What causes delayed menstruation and breast tenderness?

Sep 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, the main causes of delayed menstruation and nipple pain include premenstrual hormonal fluctuations, mental stress, breast hyperplasia, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and hyperprolactinemia. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, it is important to maintain breast cleanliness, avoid frequent touching or squeezing of the nipples, and maintain a regular diet.

Generally, the main causes of delayed menstruation and nipple pain include premenstrual hormonal fluctuations, mental and emotional stress, mastopathy, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and hyperprolactinemia. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely diagnosis and treatment at a regular hospital. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Premenstrual Hormonal Fluctuations

Before menstruation, changes in estrogen and progesterone levels can stimulate breast tissue to become congested and edematous, leading to nipple pain. At the same time, hormonal fluctuations may affect ovulation, causing delayed menstruation. It is important to maintain a regular lifestyle, avoid staying up late, and choose loose and breathable undergarments to reduce breast compression.

2. Mental and Emotional Stress

Long-term anxiety and high stress can interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis function, causing hormonal imbalances and resulting in delayed menstruation. Emotional fluctuations can also increase the sensitivity of breast tissue, intensifying nipple pain. Emotions can be regulated through exercise, listening to music, and ensuring 7-8 hours of sleep daily. Drinking rose tea appropriately can also help relieve stress and assist in restoring endocrine stability.

3. Mastopathy

Excessive proliferation and incomplete regression of breast tissue can lead to nipple pain under hormonal stimulation. The proliferation may also indirectly affect hormonal balance, causing delayed menstruation. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as Rupixiao tablets, Xiaoyao pills, and tamoxifen citrate tablets can be used to alleviate symptoms of mastopathy.

4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Endocrine disorders leading to elevated androgen levels and abnormal ovulation can cause delayed menstruation. Hormonal imbalances can also stimulate breast tissue, resulting in nipple pain. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as ethinylestradiol cyproterone tablets, drospirenone ethinylestradiol tablets, and metformin hydrochloride tablets can be used to regulate hormone levels and improve ovulation.

5. Hyperprolactinemia

Elevated prolactin levels in the body can inhibit ovulation, causing delayed menstruation. Prolactin can also stimulate breast tissue, leading to nipple pain, which may be accompanied by milk secretion. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as bromocriptine mesylate tablets, vitamin B6 tablets, and cabergoline tablets can be used to lower prolactin levels.

In daily life, it is important to maintain breast hygiene and avoid frequent touching or squeezing of the nipples; maintain a regular diet, balanced nutrition, and avoid excessive dieting or overeating; maintain a positive mindset and avoid long-term mental stress; and undergo regular gynecological and breast examinations to detect and treat underlying conditions promptly, maintaining overall health.

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My period is 5 days late, what could be the reason?

In general, if menstruation is delayed by 5 days or more, possible causes may include high levels of mental stress, irregular lifestyle, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperprolactinemia, or premature ovarian failure. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, it is important to maintain a regular routine and a balanced diet.

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Why does menstruation often get delayed, and what should be done?

In general, frequent menstrual delays may be caused by excessive mental stress, irregular作息 (作息 should be translated as "lifestyle" or "作息 habits" but seems to be used as a term here), endocrine disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine cavity adhesions, or other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatment, medication, or surgical intervention. Daily precautions should include keeping warm to avoid cold exposure, and undergoing regular follow-up examinations of hormone levels or gynecological ultrasound scans.

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What to Eat to Regulate Menstrual Delay

Under normal circumstances, menstrual delay can be improved by consuming foods such as spinach, black soybeans, longan, pumpkin, and brown sugar. Additionally, medications such as progesterone capsules, dydrogesterone tablets, motherwort granules, angelica pills, and traditional Chinese medicines like Wujibai Fengwan (black chicken and silkie egg pill) can be taken under a doctor's guidance for regulation. It is also important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and a positive mindset in daily life, avoiding late nights, excessive dieting, and reducing mental stress.

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Why is my menstrual period delayed by a month, and what should I do?

In general, the main causes of a one-month menstrual delay include excessive mental stress, extreme dieting, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism, and intrauterine adhesions. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, it is important to maintain a regular作息 schedule, avoid excessive fatigue, and maintain a balanced diet.