Why Do Menstrual Delays Occur?

Throughout her life, a woman may have several menstrual delays, for various reasons that do not necessarily include pregnancy. Depending on the causes, the situation may be temporary and not cause major inconvenience. However, on other occasions it is necessary to pay attention and go to the doctor.

There is no single cause. In fact, several factors are generally taken into account, and many of them include aspects of a woman’s day-to-day life, such as diet, sleep quality, stress management, among others.

Let’s see more below.

Factors to take into account

When it comes to menstrual delays, there are several factors to consider:

• The moment in which they occur (circumstances).
• The symptoms it includes (and the ones it doesn’t).
• The duration of the problem.
• The age of the woman.
• The lifestyle.

Depending on when the delay occurs, your age and your lifestyle, the delay and lack of menstruation can have one meaning or another. Hence the importance of going to the doctor for an evaluation and diagnosis.

Sometimes, the delay may be due to the fact that you have been with your period for a short time and your cycle is still not regular. In adolescence it is common for menstrual cycle disorders to occur, as stated in this study carried out by the National Endocrinology Committee, due to the intense hormonal activity typical of this age. Probably, the menstruation comes more abundantly, is longer, is early and late.

Chronic stress as a trigger for disorders

Just as chronic stress is capable of causing various alterations such as palpitations, headaches, hair loss, muscle tension and pain, fatigue, irritability, stomach discomfort, sleeping problems, etc., it can also cause menstrual advancements or delays in the woman.

Stress hormones can cause alterations in the duration of the cycle, according to this study carried out by the Las Condes Clinic (Chile), making it irregular, and intensifying the discomfort even of premenstrual syndrome.  For this reason, the woman may have stronger headaches or notice more swelling in the belly.

Despite the fact that stress is a common cause, it is necessary to clarify that each woman is different. Therefore, the check-up is essential. 

In other words: even if two women are delayed due to a period of great stress, the recommendations will not be identical. One may need to pay more attention to eating, for example, while the other may need cognitive behavioral therapy.

Measures to manage stress

To prevent stress from taking complete control of the body and causing alterations such as menstrual delays, it is essential to rely on good lifestyle habits and, as far as possible, try to learn various techniques to manage stress. In this way, you can enjoy well-being day by day.

Recommended living guidelines:

• Maintain a balanced diet. The benefits of a good diet and hydration are multiple and should be taken advantage of.
• Practice physical exercise daily.  According to this study carried out by the University of Guayaquil (Ecuador), physical activity helps to release tension, distract the mind and release hormones that have a positive effect on the body and, therefore, contribute to well-being. Find an activity that you like, attract your attention or are passionate about and start practicing it to feel better.

• Cultivate family and friendship relationships. Socialize, practice active listening, express yourself healthily with those who matter most to you, distract yourself.
• Eliminate tobacco and alcohol consumption, as this not only damages your physical health but could increase your stress levels (although they seem like a way to relieve it at the time, they actually only accentuate the problem).
• Set aside time for leisure, every day. The moments of self-love, in which you enjoy a reading, a relaxing bath, listen to music or practice any hobby that you like (such as gardening, video games, etc.) will help you disconnect from worries and better manage daily stress .

Note: watching TV and surfing the internet (or just being on social media) may seem like distracting measures, but they can increase your stress levels. Therefore, it is always preferable that you give priority to other types of activities, such as sports, dancing, etc.

When to visit the doctor?

In case you have frequent menstrual delays and present discomfort that progressively worse, you should consult with your gynecologist as soon as possible. Avoid postponing the checkup, since it is essential to detect the origin of the problem and treat it in time.