The next topic is delayed menstruation reasons. Delayed menstruation. How to cause menstruation with a delay

Delay of menstruation- This is a violation of menstrual function, which is manifested by the absence of another cyclical bleeding. Normally, the duration of the menstrual cycle is 21 to 35 days (average 28). If the cycle lasts longer, they speak of a delay.

To understand from what day to count the delay of menstruation, you need to learn how to correctly calculate the length of the cycle. You can not count from the last day of the previous menstruation until the first day of the next bleeding. In gynecology, it is customary to use the scheme: from the first day of the current menstruation to the first day of the next.

Minor deviations from the expected date of the onset of menstrual bleeding (if the delay in menstruation lasts 2, 3, 5 or 6 days) are not considered a pathology. You should seek medical help if the cycle is out of order for 7-10 days or more. How much delay in menstruation can be in each particular woman, no doctor can say, unless pregnancy is the cause of ovarian dysfunction. In order for the cycle to recover, it is imperative to eliminate the cause that provoked the pathology.

Reasons for delayed menstruation

The reasons for the delay in menstruation are conventionally divided into:

physiological (natural);
pathological.

Natural causes of temporary absence of menstruation:

Pregnancy. There are clear signs of pregnancy before the delay in menstruation - nausea (more often in the morning), vomiting, exacerbation / change in taste, breast tenderness, change in their size, lack of sexual desire. To exclude or confirm this reason for the delay in menstruation, it is necessary to do a test.
Lactation. During lactation, there is an increased production of prolactin. This hormone blocks ovulation. After the cessation of lactation, the menstrual cycle is restored within two to three months.
Teenage years. A common reason why there is a delay if the girl is not pregnant. During puberty, "short-term amenorrhea" is considered a physiological norm. One to two years after menarche, a constant cycle is established.
Premenopausal period (perimenopause). A sign of aging in the body. It is observed in women over 45 years old. Every year delays in menstruation are becoming more frequent and prolonged. Then menstrual bleeding stops completely (menopause).

Pathological reasons for the temporary absence of menstruation:

Gynecological / endocrine diseases. Some of the most common diseases that cause temporary absence of menstruation are:
1. Polycystic ovary syndrome. The production of male sex hormones increases and the synthesis of female ones decreases. Due to the dominance of the former, ovulation does not occur, the egg cannot leave the follicle. In addition to frequent delays, there may be: male pattern hair (facial hair), acne, rapid weight gain. Untimely elimination of this cause of delayed menstruation leads to infertility.
2. Adnexitis (inflammation in the ovaries, fallopian tubes). The synthesis of hormones responsible for the regular menstrual cycle is disrupted.
3. Endometriosis (abnormal proliferation of endometrial cells outside the inner layer of the walls of the uterus).
4. Uterine fibroids (benign tumor formation).
5. Endometritis (inflammatory lesion of the lining of the uterus).
Thyroid dysfunctions.
Colds, flu.
Displacement of the installed intrauterine device.
Getting sunburn.
Infections of the genitourinary system. For example, a delay in menstruation can occur with thrush, if it is not treated for a long time.
Abortion. Due to the termination of pregnancy, hormonal imbalances occur. Also, a delay in menstruation for 10-20 days after an abortion may be due to the removal of an excessive amount of uterine tissue, which comes out in the form of blood during menstrual bleeding.
A short-term delay in menstruation also develops as a result of medical abortion - taking drugs like "Postinor", "Escapel".
Taking medications. The reason for the delay, if the test is negative, may lie in the woman taking: antidepressants, anabolic hormones, antiulcer drugs, diuretic pills, combined hormonal contraceptives, corticosteroid hormones, cytostatic drugs, drugs for the treatment of endometriosis (Zoladex, Buserelin, and Differelin etc.). After 2-3 months after cancellation, the menstrual cycle is restored.
Refusal to take hormonal contraceptives. There is a syndrome of ovarian hyperinhibition. It is characterized by a delay in menstruation lasting from 20 days to several months. Normally, the cycle will return to normal after 2-4 months. If this does not happen, additional medication is needed to stimulate the maturation of the egg (Pergonal). An alternative to them can be drugs that improve the functioning of the pituitary gland ("Clomiphene"). In the future, it is not recommended to use hormonal contraceptives that caused hyperinhibition syndrome.
Also, a delay in menstruation due to drug withdrawal is observed if cytostatic drugs were previously taken (inhibit or completely suppress the process of cell division), tablets for the treatment of endometriosis.
Physical overwork. Due to severe physical exertion, the production of hormones is observed, leading to the absence of menstrual bleeding. Nature, as it were, protects the female body so that it does not weaken even more during menstruation. After reducing the loads, the cycle is restored.
Being overweight. Due to obesity, the hormone estrogen is transformed into androgen, and the menstrual cycle changes. Also, obese women often have hyperandrogenism - an endocrine pathology characterized by a sharp increase in the level of male hormones, which also leads to a temporary absence of menstruation.
Change of climatic zone, stress.
Dystrophy, sharp weight loss. The reason for the delay in menstruation (other than pregnancy) may be inadequate nutrition. The body's reaction in such a situation is similar to that which occurs during physical overwork.
Hereditary predisposition. It cannot be assumed that a woman inherited from her mother a tendency to frequent irregularities in the menstrual cycle. The situation is explained by the inheritance of the disease, due to which ovarian dysfunction develops.
Chronic intoxication of the body. Taking drugs, excessive alcohol consumption provoke hormonal imbalance, due to which there is a delay in menstruation.

