delayed periods and why?

The menstrual cycle is an important criterion for assessing the state of the female body. A delay in menstruation can signal the presence of pregnancy, hormonal changes in some cases caused by stress factors, diseases of the reproductive system, menopause, or even tumors. If there is a clear relationship with stress and after excluding other possible causes of the delay, a stress-related menstrual disorder is diagnosed.

Diagnosis of the disease causes difficulties and takes time, since it is not always possible to objectively assess the effect of stress on the body. Each person has their own threshold of sensitivity to stress, and for some women, even minor stress at first glance can affect the delay in menstruation.

The reason for the delay in menstruation can be stressful factors such as the loss of a loved one, dramatic changes in life, problems at work, intense physical or mental stress, trauma, busy schedules and lack of sleep.

Menses delayed due to stress: symptoms

If the menstrual irregularity is associated with stress, in addition to the absence of menstruation, a woman may be disturbed by other symptoms associated with a reaction to acute or chronic stress:

• Irritability or depression

• Anxiety, tearfulness

• Permanent fatigue

• Memory impairment

• Indifference to the world around and what is happening

• Decreased or opposite excessive appetite

• Change in body weight

• Sleep disturbance

How does stress affect the cycle and why does stress delay menstruation?

The delay in menstruation after stress occurs due to the effect of stress on the hormonal background. That is why stress is the reason for the delay in menstruation.

In short, as a result of prolonged or intense stress exposure, a large amount of stress hormones – cortisol and prolactin – is produced. Excessive production of stress hormones leads to disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis – the hormonal chain that regulates the reproductive system.

Mismatch in the work of this chain leads to an imbalance of sex hormones. As a result, the growth of follicles in the ovaries stops and, in some cases, the maturation of the egg – ovulation does not occur and menstruation does not come.

This mechanism has evolutionary significance – under stress, the body has the task of mobilizing and preserving itself in the first place, and not leaving offspring, and therefore there is a delay in menstruation.

How long can menstruation be delayed under stress?

The beginning of a new cycle always falls on the first day of menstruation, and the duration of the cycle itself is very individual and normally ranges from 21 to 35 days. A woman needs to focus on the usual schedule. If your period is delayed by 3-5 days or more, you should take a pregnancy test and consult your doctor. The exceptions are the first two years after the onset of menstruation in adolescent girls, the lactation period and the onset of perimenopause.

The duration of the delay depends on the intensity and duration of the impact of stress on the body, as well as on the ability of the body to resist it. It has been proven that prolonged stress lowers the threshold of sensitivity to stress and even minor problems can become critical and lead to serious consequences.

Consultation with a gynecologist is necessary in case of:

• Changes to habitual cycle time

• Too heavy or scanty periods

• Severe pain during menstruation

• Bleeding outside of menses

In the absence of pregnancy, episodic menstrual irregularities do not pose a serious threat to women’s health, but if the irregularities persist for three or more cycles in a row or bring significant discomfort, you should consult a gynecologist for advice. It is necessary to identify the cause of the violation of the rhythm of menstruation.

The doctor will ask the necessary questions, conduct an examination and prescribe an examination. In the absence of visible reasons for the delay, the doctor will pay attention to the mental state of the woman.

Why is amenorrhea dangerous?

Amenorrhea is the absence of menses for 6 months. A long delay in menstruation indicates a violation of the hormonal balance in the body of a woman and other, often serious, pathologies. This affects not only the ability to conceive a child, but also the state of the whole organism as a whole. In case of a long delay in menstruation, a consultation with a doctor is necessary.

Delayed period due to stress, what should I do?

First of all, you need to minimize the level of stress in your life as much as possible. It may be worth considering psychotherapy or consulting a doctor for medication. Consider relaxation techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, dancing, and moderate exercise.

Set a daily routine and allocate enough time for rest. Normalize your sleep patterns. It would be better to stop using gadgets 2-3 hours before bedtime – when used, the brain receives a large flow of information and cannot fully relax, and the blue spectrum of screen radiation can disrupt the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time, sleep in complete darkness and silence for at least 7-8 hours.

Eat properly and in a balanced way. Include enough protein and fat in your diet. Give preference to unsaturated fats – nuts, cold-pressed oils, oily fish. Eat more vegetables and fruits, they are rich in natural vitamins and minerals. Give up strict restrictions and diets, because any diet is stressful for the body.

