Why is my menstrual period delayed by ten days, and what should I do?

Sep 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, a ten-day delay in menstruation may be caused by factors such as excessive mental stress affecting the endocrine system, extreme dieting leading to hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperprolactinemia, or premature ovarian failure. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the underlying cause and, under a doctor's guidance, improve the condition through general treatments, medication, or other appropriate methods.

Generally, a ten-day delay in menstruation may be caused by factors such as excessive mental stress affecting the endocrine system, extreme dieting leading to hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperprolactinemia, premature ovarian failure, and other related conditions. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the underlying cause and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatments, medication, and other methods. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Excessive Mental Stress: Prolonged anxiety and tension can interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis function, affecting hormone secretion and leading to delayed menstruation. Stress can be relieved in daily life through activities such as listening to music, exercising, and communicating with others. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and avoiding staying up late can help restore endocrine stability.

2. Excessive Dieting: Deliberately reducing food intake can lead to malnutrition, which affects estrogen synthesis and subsequently causes menstrual delay. It is important to adjust dietary structure, ensure adequate intake of proteins and vitamins, consume more lean meat, eggs, vegetables, fruits, and gradually return to a normal weight.

3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This condition, caused by endocrine and metabolic abnormalities, is characterized by elevated androgen levels and abnormal ovulation, manifesting as delayed menstruation. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as dydrogesterone tablets, medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets, or ethinylestradiol cyproterone acetate tablets to regulate hormone levels and improve the menstrual cycle.

4. Hyperprolactinemia: Elevated serum prolactin levels inhibit ovulation, causing menstrual delay and possibly accompanied by lactation. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as bromocriptine mesylate tablets, vitamin B6 tablets, or cabergoline tablets to reduce prolactin levels and restore ovulatory function.

5. Premature Ovarian Failure: Premature ovarian decline leads to reduced estrogen secretion, resulting in menstrual delay and reduced menstrual flow. Patients may follow medical advice to use estradiol valerate tablets, conjugated estrogen tablets, progesterone capsules, and other medications for hormone replacement therapy to supplement estrogen and maintain a normal menstrual cycle.

In daily life, excessive fatigue should be avoided, a positive mindset should be maintained, diet should be balanced, and consumption of spicy and cold foods should be reduced. Regular monitoring of menstrual cycle changes, combined with healthy lifestyle habits, can assist in regulating the endocrine system and maintaining reproductive health.

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In general, the main causes of having excessive fluid in the bladder include drinking too much water, holding urine for prolonged periods, benign prostatic hyperplasia, neurogenic bladder, and urethral stricture. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a qualified hospital. In daily life, one should develop habits of regular water intake and timely urination, avoid prolonged sitting, and engage in appropriate physical activity.