If you find yourself with similar symptoms, see your doctor immediately. It is easier to prevent a disease than to deal with the consequences.

Diagnostics of the delay of menstruation

Examination required when menstruation is delayed (if the test is negative).

To identify the reasons for the delay in menstruation, the following studies can be prescribed by a gynecologist:

Gynecological examination on a chair (allows to exclude the presence of an inflammatory process, pregnancy).
Analysis for STIs (to exclude mycoplasmosis, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis, etc.).
Ultrasound of the adrenal glands, pelvic organs, thyroid gland (makes it possible to make sure that there is no uterine / ectopic pregnancy, endocrine and gynecological diseases, tumor neoplasms).
Scraping of the inner uterine layer for further histological examination.
Computed tomography, radiography, encephalography, magnetic resonance imaging for the study of the pituitary gland (amenorrhea can be a consequence of diseases of the cerebral epididymis).
A blood test for the level of hCG, pituitary hormones, ovaries and other glands.

If in the course of the study diseases that caused a delay in menstruation are revealed, the gynecologist prescribes the patient to consult narrow specialists (psychotherapist, endocrinologist, nutritionist, etc.).

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How is the treatment of delayed menstruation

Delay treatment involves the elimination of the disease due to which the menstrual cycle has gone astray. There are no specific medicines to solve the described problem. Immediately after identifying the provoking factor and blocking its negative impact on the female body, the frequency of menstruation is restored.

Medications such as "Dinoprost", "Mifepristone" are abortive and are not intended solely to stimulate menstrual bleeding. Their reception leads to a violation of the hormonal background, which only aggravates the situation in the future. Therefore, you cannot use them if your period is not due to pregnancy.

How to cause menstruation with a delay

Relatively safe ways to quickly trigger menstruation when delayed are:

Taking a hot bath. The temperature of the collected water should be such that it would be uncomfortable to lie in it. The “heat session” should not last longer than 20-30 minutes.
Increased frequency of intercourse.
Active sports training (unless the reason lies in physical overwork).

