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Delayed or stopped menstruation is a cause of stress, especially if you are used to having regular menstruations or are preoccupied with an unexpected pregnancy.
Most women menstruate every 28 days, but sometimes the period can be shorter or longer (from 21 to 40 days).
Here are some possible causes for delayed or stopped menstruation:
1. Pregnancy
If you are sexually active, pregnancy is by far the most common cause for stopped menstruation. Contraceptive methods are not 100% safe. You can wait a few days to see if menstruation occurs, otherwise, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to see if you are pregnant or not.
2. Stress
If you have prolonged periods of stress, the menstrual cycle can be affected: it can last more or less, be more painful or be absent.
Emotional stress can affect the region of the brain that controls the pituitary gland, which is responsible for regulating hormones that stimulate the ovaries. If you experience prolonged stress, your body can induce amenorrhea (lack of menstruation).
Try to avoid situations that cause you stress, choose to do regular physical exercises, such as running, swimming, and yoga, get enough sleep. If you are experiencing chronic stress, it is best to talk to a doctor or counselor who can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and act.
3. Perimenopause
The average age at which menopause sets in is 51 years and means that you have not had menstruation for at least 12 months. Many women experience symptoms 10 to 15 years before menopause. This period is known as perimenopause (the first stage of menopause) and indicates that estrogen levels are beginning to fluctuate.
If you are under 45 and menstruation stops completely, you may go through early menopause or experience premature ovarian failure.
4. Menopause
You can have a break between menstruations as you approach menopause. This is because estrogen levels begin to drop, and ovulation becomes less regular. After menopause, menstruations stop completely.
Menopause is a natural part of aging and usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.
5. Weight loss
Significant weight loss or intense exercise influences the menstrual cycle. Severe reduction in the amount of calories you consume stops the production of hormones needed for ovulation and, therefore, you may suffer from amenorrhea. Usually, weight gain will promote the recurrence of menstruation.
Rapid weight changes, such as weight loss due to illness, medication, or changes in diet, can interfere with hormone production, which will lead to delayed or stopped menstruation. If weight loss is accompanied by stopped menstruation, it is recommended that you consult a dietitian to help you get the right amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that your body needs.
6. Obesity
As with weight loss, gaining extra pounds can affect your menstrual cycle. If you are overweight, your body will produce an excessive amount of estrogen, one of the hormones that regulate the reproductive system in women and can lead to delayed or stopped menstruation.
Rapid weight changes, such as weight gain due to illness, medication, or changes in diet, can interfere with hormone production, which will lead to delayed or stopped menstruation. It is recommended that you consult a dietitian to help you lose weight safely.
7. Contraceptives
You probably think that taking contraceptives regulates menstruation, but some types of contraceptives can cause menstruation to stop. However, menstruation should recur one month or even three months after stopping the contraceptive treatment.
8. Pituitary tumor
Some hormones, such as prolactin, are responsible for delayed or stopped menstruation. Although prolactinoma, a type of pituitary tumor that secretes excess prolactin, is rare and sometimes unlikely, it is to blame for delayed or stopped menstruation. If you suffer from headaches, blurred vision, and breast discharge even if you are not breastfeeding, in addition to stopped menstruation, you should consult a doctor. In many cases, taking medication can help your menstruation return to normal.
9. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a medical condition caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. Specifically, women suffering from this condition produce higher than normal amounts of male hormones (androgens).
Symptoms include weight gain, acne, increased testosterone levels that can cause excessive growth of hair on the face and body. Irregular or even absent menstruation is also a common feature of this condition. If not treated properly, the absence of menstruation during the fertile period can cause endometrial cancer.
10. Thyroid dysfunction
The thyroid gland is a gland that belongs to the endocrine system and has an important role in regulating the body’s metabolism and vital functions. Problems such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can disrupt the menstrual cycle. Fortunately, there are effective treatments for thyroid disorders, so it is good to consult an endocrinologist.
11. Increased physical activity
Increased physical activity could lead to lower levels of estrogen, the hormone that regulates the female reproductive process. If you exercise for many hours every day, your menstruation may stop. If you do performance sports, you can see a doctor who specializes in sports medicine.
12. Breastfeeding
You may not menstruate when breastfeeding, but it is completely normal. Called lactation amenorrhea, it is a phase that disrupts the rhythm of the menstrual cycle. Even if you do not menstruate when breastfeeding, you can get pregnant, so use a method of contraception.
13. Medication
The side effect of some medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, thyroid medications, anticonvulsants, and some chemotherapeutic medications, may be irregular menstruations.
14. Sleep schedule changes
If you work night shifts or travel to a country with a different time zone, your menstrual cycle may be affected. Any disturbance of the circadian rhythm, the internal clock that regulates important cellular processes, can cause irregular menstruation.
15. Pelvic inflammatory disease
This infection of the uterus, ovaries, and/or fallopian tubes, which usually develops when chlamydia or gonorrhea is left untreated, can cause irregular menstruation.
16. Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids can cause heavy and prolonged menstruation. If you have symptoms such as pelvic pain, frequent urination, or even constipation, go to the doctor.
If you want to find out about toxic shock syndrome, check out our article on this topic: All about toxic shock syndrome.
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