Your period may be late even if you are not pregnant, if you are under a lot of stress, or have a low body mass index. Your menstrual cycle can also be impacted by a number of disorders such as diabetes, PCOS, and others. If you are sure that you have not conceived but missed a period, then one of the causes for it is hormonal disorders, an unwanted pregnancy, or other medical conditions. According to research, the prevalence of irregular menstrual cycles varies from 5.6% to 35.6%, depending on your age, profession, and place of residence.
Your menstruation is also irregular at the start of the cycle in puberty and menopause. When the body adjusts to the hormonal changes, your menstrual cycle has some changes. Most women have a period every 28 days or so. But it is possible for the period to fall between 21 and 37 or 40 days. In case you do not begin to menstruate within this timeframe, then there are other conditions as mentioned below that may cause irregular periods.
1. Being Overweight or Obese
Living with a high body weight can also result in period irregularities, just as living with a low body weight may affect your hormones. A reproductive hormone called estrogen can be overproduced by the body as a result of obesity. Your cycle may become inconsistent if you take too much estrogen, and it may even cease your periods entirely. Your doctor may suggest making lifestyle adjustments to help you lose weight. Such as putting on more nutritious foods in the diet and working out.
2. Insufficient Body Weight
Those who suffer from eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia nervosa may have irregular periods. If you lose too much weight, your cycle may get irregular or possibly cease. This is because ovulation can stop because of low body weight. Your cycle may resume at its original length once you receive therapy for your eating disorder. It can reach a point where your body fat is once more ideal. Extreme exercisers, such as marathon runners, may also encounter anomalies in their cycle.
3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
If you are suffering from PCOS, then it is one of the reasons for irregular periods. Those with PCOS produce the extra male hormone androgen. The development of cysts often plagues the ovaries due to hormonal imbalance. And this leads to absence or improper ovulation. PCOS can occur due to unbalanced insulin levels. Thus, insulin resistance is connected with polycystic ovary syndrome often. To deal with this issue, your physician may advise you on some hormonal contraceptive or medication. This will help to regularize the period.
4. Stress
Chronic stress can impact your daily routine, but more importantly your hormones. It has an adverse effect on the hypothalamus, the area of your brain in charge of controlling your period. Stress may eventually result in illnesses or unexpected weight gain or loss. Both of which can affect your menstrual cycle. Try using relaxation methods and rounding your lifestyle if you suspect stress may be affecting your menstruation. Addressing chronic stress, whether on your own or with a doctor’s support, is crucial to maintaining your overall health because it can also have an impact on other health concerns you already have.
5. Thyroid
An underactive or overactive thyroid gland can also hinder the menstrual cycle. The serum of the thyroid, if not up to the normal mark, can cause a delay in the period. Thyroid diseases can affect female hormone levels and how the body utilizes energy. There are medicines and treatments for thyroid issues. Once you are under the treatment, it is possible for the menstrual cycle to get back on track.
6. Chronic Diseases
Your menstrual cycle might be impacted by chronic illnesses like diabetes and celiac disease. Although it is uncommon, uncontrolled diabetes has been related to hormonal abnormalities. This can result in irregular periods. Your small intestine may get damaged as a result of the inflammation from celiac disease. It can hinder your body from absorbing important nutrients. Missed or irregular menstruation may result from this. Other chronic diseases leading to irregular periods are Asherman syndrome, birth defect of the adrenal glands, and Cushing disease.
7. Hormonal Birth Control
If you use birth control or stop using it, your cycle can go through a shift. The hormones estrogen and progestin found in birth control pills restrict your ovaries from releasing eggs. After stopping the pill, it may take up to three months for your cycle to normalize once more. Missed periods can also result from implanted or intravenously administered contraceptives of other sorts.
8. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
Menopause often starts between the ages of 45 and 55 for those who possess a vagina. People who experience symptoms at or before the age of 40 may have early natural menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Before the age of 40, about 1% of women have POI. Aside from the surgical removal of the ovaries, additional causes of this syndrome include genetic problems and autoimmune diseases. Contact your physician to discuss POI testing and treatment if you are under 40 years old and have missed periods.
To Conclude
You can perform a pregnancy test if your period is irregular and you suspect that you are pregnant. Although the majority of home tests are quite reliable, you can visit your doctor for a blood or urine test if you believe your result is incorrect. During the first six weeks following conception, certain pregnancy symptoms may also make you wonder if you are expecting. It is unlikely that the reason behind your missed period beyond six weeks is due to irregularities in your menstrual cycle that occur naturally.