Among the effective folk recipes used for delay:

Eat a pinch of parsley 4 times a day. Chew very carefully before swallowing.
Pour 150 g of parsley with a liter of boiling water. Boil for about 10 minutes. After straining, drink half a glass twice a day. The best results can be achieved if the recipe is used regularly a week before the expected date of your period.
Pour 3 cups of boiling water over a glass of onion skins. Insist hour. Drink 200 ml of dark liquid. Your period should start the next day.
Mix 4 tablespoons of chamomile with 3 tablespoons of valerian and 3 tablespoons of mint. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over. Insist for 10-20 minutes. Strain. After cooling, take 100 ml 2 times a day. The course of treatment is 1 month.
Mix 2 tablespoons of nettle leaves, elecampane, oregano, knotweed, yarrow, Rhodiola rosea, rose hips. Pour a liter of boiling water over. Insist in a thermos for 12 hours. Strain. During the day, you need to drink a liter of broth that promotes the onset of menstruation.

With a delay in menstruation, medications can also be used (only as prescribed by a doctor!):

Pulsatilla. Homeopathic tablets based on meadow lumbago. Take 5-7 granules under the tongue for 3 days.
"Duphaston". Take 2 tablets for 5 days.

If there are no menstruation for more than six months

A delay in menstruation for more than six months is amenorrhea. It cannot be called a simple disease. Among the problems caused by amenorrhea:

diseases of the cardiovascular system.

The risk of developing osteoporosis also significantly increases, which is fraught with frequent fractures and dislocations.

The reasons for the delay in menstruation for a period of more than six months are the same as for a delay of several days. Therefore, treatment also consists in eliminating the factors that provoked the gynecological problem.

Prevention of amenorrhea

Prevention of amenorrhea is facilitated by:

Visiting a gynecologist 2 times a year.
Annual visit to the endocrinologist.
Quitting bad habits - smoking, alcohol, drugs, overeating.
Sports activities, active lifestyle.
Timely and competent treatment of colds.
Maintaining normal body weight (excluding sudden weight gain / loss). Good nutrition.
Normalization of excessive physical exertion.
Elimination of stressful situations, emotional disorders.
Regular sex life.
Pregnancy planning.
Selection of safe hormonal contraceptives with the help of a gynecologist-endocrinologist (not on your own!).

A woman should consult a gynecologist for advice if the period of absence of menstruation is 7 days or more.

This article is posted for educational purposes only and does not constitute scientific material or professional medical advice.

In women of childbearing age, a delay in the menstrual cycle is usually associated with pregnancy. This reaction has developed for the reason that the woman does not even suspect about conception in the first weeks until she notices the delay in menstruation according to the schedule. But besides pregnancy, there can be many other reasons for such menstrual dysfunction. Let's see if there can be a delay in menstruation without pregnancy and what factors affect the delay of "these days."

The menstrual cycle is a cyclical biphasic change in the female reproductive system. The logical conclusion of this process is bleeding from the vagina, called menstruation. A stable menstrual cycle is established about a year after the girl has gone through menarche (primary menstruation) and is normally maintained throughout the period when the woman is able to reproduce.

The first day of the cycle is the beginning of your period, and the cycle length is calculated as the difference between the first days of your two periods. The menstrual cycle is conventionally divided into two phases. In the first phase (follicular), under the influence of the hormonal system in the female body, the follicle matures and bursts. The end of this period is ovulation, when the finished egg leaves the follicle. Then the second phase (luteinizing) begins, which is characterized by the formation of the corpus luteum. If conception does not occur during this period, the functional layer of the endometrium is rejected by the walls of the uterus and menstruation begins. And in case of successful fertilization, there is a physiological delay in menstruation.

A normal menstrual cycle corresponds to the following indicators:

Cycle times range from 21 to 35 days (the average cycle is 28 days).
The period of delay in menstruation can be no more than two days.
Menstrual flow lasts from 2 to 7 days.
The daily volume of menstrual blood is no more than 60 ml.

Unfortunately, not all women can boast of a stable menstrual cycle. All pathologies associated with menstrual irregularities are divided into several groups:

Irregular cycle... There may be a delay in menstruation (except for pregnancy). Menstruation can be delayed from 2-3 days to several months (amenorrhea). There is also a mismatch between menstruation and the phases of the cycle, as a result of which women cannot become pregnant.
Abnormal menstrual blood volume... A woman may experience very scanty menstrual flow, or vice versa, heavy bleeding.
Soreness during menstruation... Often women go to the gynecologist with complaints of severe pain in the uterus during menstruation. Such symptoms can be accompanied by migraine-like pain and loss of consciousness.

