The menstrual cycle is thus a normal endowment in females’ bodies, which helps in preparing each woman’s body for pregnancy. This cycle includes hormonal changes in preparation for eggs, ovulation, and, if there is no conception, shedding of the uterine lining, hence causing a period on a monthly basis. There are various reasons that can interfere with the regulation of this cycle through hormonal balance and, therefore, lead to missed periods. In the next section, we look at ten possible causes of a delayed cycle.
Stress greatly affects the menstrual cycle because it interferes with the hypothalamus, which is the brain’s hormone production area. High stress results in high cortisol levels, and this can interfere with ovulation, which is a process that requires the release of certain hormones. Consequently, when ovulation is not realized, periods are not encountered.
Weight gain or loss also delays cycles because the body needs to adjust its hormones to fit the changes. Adipose tissue helps in the synthesis of estrogen, and this hormone is responsible for the regulation of the menstrual cycle. Weight loss and gain result in hormonal fluctuations, meaning that you are likely to miss your periods or they will be delayed.
It reduces body fat percentages and disrupts the hormonal balance required for ovulation if practiced to the extreme. This often occurs in athletes and people with rigorous training schedules, which causes delayed menstrual cycles.
Another issue is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS. PCOS is a hormonal dysfunction that is characterized by the presence of abnormally high levels of androgens in the body and, therefore, interferes with ovulation, leading to irregular menstrual periods. Some of the signs include missed periods, weight gain, and acne.
Other thyroid diseases, such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, also affect menstrual cycles in women. The thyroid gland controls metabolism; in turn, hormones control metabolism. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause irregular or delayed menstrual periods.
Some contraceptive measures such as pills, injections, or IUDs affect menstruation since they alter hormones to suppress ovulation. This can result in irregular, scanty, or occasional bleeding periods.
The stage in a woman’s reproductive life cycle that leads to the cessation of menstruation is referred to as perimenopause. Perimenopause is characterized by hormonal changes and the development of irregular or infrequent menstruation. Even as perimenopause begins in most women in their 40s, some begin experiencing it earlier.
Some hormonal imbalances and chronic illnesses such as diabetes, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease can cause delayed periods due to an unhealthy body.
In addition, certain eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia can significantly affect or even stop menstrual cycles on a monthly basis. These conditions interfere with the normal hormonal balance that is crucial for ovulation.
Lastly, pregnancy is the most likely reason for the absence of the period since the implanted fertilized eggs secrete hormones that prevent ovulation and menstruation.
Management of irregular menstruation includes adjusting certain lifestyle factors, prescribed medications, or both based on the cause. If your cycle is always irregular, it is advisable to seek the help of a doctor to be prescribed the right treatment.