Delayed periods can be caused by hormonal imbalances, illnesses, changes in medication, menopause, pregnancy, excessive exercise, rapid weight changes, poor diet, and environmental factors. Hormonal imbalances can be caused by polycystic ovary syndrome, stress, fatigue, and foreign substances in the body. A poor diet and unhealthy weight changes can also interfere with the menstrual cycle. Certain medications and illnesses can also cause delayed periods. Perimenopause can also cause changes in menstrual cycles.
Some of the most common causes of delayed periods are hormonal imbalances, illnesses, changes in medications, and menopause or pregnancy. Excessive exercise, rapid changes in weight, being overweight or underweight, and poor diet can also contribute to irregular periods. A normal menstrual cycle is different for every woman, because some women menstruate every 20 days and others only every 35 days. The length of the cycle also varies for each woman and can last from three to seven days.
Hormonal imbalances are a common cause for a delayed period. A common hormonal disorder is known as polycystic ovary syndrome, and it can contribute to irregular periods or a missed period altogether. Emotional stress, anxiety, fatigue and hormone replacement therapy are some of the most common factors that interfere with hormone levels. An interference can also be caused by foreign substances in the body, such as environmental pollutions, chemicals, cigarette smoke and excessive use of some cosmetics. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are also common causes of delayed periods.
A poor diet high in saturated fats, processed foods, and lots of junk foods can deprive the body of the necessary nutrients it needs to balance hormone levels. Unhealthy changes in diet and eating disorders can lead to rapid weight loss or rapid weight gain, both of which can interfere with your menstrual cycle. Excess weight in general tends to interfere with hormones and is therefore a major risk factor for delayed periods. Exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, but it should be done in moderation, because regular vigorous exercise also interferes with periods.
Delayed periods can also be caused by certain medications, such as birth control pills, antidepressants, and corticosteroids. It can take several cycles for the body to readjust to the new amount of hormones in the body when a woman is on or off birth control pills. Changes in other medicines can also cause a delay in menstruation. Other common causes include an acute or long-term illness such as thyroid disease, a brain or pituitary tumor, infections, and premature ovarian failure.
Perimenopause is the stage just before menopause when the body begins to reduce the production of hormones. During this time, cycles begin to change. This often results in a light or heavy cycle, a late period, or a long menstrual cycle.
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