What are common reasons for a late period besides pregnancy. How can stress affect menstrual cycles. When should you see a doctor about irregular periods. What are early signs of pregnancy versus PMS symptoms.

Common Causes of Delayed Menstruation

A late or missed period can be concerning, especially if pregnancy is a possibility. However, there are numerous reasons why menstruation may be delayed beyond pregnancy. Understanding these potential causes can help alleviate anxiety and determine when medical attention may be necessary.

Stress and Its Impact on Menstrual Cycles

Stress is a significant factor that can disrupt normal menstrual patterns. When the body experiences stress, it produces stress hormones from the adrenal glands. These hormones can interfere with the production of sex hormones from the ovaries, which are crucial for maintaining regular menstrual cycles.

How does stress affect the menstrual cycle? Elevated stress levels can lead to:

• Delayed ovulation
• Irregular periods
• Missed periods
• Changes in menstrual flow

Exercise and Body Weight Fluctuations

Both excessive exercise and significant changes in body weight can impact menstrual regularity. Intense physical activity, such as long-distance running or heavy weightlifting, can decrease estrogen levels, potentially causing late or absent periods. Similarly, being underweight or overweight can disrupt hormonal balance and affect menstrual cycles.

Hormonal Imbalances and Their Effects on Menstruation

Hormonal imbalances are a common cause of irregular or delayed periods. Various conditions can lead to hormonal fluctuations that affect the menstrual cycle:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause irregular or absent periods. Women with PCOS may experience:

• Infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods
• Excess androgen levels
• Ovarian cysts
• Difficulty getting pregnant

Thyroid Disorders

Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can affect menstrual regularity. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and hormonal balance. Thyroid disorders can lead to:

• Irregular periods
• Heavy or light menstrual flow
• Changes in cycle length

Birth Control and Menstrual Irregularities

Various forms of birth control can affect menstrual patterns, especially when first starting or discontinuing use. Common birth control methods that may cause menstrual changes include:

• Birth control pills
• Hormonal patches
• NuvaRing
• Progesterone IUDs
• Contraceptive injections
• Arm implants

How do these contraceptives affect menstruation? They work by altering hormone levels in the body, which can lead to irregular bleeding patterns, lighter periods, or even the absence of periods in some cases.

Chronic Health Conditions and Menstrual Disruptions

Several chronic health conditions can impact menstrual regularity. These include:

Diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes can affect hormone production and metabolism, potentially leading to irregular periods. Women with diabetes may experience:

• Changes in cycle length
• Heavier or lighter menstrual flow
• Increased risk of menstrual irregularities

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption, can cause menstrual irregularities. Women with undiagnosed or poorly managed celiac disease may experience:

• Delayed onset of menstruation
• Irregular periods
• Early menopause

Early Menopause and Perimenopause

As women approach menopause, typically in their 40s or 50s, menstrual cycles can become irregular. This transitional phase, known as perimenopause, can last for several years and may cause:

• Changes in cycle length
• Heavier or lighter periods
• Skipped periods
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Mood changes

In some cases, early menopause can occur before the age of 40, leading to premature cessation of menstrual periods.

Distinguishing Between PMS and Early Pregnancy Symptoms

When a period is late, it can be challenging to differentiate between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms and early signs of pregnancy. Both conditions can cause similar physical and emotional changes due to hormonal fluctuations.

Common PMS Symptoms

Premenstrual syndrome typically occurs 1-2 weeks before menstruation and may include:

• Abdominal bloating and cramps
• Tender or swollen breasts
• Back pain
• Changes in appetite
• Acne breakouts
• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Fatigue

Early Pregnancy Signs

Early pregnancy symptoms can be similar to PMS but may also include:

• Missed period
• Nausea or morning sickness
• Increased urination
• Food aversions or cravings
• Mild uterine cramping
• Breast changes (tenderness, swelling, darkening of areolas)
• Fatigue
• Mood swings