Follow the doctor’s recommendations, often with stress-related disorders, the doctor may limit himself to prescribing herbal preparations or vitamin-mineral complexes, including inositols. For example, Dikirogen contains two active forms of inositol at once, which contribute to the normalization of the balance of female sex hormones and the maturation of the egg, which means the onset of ovulation. In addition, myoinositol helps to reduce the level of the stress hormone prolactin. Manganese in Dikirogen is involved in the regulation of the hormonal and nervous systems. And folic acid, which is part of the composition, has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and hair.

A delay in menstruation due to stress can lead to serious disruption of the reproductive system. It is necessary to seek help from a specialist in time and take a comprehensive approach to solving the problem.

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What can cause a delay in menstruation

Lost menstruation? Oops . .. Let’s figure out what this may be connected with, when to start worrying and what to do if the critical days still do not come.

All articles 05/19/2022

The absence or cessation of menstruation is called amenorrhea by obstetricians and gynecologists. It is of two types.

• Physiological – occurs during pregnancy, breastfeeding. It also includes natural menopause, which usually occurs between 49 and 52 years.

• Pathological (or secondary amenorrhea) – the absence of critical days for three months, despite the fact that earlier the cycle was regular (with an irregular cycle, this period increases to six months).

Normally, a woman should have a cycle of 24 to 38 days. If the menstrual cycle is consistent with this period, then it is considered regular. A delay in menstruation for more than 38 days is already a bell to come to the gynecologist. Although the irregularity of the cycle is already a reason to visit a gynecologist, without bringing yourself to a state where there will be no menstruation at all.

A slight delay in menstruation can be caused by changes in the rhythm of life, nutrition or climate. Gynecologists identify several reasons for the delay, not related to diseases.

1. Malnutrition, anorexia, sudden weight loss. Now, when a slim fit figure is in fashion, many women literally exhaust themselves with diets.

   Irrational nutrition, or rather, its absence – therapeutic starvation, protein-free diet – can cause an irregular cycle

2. Insufficient sleep, stress. Menstruation may stop due to getting into difficult psycho-emotional situations. Overloading the nervous system leads to disruption of the reproductive organs.

3. Hard physical work. Excessive loads also do not contribute to the regularity of the cycle. It is known that professional athletes often experience problems with a delay in menstruation and even with childbearing.

4. Sudden change in climate, for example, when traveling to a distant country. This is also a stress factor for the female body.

5. Taking medications, especially psychotropic drugs, antidepressants and others.

6. Taking hormonal drugs, especially without a doctor’s prescription.

7. Intoxication from food or chemical poisoning, smoking or alcohol.

Major diseases causing delayed menstruation

• hormonal disorders, most often – dysfunction of the thyroid gland;

• endometriosis;

• neoplasms in the uterus and appendages;

• polycystic ovary syndrome;

• infectious diseases of the genitourinary system;

• pituitary tumor.

With a delay in menstruation for more than three days, it is best to consult a gynecologist. The doctor will interview you and conduct a complete examination, including measuring height and weight, calculating the body mass index, assessing the type of hair growth and eliminating the symptoms of hirsutism (this is a female disease that is characterized by excessive hair growth on the face and on the body: on the chest, near the nipple, on the back , hips, abdomen). Also, the doctor will conduct an examination in the gynecological chair and prescribe additional procedures and tests. This may be an ultrasound of the pelvic organs, an assessment of the hormonal profile, including the function of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands, as well as hCG to exclude pregnancy. If necessary, the doctor will also recommend an additional examination to the patient: CT, MRI or hysteroscopy.

Treatment for delayed menstruation is prescribed depending on its cause. Patients with amenorrhea often require long-term follow-up because it can take months for a menstrual cycle to return.

In conclusion, I would like to recall the main thing – 59% of gynecological diseases are asymptomatic. The same uterine fibroids are initially visible only on ultrasound, and only when the tumor reaches a significant size will pain and bleeding begin. Therefore, doctors recommend visiting a gynecologist every six months.

It is important to get a complete picture right away, so the LOTOS Medical Center has prepared comprehensive programs that include an obstetrician-gynecologist and ultrasound at competitive prices.