What are the causes of delayed menstruation?
Mar 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, delayed menstruation may be caused by factors such as stress, weight changes, pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and others. Symptomatic management may involve general treatment, medication, and other approaches. If experiencing discomfort, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a hospital. Women are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle in daily life to help improve overall health.
In general, delayed menstruation may be caused by factors such as stress, weight changes, pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis. Symptomatic management may involve general treatments or medication. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a hospital. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Stress
When experiencing high stress levels, the body releases a hormone called cortisol. This hormone can suppress the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, thereby affecting normal ovulation and leading to changes in the menstrual cycle. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and loss of appetite. In daily life, activities such as exercise, meditation, and deep breathing can help relieve stress.
2. Weight Changes
Rapid weight gain or loss can disrupt the hormonal balance in the body, particularly the ratio of estrogen to progesterone, thus affecting the normal ovulation process and causing menstrual irregularities. Weight changes may also be accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and palpitations. It is recommended to maintain healthy eating habits and engage in moderate physical activity to maintain an appropriate weight and avoid significant weight fluctuations within a short period.
3. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, hormone levels in the body undergo significant changes, particularly an increase in progesterone and estrogen levels, which help maintain the pregnancy. These hormonal changes cause menstruation to stop, resulting in a delayed period. This is usually accompanied by early pregnancy symptoms such as abdominal bloating, fatigue, and breast tenderness. Special treatment is generally not required, but it is important to visit a hospital promptly for blood HCG testing or ultrasound examination to confirm the pregnancy status.
4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrine disorder that results from the interaction of genetic factors and lifestyle factors. Patients may develop multiple small cysts in the ovaries, which can interfere with normal ovulation and lead to imbalances between estrogen and androgen levels, thereby affecting the menstrual cycle. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as progesterone capsules, dydrogesterone tablets, and letrozole tablets to alleviate symptoms.
5. Endometriosis
Endometriosis may be associated with retrograde menstruation, genetic factors, and immune system dysfunction. Endometrial tissue may grow on other organs within the pelvic cavity, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bladder. This abnormal growth can cause inflammatory reactions, affect the normal menstrual cycle, and may be accompanied by symptoms such as dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), pain during sexual intercourse, and difficulty with bowel movements. It is recommended to follow medical guidance and use medications such as danazol capsules, gestrinone capsules, and norethisterone tablets for treatment.
Women are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and a balanced diet, which can help improve overall physical well-being.