How can you distinguish between PMS and early pregnancy? The most reliable way is to take a home pregnancy test if your period is late. If the test is negative and symptoms persist, consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Menstrual Irregularities

While occasional menstrual irregularities are common, certain situations warrant medical attention. It’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider if:

• You have a positive pregnancy test
• Your menstrual cycle has been irregular for three consecutive months
• You haven’t had a period for three months in a row
• You experience severe pain during menstruation
• Your periods are excessively heavy or prolonged
• You have bleeding between periods
• You suspect you may have a hormonal imbalance or underlying health condition

A healthcare provider can perform necessary tests and examinations to determine the cause of menstrual irregularities and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Lifestyle Factors Affecting Menstrual Regularity

Various lifestyle factors can influence menstrual cycles and potentially cause delays or irregularities. Understanding these factors can help women maintain better menstrual health:

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet plays a crucial role in hormonal balance and menstrual regularity. Nutritional factors that can affect menstruation include:

• Inadequate calorie intake
• Extreme dieting
• Nutrient deficiencies (especially iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins)
• Excessive caffeine consumption
• High intake of processed foods

How does diet affect menstrual cycles? Poor nutrition can disrupt hormone production and metabolism, leading to irregular periods or amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).

Sleep Patterns

Sleep plays a vital role in regulating hormones, including those involved in the menstrual cycle. Irregular sleep patterns or chronic sleep deprivation can lead to:

• Hormonal imbalances
• Irregular periods
• Changes in menstrual flow
• Increased PMS symptoms

Environmental Factors

Exposure to certain environmental factors can potentially disrupt menstrual cycles:

• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals in plastics and personal care products
• Exposure to high levels of stress or pollution
• Frequent travel across time zones
• Shift work or irregular work schedules

These factors can interfere with the body’s natural circadian rhythms and hormone production, potentially leading to menstrual irregularities.

Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Changes to Promote Menstrual Regularity

While medical intervention may be necessary in some cases, there are several natural approaches that may help promote menstrual regularity:

Stress Management Techniques

Reducing stress levels can have a positive impact on menstrual health. Effective stress management techniques include:

• Regular exercise (moderate intensity)
• Meditation and mindfulness practices
• Yoga or tai chi
• Deep breathing exercises
• Adequate sleep and relaxation

Dietary Adjustments

Maintaining a balanced diet can support hormonal balance and menstrual regularity. Consider incorporating:

• Whole grains and complex carbohydrates
• Lean proteins
• Healthy fats (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids)
• Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants
• Adequate hydration

Herbal Remedies

Some herbal supplements may help regulate menstrual cycles, although scientific evidence is limited. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using herbal remedies. Some herbs traditionally used for menstrual health include:

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

It’s important to note that while these natural approaches may be helpful, they should not replace medical advice or treatment when necessary.

Tracking Menstrual Cycles for Better Understanding

Keeping track of menstrual cycles can provide valuable insights into patterns and potential irregularities. Modern technology offers various tools for menstrual tracking:

Mobile Apps

Numerous smartphone apps are available for tracking menstrual cycles. These apps typically allow users to:

• Log period start and end dates
• Record symptoms and mood changes
• Predict future periods and ovulation dates
• Set reminders for upcoming periods or fertility windows

Traditional Methods

For those who prefer non-digital methods, traditional tracking options include:

• Calendar marking
• Bullet journaling
• Basal body temperature charting
• Cervical mucus monitoring

Consistent tracking can help identify patterns and make it easier to recognize when a period is truly late or irregular.

Understanding the various factors that can influence menstrual cycles is crucial for maintaining reproductive health. While occasional irregularities are common, persistent changes or concerns should be discussed with a healthcare provider to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment if necessary. By paying attention to lifestyle factors, managing stress, and tracking menstrual patterns, women can gain better insight into their reproductive health and address potential issues proactively.

Late period? Here are potential reasons beyond pregnancy | Omaha

Question:

I’m supposed to get my period and I haven’t been this late before. Could I be pregnant? What are symptoms of early pregnancy? When should I see a doctor?

