Late period: 10 common causes and what to do

Late menstruation is not always a sign of pregnancy, as other situations such as excessive stress, very strong emotions, hormonal changes, or even excessive consumption of caffeine or alcoholic beverages, can lead to a delay in menstruation.

Usually, this delay in menstruation can last from 1, 2, 3, or 5 days to 1 to 2 months. It is recommended to consult a doctor if menstruation continues to be delayed for more than 3 months so that the cause can be identified and treated.

However, if there was unprotected intimate contact a few days before. There is a chance of pregnancy, and it is recommended to take a test, which can be purchased at pharmacies.

If the period is late and the woman has already taken at least 2 pregnancy tests in the last month, with a 7-day interval between the test, and the result is negative, it is very likely that it is not pregnancy and the delay in menstruation could be caused by other situations, such as:

1. Excessive physical activity

Excessive physical activity, as with athletes or people who are preparing for an event or sports competition, for example, can lead to hormonal changes, as is the case with increased prolactin, which can lead to delayed menstruation. However, it is important for the person to know that it is important to practice regular physical activity, as long as it is not excessive.

2. Very restrictive diets

Some very restrictive diets can lead to hormonal fluctuations that cause changes in menstruation. In addition, the reduced supply of nutrients makes the body use a small number of nutrients for more important functions, which can be reflected in delays or even absence in menstruation.

3. Changes in the reproductive system

Changes in the reproductive system, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, or the presence of fibroids in the uterus, can also cause fluctuations in female sex hormones, which can lead to changes in menstruation.

4. Changes in the hypothalamus and pituitary

The hypothalamus and pituitary glands are glands that are located in the brain and are responsible for regulating sex hormones. Diseases that cause changes in these glands can lead to cycle fluctuations and, consequently, delays or anticipation of menstruation.

5. Continuous use of the pill

The pill or other contraceptives of continuous use, as they supply hormones to the body daily and without breaks, prevent menstruation from occurring. However, minor bleeding may occasionally occur, but on different days of the cycle.

6. Pre-menopause

When the menopausal phase begins to approach, it is normal to start to experience delays or even failures in menstruation. Some women may enter menopause at an early age and not realize that this is the cause of their missed period.

7. Postpartum

In the postpartum period, menstruation can only return after the woman stops breastfeeding. However, it is necessary to use contraceptive methods during breastfeeding to avoid pregnancy.

8. Use of contraceptives

In some women who stop using contraceptives such as the pill, implant, or contraceptive injection, the menstrual cycle can take about 6 months to return to being regular, which is perfectly normal and there is no reason for concern.

9. Hormonal changes in adolescence

In adolescence, hormonal changes are common, as the endocrine system is still maturing and the body is adapting to variations in hormone levels, and ovulation may not occur in some menstrual cycles, causing cycle irregularities or delay in menstruation.

However, in the case of adolescents who are over 16 years of age and have not yet menstruated for the first time, a gynecologist should be consulted to identify the cause, as it may be primary amenorrhea, which may be related to defects in the reproductive system. , such as imperforate hymen, vaginal septum, or absence of uterus, for example. See other causes of primary amenorrhea.

10. Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can increase the release of cortisol into the bloodstream, which is a type of hormone that participates in the hormonal regulation carried out by the hypothalamus in the brain, and interfere with the release of estrogen and progesterone, responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle, leading to to changes or delay in menstruation.

What to do in case of a late period

If the woman has a late period, the first step is to take a pregnancy test at the pharmacy. If menstruation is delayed for more than 3 months, and it is not possible to identify the cause, you should go to the gynecologist, so that he can identify the cause and treat the problem. menstruation.

The doctor may order tests, such as the progestogen test and the prolactin dosage, to be able to identify the reason for this delay and indicate the most appropriate treatment.

In addition, depending on what is causing your period delay, it is also important to:

• Reduce the intensity of physical exercise;
• Reduce stress;
• Maintain a balanced diet, avoiding very restrictive diets;
• Maintain ideal weight;
• Taking the contraceptive pill, if recommended by the gynecologist, to regulate the menstrual cycle.

In addition, it is also recommended to make regular medical appointments, to identify possible health problems or diseases such as polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, anorexia, bulimia, hyperthyroidism, or hypothyroidism, which can cause changes in the menstrual cycle.

Home Remedies to Stop Menstruation

There are some home remedies that can help stop menstruation. But these should only be taken when there is no suspicion of pregnancy.

1. Cinnamon Tea

To prepare this tea, you need:

Ingredients

• 2 cinnamon sticks;
• 1 cup of boiling water.

Method of preparation

Add the cinnamon stick to the boiling water, cover, and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. After this time, remove the cinnamon sticks and drink when it is warm. This tea should be drunk 1 to 2 times a day until menstruation starts and, if necessary, it can be sweetened with a little honey or sugar.

2. Agonada Tea

To prepare this tea, you need:

Ingredients

• 5 grams of dried flowers of agony;
• 500 ml of boiling water.

Method of preparation

• Add the flowers of agony to boiling water and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes and strain before drinking. You should drink 2 to 3 cups of this tea a day until your period starts.
• These teas are natural options for when menstruation is delayed by a few days and should only be taken for 5 to 10 days, and it is recommended to consult a doctor if menstruation does not come during this time. In addition, there is no scientific proof that they work in regulating menstruation.