The reasons for the delay in menstruation. Amenorrhea: symptoms and classification

The female reproductive system is a huge mystery. The process of follicle formation and egg maturation is influenced by a large set of organs and systems. Therefore, even the slightest error in the adjusted hormonal chain leads to problems in the menstrual cycle.

In most cases, minor errors in the stability of the menstrual cycle are not considered a serious pathology. As a rule, hormonal imbalances or severe stressful situations affect the delay in the cycle. This is easily eliminated by a visit to the gynecologist and the appointment of special drugs.

But it should be understood that a large number of hormones are involved in the process of the menstrual cycle, which are produced by the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, ovaries and kidneys, therefore, frequent and long delays may indicate a pathology of both the reproductive system and the body as a whole.

Normally, a delay of 2-3 days is not a pathology, and a slight failure can occur 1-2 times a year in every woman for no particular reason. But when should you see a doctor? Most gynecologists recommend coming for a consultation if the delay is a week or longer. In such a situation, it is too early to talk about any diseases, but it is better to undergo an examination and establish the reason for the absence of menstruation.

Before making an appointment with a gynecologist, it is advisable to do a test to exclude pregnancy. If you are unable to see a doctor, do so as soon as you find the time. If there is no menstruation for more than 2-3 months, this clearly indicates serious pathologies. And it is very thoughtless to wait, that somehow it will pass by itself.

In gynecology, a delay in menstruation is referred to as "amenorrhea". There are two groups of this disease:

Primary amenorrhea. This diagnosis is made for adolescent girls who have not had menarche by the age of 16. The reason may be physiological pathologies (absence or improper structure of the uterus), as well as chromosomal abnormalities.
Secondary amenorrhea. This condition occurs if a woman has lost her period for no apparent reason and has been absent for more than three months. Secondary amenorrhea is the most common cause of delayed menstrual periods. The most common cause of this diagnosis is ovarian or thyroid dysfunction, as well as pituitary tumors, stress and early menopause. It is possible to answer the question of why there is a delay in menstruation only after a complete examination of the patient.

Also in women, there is such a disorder of the reproductive system as lengthening the cycle (menstruation less than 8 times a year) and a decrease in blood flow (less than 2 days). This disease is called oligomenorrhea.

Delayed menstruation: gynecological or endocrinological reasons

There are several factors that can cause missed periods:

Polycystic ovary disease. This disease is caused by a violation of the ovarian hormone production. The phases of the cycle are disrupted and functional cysts often appear against the background of the anovulatory cycle.
Ovarian dysfunction... This is the generic term for ovarian malfunction and is caused by many causes. Such a diagnosis is made to absolutely all women who are faced with a delay without pregnancy. The causes of dysfunction may be different, therefore, a thorough diagnosis of the female body is mandatory.
Gynecological diseases of an inflammatory nature... Inflammation of the lining of the uterus (endometritis), inflammation of the appendages and the bladder can cause a delay in the next menstruation. The cycle of menstruation is influenced by the presence of genital infections and viruses.
Genital neoplasms. Delayed menstruation can be caused by oncological tumors and benign formations (corpus luteum cyst, polyp, myoma, cystadenoma, fibroma, etc.).
Diseases of the uterus... Frequent delays in menstruation can indicate such dangerous pathologies as adenomyosis, endometriosis, hypoplasia or endometrial hyperplasia. Therefore, it is very important to consult a doctor as soon as possible to clarify the nature of the delay in menstruation, until the bleeding begins.
Taking hormonal drugs, emergency contraception, abortion... Such aspects can imbalance hormonal levels and cause secondary amenorrhea. It sometimes takes 3-6 months to restore the cycle after hormone therapy.
Anovulatory cycle... If, for some reason, the follicle has not burst and ovulation has not occurred, endometrial detachment will not begin, which will cause a delay.
The beginning of preparing the body for menopause or early menopause... Small delays of 5-15 days, which appear more than 3 times a year, indicate the extinction of the reproductive system.
The end of the lactation period. For 6 months after you stop feeding your baby, prolactin levels remain slightly elevated and may be one of the reasons for the delay.
Endocrine disruption... Thyroid disorders, diabetes and adrenal diseases directly affect the stability of the menstrual cycle.
Dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary center... This center produces all the necessary hormones, including reproductive ones. The presence of tumors (adenomas and prolactinomas) disrupts the ratio of LH, FSH and prolactin, which blocks ovulation and causes a delay in menstruation.