Answered by OB-GYN Karen Carlson, MD:

There are many reasons why a woman’s period can be late, ranging from common hormonal imbalances to stress to pregnancy. Additionally, it is quite common to have late cycles both right after a teen begins having periods and when a woman is about to end or near menopause. A menstrual cycle is considered normal if it ranges between 21 and 35 days. Many women have times during their reproductive years when they have late or irregular periods. In fact, this is the most common reason that women seek care from a gynecologist. Stress, low or high body weight, excessive exercise, use of birth control, chronic diseases, early menopause, and other hormonal problems are just some examples that may cause periods to be late. Let’s take a look at some of these in more detail. 

When we feel stressed, our body produces stress hormones from the adrenal gland. These hormones can inhibit the production of sex hormones from the ovary, which are essential to maintain regular menstrual cycles. Additionally, too much exercise, for example with long and frequent running sessions or intense weightlifting, can also decrease estrogen levels and make periods late or sometimes stop altogether. Many forms of birth control, including pills, patches, NuvaRing, progesterone IUDs, shots and arm implants, especially near the beginning of use, can make periods irregular or late. 

More concerning causes of late periods include chronic diseases and hormonal problems. Diabetes, thyroid disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, celiac disease and pituitary tumors are common diseases and hormonal problems that can cause irregular or late menses (blood and other matter discharged from the uterus at menstruation). When periods are late, many women will have some mild symptoms similar to early pregnancy, including mild uterine cramping. The breasts may feel heavier and fuller or be tender to the touch. Nausea, constipation, mood swings, dizziness and fatigue may be experienced. These symptoms are caused by increasing levels of the hormone progesterone, and they occur in both early pregnancy and the premenstrual portion of the cycle. Because of this similarity, when a period is late for other reasons, a woman may still have some early symptoms of pregnancy, due to the higher levels of progesterone. It is reasonable to take a home urine pregnancy test with a late period to differentiate. 

Many women have a time in their reproductive years when their periods are late or irregular. It is time to call a doctor if you have a positive pregnancy test, if the abnormal bleeding pattern continues for three consecutive months, or if there is no menstrual bleeding for three months in a row.

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Symptoms and how to tell

There are several ways to tell when a period is due. Many people experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), as their hormone levels drop.

This article discusses how to tell when a period is coming and possible reasons for having period symptoms with no period. It also compares PMS to early pregnancy symptoms.

Many people experience PMS before their period starts. This can act as a sign that a period is on the way. Some of the physical symptoms of PMS include:

• abdominal bloating
• abdominal cramping
• tender or swollen breasts
• back pain
• changes in appetite
• pimples or acne
• sleeping more or less than usual
• headaches
• sensitivity to light or sound
• vaginal discharge becoming dry, sticky, or absent

Emotional symptoms of PMS may include:

• irritability
• anxiety
• fatigue
• food cravings
• difficulty concentrating
• feelings of sadness or apathy
• crying spells or angry outbursts
• reduced sex drive

Learn more about symptoms of PMS here.

Does everyone get PMS?

PMS does not affect everyone in the same way. Some people have their period with no PMS or only a few mild symptoms, whereas other people experience severe symptoms that interfere with their daily activities. Severe PMS is known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

PMS symptoms can also change throughout a person’s life. People may notice different PMS symptoms as they get older or after their first pregnancy.

Learn more about how many people get PMS here.

How long does PMS last?

According to the Office on Women’s Health, PMS symptoms often begin around 5 days before a period and usually resolve once the body’s estrogen and progesterone levels start rising. This typically occurs about 4 days after a person’s period begins.

PMS occurs after ovulation, which is when an ovary releases an egg into a fallopian tube. After this point in the menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone levels decrease significantly. Researchers believe this is what causes PMS symptoms.

