8 Reasons for a Missed or Late Periods
In most cases, a girl gets her first period around the age of 12, and it generally goes on till menopause. Menopause is a natural part of aging, which generally happens between 45 and 55 years of age. The monthly menstrual cycle is nearly 28 days, though the cycle may vary from 21 to 40 days.
Many women experience missed periods at different stages of their lives. Though pregnancy remains the most common cause of missed periods, numerous other reasons can also lead to this condition. In this blog, we will discuss the common causes of late/missed periods.
Here are the eight most common reasons for late periods:
1. Pregnancy
Chances are that women who are sexually active and miss their period are pregnant. Pregnancy can also occur if contraception fails. However, it is better to do a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not someone is pregnant. A woman can get pregnant at any time after having her periods.
2. Stress
Stress is a very critical factor that can lead to missed periods. It can make the menstrual cycle longer or shorter. Depending on the level of stress, periods may also stop completely or become painful.
Consider doing some exercise like running, swimming, or yoga to address the stress and relax. Breathing exercises are also very helpful.
If a woman is finding it hard to cope with stress, she may consult a psychiatrist for help in managing her issues. Today, women can consult highly experienced general physicians or psychiatrists.
3. Excessive body weight
Excessive body weight in women can also affect the menstrual cycle. It does so by producing a surplus amount of estrogen, the hormone that regulates the reproductive system. Extra estrogen can affect the frequency of the periods and, at times, can also stop them.
If a woman is overweight and having trouble with her periods, she may consult a gynecologist. The doctor may refer her to a dietician for advice on losing weight safely.
4. Sudden weight loss – Missed Period
Another potential cause of missed periods could be sudden weight loss. Random and excessive restriction in the amount of calorie intake stops hormone production, essential for ovulation.
If a woman has suddenly lost weight and does not understand why she may consult her gynecologist on DocGenie for ways to regain weight safely.
5. Over-exercising
Intense physical exercise might tamper with the hormones responsible for periods. Moreover, at times, over-exercising may also lead to a severe loss of body fat, which in turn may stop ovulation.
6. Contraceptive pill – Missed Period
Contraceptive pills might also delay the periods, but it is usually not a cause for concern. Some contraception methods, like the progestogen-only pill (POP), contraceptive injection, and intrauterine system (IUS), particularly Mirena, may also stop the periods altogether. However, periods usually return after stopping the use of these contraceptives.
If it does not return, it is better to talk to a doctor. One may go for online consultation with a gynecologist on DocGenie for early treatment and cure.
7. Menopause
As women approach menopause, they may experience delays in periods or miss periods. At this age, oestrogen levels start to decrease and ovulation becomes less regular. These can cause missed or delayed periods. Once women reach the stage of menopause, their periods will stop completely.
Related Read: Major Role of a Gynecologist
8. PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
When affected by PCOS, progesterone levels will be lower than normal, while androgen levels will be higher. This extra secretion of the male hormone may disrupt the menstrual cycle, and women may get fewer periods than usual. PCOS is a very common condition today and is responsible for most cases of stopped periods.
Other than the above causes, periods can also sometimes stop due to some medical conditions like cardiac diseases, severe diabetes, overactive thyroid, or premature menopause.
In the case of missed periods, it is always better to find the underlying reason and start the necessary medication. Women can book an online consultation with one of our top gynecologists for early detection and management.
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