If someone has PMS-like symptoms but their period does not arrive when they expect it to, there are several potential explanations, such as:

• Irregular periods: It is common for periods not to begin at the same time in each cycle. If the length of someone’s cycle varies widely from month to month or they have a very long cycle, they may have irregular periods. Irregularity is typical for people going through puberty or perimenopause, but it can have other causes.
• Stress: Psychological stress causes a range of physical and emotional symptoms. It may make someone feel anxious, overwhelmed, or more emotional than usual. It can also cause aches and pains, tiredness, changes to digestion, and a low sex drive.
• Hormonal birth control: Contraceptive pills, patches, implants, and intrauterine devices can cause side effects that resemble PMS. However, some people stop having a monthly bleed while they use these forms of birth control.
• Physical conditions: Some health conditions cause PMS-like symptoms. Some examples include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), certain nutritional deficiencies, and thyroid disease.
• Pregnancy: Early pregnancy has similar symptoms to PMS and results in periods stopping. If pregnancy is a possibility, seek testing.

PMS and early pregnancy can cause similar symptoms. Here is a comparison.

Bleeding or spotting

Although bleeding does not typically occur during PMS, some people experience light bleeding or spotting. This can also be a sign of early pregnancy.

Nearly 15–25% of pregnant people report spotting or light bleeding during the first trimester. When this occurs 1–2 weeks after a fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining, it is usually called implantation bleeding.

Implantation bleeding is much lighter than menstrual bleeding. It may look like a pale pink or brown discharge, whereas menstrual blood appears bright red.

Abdominal pain or cramping

Both PMS and pregnancy can cause abdominal pain. People may also notice mild-to-moderate cramping in the lower abdomen.

During pregnancy, these cramps feel similar to premenstrual cramps, and they occur as the embryo grows and stretches the uterus.

Breast changes

Both PMS and pregnancy affect hormone levels, which may result in breast changes, such as:

• pain
• tenderness or sensitivity
• swelling
• heaviness

PMS-related breast changes usually resolve at the beginning or end of a person’s period. However, breast changes that occur due to pregnancy can persist throughout the pregnancy.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a potential symptom of both PMS and early pregnancy. Fatigue during pregnancy might be due to elevated hormone levels. An imbalance of the neurotransmitter serotonin may contribute to feelings of fatigue during PMS.

Serotonin helps regulate mood and the body’s sleep cycle, and its levels change throughout a person’s menstrual cycle. These changes may affect some people more than others.

Learn more about fatigue and periods here.

Changes in mood

The hormonal changes that occur during menstruation and pregnancy can affect a person’s mood, leaving them feeling anxious, sad, or irritable. Persistent feelings of sadness, apathy, or irritability that last longer than 2 weeks may indicate depression or another mood disorder. Dramatic mood changes that only occur before a period may be a sign of PMDD.

The symptoms of PMDD are similar to PMS but much more intense. They include:

• persistent irritability
• symptoms of depression and anxiety
• panic attacks
• mood swings
• difficulty falling asleep
• severe daytime fatigue
• food cravings
• binge eating
• headaches
• bloating
• cramps
• joint and muscle pain

Learn more about the differences between PMS and PMDD here.

People may wish to see a healthcare professional if they have PMS symptoms that affect their daily life, if the symptoms occur outside of their period, or if they experience any sudden or dramatic changes to PMS or period symptoms.

If a person expects to have a period, but it does not arrive, it is best to speak with a healthcare professional about the potential causes. They may recommend a pregnancy test if someone could be pregnant or other tests if pregnancy is not the cause.

Heavy bleeding and severe abdominal cramping can indicate pregnancy complications, such as pregnancy loss or ectopic pregnancy. Contact a provider immediately if a pregnant person experiences any of the following symptoms:

• heavy bleeding
• intense lower back pain
• painful abdominal cramps
• a sudden, intense headache
• severe, persistent fatigue
• difficulty breathing
• vomiting numerous times a day

Learn more about bleeding between periods here.

Several symptoms can inform someone if they are about to have a period and can include spotting, pain or cramping, bloating, swollen or tender breasts, acne, and mood changes.

PMS usually appears the week before and goes away a few days after a period begins. Although these symptoms can cause discomfort, they should not interfere with a person’s daily life.

If someone has severe PMS or symptoms that occur with no period, they should speak with a medical provider.

PMS symptoms – 10 signs of early menstruation

PMS symptoms, known as premenstrual syndrome, appear 5-14 days before the onset of menstruation. Here are 10 main signs that a woman experiences during this period. Most of them you can handle at home. But if the manifestations are too active and affect your life, interfere with you, be sure to discuss this with your gynecologist.

More than 90 percent of women experience PMS symptoms to some degree. Usually they pass in the first two days after the onset of menstruation. We publish the 10 most common signs of approaching menstruation.

PMS symptoms

Abdominal cramps

This medical condition is called dysmenorrhea. Cramping may begin on the eve of your period and continue into the first few days of your cycle. The degree of soreness varies from mild to severe, and some even need time off to survive the pain. Cramping is usually felt in the lower abdomen. But soreness can radiate to the lower back and upper thighs.

Pain caused by contraction of the uterus. They help shed the lining of the uterus (endometrium) when pregnancy does not occur. These contractions are triggered by prostaglandins, which regulate ovulation.

There are diseases that cause severe pain during PMS. These include:

• endometriosis
• cervical stenosis
• adenomyosis
• pelvic inflammatory disease
• myoma

If you have a history of any of these conditions, you are diagnosed with secondary dysmenorrhea.

Pimples

Approximately half of women note the appearance of pimples among the symptoms of PMS about a week before the onset of menstruation. They usually appear on the chin and jawline, but can appear anywhere else.

This is due to natural hormonal changes associated with the reproductive cycle. If pregnancy does not occur at ovulation, estrogen and progesterone levels decrease, and androgen levels, such as testosterone, increase slightly. Androgens are responsible for the production of subcutaneous fat produced by the sebaceous glands. If there is an excess of fat, acne appears. They usually go away by the end of your period, when estrogen and progesterone levels begin to rise.

Breast augmentation

In the middle of your cycle after ovulation, progesterone levels begin to rise, which causes your breasts to increase in size and swell. The symptom of PMS is expressed in different ways. Someone has a slight increase, and someone notes the heaviness of the breast, the appearance of lumps and discomfort. If you belong to the second type, you need to contact a mammologist for advice and treatment.

Fatigue

As your period approaches, your body switches from preparing for pregnancy to preparing for your period. Hormonal levels plummet, causing the PMS symptom of fatigue. Many are sad, nothing can cheer them up. Women during this period often experience problems with sleep, do not rest at night, and because of this, daytime fatigue increases.

Bloating

As you prepare for your period, your body’s levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone change, causing your body to retain more water and salt than normal. In this case, you often see an increase in weight up to 2 kg. Symptoms disappear on the first day of the onset of menstruation.

Gut Problems

Because we are so dependent on changing hormones, our gut is no exception. Prostaglandins that cause uterine contractions can also cause contractions in the intestines. You may notice frequent urination and additionally experience the following PMS symptoms:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• increased gas formation
• constipation

Headache can be a symptom of PMS

In our body pain is caused by serotonin. Estrogen, which rises during PMS, increases serotonin levels. It is this interaction that causes headaches and migraines.

Moreover, pain can occur both before, during and after menstruation. Clinical studies show that migraine is 1.8 times more common one to two days before the onset of menstruation and 2.5 times more common in the first days of menstruation than on other days of the month.

Mood swings

For many, the emotional symptoms of PMS cause more discomfort than the physical symptoms. Women may experience:

• mood swings
• depression
• irritability
• anxiety

All the fluctuations of the same hormones are to blame.

Low back pain

Contraction of the uterus under the influence of the release of prostaglandins may also cause contractions of the muscles of the lower back. Women may experience pain and a pulling aching sensation in the lower back.

Sleep problems

PMS symptoms such as bloating, headache, tearfulness and depression can make it difficult to fall asleep and generally affect your sleep. Also, sleep is affected by body temperature, which rises by about half a degree and lasts until the onset of menstruation. Healthy sleep occurs at a lower temperature.

Treatment of symptoms of PMS

Depending on the severity, various therapeutic assistance is prescribed for a woman to relieve symptoms. The help of a doctor is usually required by severe migraines, indigestion, endometriosis, severe pelvic pain.

In some cases, the gynecologist will prescribe birth control pills to regulate hormone levels. They prevent natural ovulation by providing a constant stable level of hormones for three weeks.

You can relieve PMS symptoms at home:

• reduce your salt intake
• take painkillers
• use dry heat on the abdomen to relieve spasm
• Eat small meals during this period to maintain stable blood sugar levels
• take calcium

Be healthy! And remember that with any problems you can always contact us.

How to tell PMS from pregnancy, signs and symptoms of both PMS and pregnancy

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How to distinguish PMS from pregnancy, signs and symptoms of both PMS and pregnancy

Contents

• Symptoms of PMS and early pregnancy
• Diagnosis
• Medical advice

Every woman planning to conceive wants to know how to distinguish take PMS off pregnancy. Unfortunately, there are no clear specific signs for these two conditions. An unequivocal answer can only be obtained when conducting specific tests (for example, determining the level of hCG in the body).

SYMPTOMS OF PMS AND EARLY PREGNANCY

Signs of PMS and early pregnancy are practically the same. In both states, a woman may be disturbed by typical manifestations. If she previously had no problems before and during menstruation, then any “new symptom” can be regarded by her as a desired conception. However, we should not forget that PMS can also manifest itself in this way. Many patients who experience physical and emotional discomfort during and before menstruation for several years know “their” symptoms very well. Therefore, when such manifestations change, a woman immediately begins to think that “something is wrong.” However, one cannot completely rely on “one’s own instinct” in this situation.

PMS or pregnancy? How to distinguish – the table will help:

90 150 Mainly localized in the outer quadrants and nipples

It should be understood that the body of each woman is individual and the onset of pregnancy may differ from typical standards. Sometimes the absence of “habitual” signs of PMS will indicate an imminent delay. ^2.3

DIAGNOSIS

Accurately answer the question: “PMS or pregnancy?” – can test. You can determine the level of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in the urine yourself. There are very sensitive tests that allow three days before the expected menstruation (subject to a stable cycle) to detect the fact of a successful conception.

Also, a woman can go to a gynecologist and donate blood for hCG. An examination by a doctor will help not only to establish pregnancy, but also to identify diseases of the reproductive system, if any. ⁴

DOCTOR’S ADVICE

Early detection of pregnancy can be difficult if a woman does not keep a menstrual calendar. Therefore, gynecologists advise every month to mark the beginning of “critical days”. Since the symptoms of PMS and early pregnancy are very similar, doctors recommend that all patients who suffer from cyclic illness undergo full treatment at the stage of preconception preparation. If, during therapy, undesirable signs cease to occur, it will be easier for a woman to recognize the first manifestations of life emerging in the body. Moreover, the treatment of premenstrual syndrome will prepare the female body for bearing the fetus. After all, it includes a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, an adequate daily routine, the intake of herbal remedies with a high content of vitamins, macro- and microelements. One such drug is Time Factor®. It is a non-hormonal complex of vitamins, minerals and plant extracts and can be used for PMS and various disorders of the monthly cycle. ¹

References:

1. Esina E.V., Svidinskaya E.A. Possibilities of using the vitamin-mineral complex Time-Factor® for the correction of menstrual disorders and the reduction of manifestations of premenstrual syndrome // BC. 2005. No 14, pp. 825–829.
2. Yakovleva E.B., Babenko O.M., Pilipenko O.N. Premenstrual syndrome // Emergency Medicine. 2014. No 3 (58). pp.