On a note! If you have a delay, and the test is negative, then a visit to the doctor is definitely inevitable. The gynecologist will conduct an examination, take the necessary smears, if necessary, send you for an ultrasound scan and other laboratory tests, including tests for hormones and genital infections.

The reasons for the delay in menstruation are not gynecological

It so happens that the delay in menstruation is caused not by medical diseases, but by psychological factors and other external stimuli.

In addition to pregnancy, common reasons for delay are:

Stressful situations... If a woman is under severe stress, her brain sends an alarm signal to the pituitary gland, which begins to actively synthesize adrenocorticotropic hormone, which, in turn, stimulates the release of "stress hormones". Since the pituitary gland controls all hormones in the reproductive system, this affects the cycle of menstruation.
Problematic weight. Both excess and lack of body weight affect the level of estrogen in the body. If the estrogen level does not correspond to the norms, the woman's ovulation is blocked and the cycle is disrupted.
Improper eating behavior (bulimia, overeating, anorexia)... Such psychological disorders cause many health problems in women, including those of the reproductive system.
Physical overwork. Heavy physical work or excessive strength training causes depletion of the body and sooner or later lead to a violation of the menstrual cycle.
Desynchrony and acclimatization... If a woman travels frequently, she may develop time zone change syndrome or a reaction to changing climatic conditions. A sharp decrease in immunity against the background of such stress can affect the production of female hormones.
Intoxication... The influence of toxic substances, alcohol and tobacco on the female body is very strong. If the delay in menstruation is caused precisely by this factor, it must be completely excluded, since in the future this will cause the inability to conceive and bear the baby.
Avitaminosis... Endometrial growth and ovulation are affected by iodine, folic acid and tocopherol (vitamin E). An unbalanced diet inhibits the normal functioning of the reproductive system.

Signs of delayed menstruation

Several days of delay do not always cause fears for their health in women, but there are cases when the tactics of waiting can end in serious complications.

It is better to seek medical help right away if the missed period is accompanied by the following symptoms:

Constant pulling or sharp pain in the uterus or lumbar region.
There have been no menses for more than 14 days.
There is a brown discharge with an unpleasant odor.
Feels pain during intercourse, urination, or bowel movements.
The body temperature has risen and general weakness is felt.
There was nausea, diarrhea, dizziness.

Important! The first thing to do if a delay in menstruation is accompanied by acute pain in the lower abdomen is to call an ambulance. This symptomatology is typical for acute appendicitis or apoplexy (rupture) of the ovary.

All women have minor delays and do not harm their health. But if menstruation began to be late regularly or disappeared altogether, you need to look for the cause of such a pathology. Untimely access to a doctor can result in complete infertility or serious chronic diseases, therefore, if problems arise with the regularity of the cycle, immediately undergo an examination by a gynecologist.

Delay of menstruation. Video

The normal cycle lasts 24-35 days. Nervous and humoral structures (brain, hypothalamus, pituitary gland), as well as genitals (ovaries, uterus) are responsible for menstrual function. All body functions are closely related to each other, therefore, a delay in menstruation is caused by a disruption in the work of any of the links. Violation of the cycle can be caused by some gynecological diseases - inflammation of the uterine appendages, uterine myoma (benign tumor). But nevertheless, with these diseases, they are more often observed than delays. Disruptions in the female cycle and delays occur in the ovaries. It is caused by a violation of hormone production, lack of ovulation and, as a result, the occurrence of infertility. The most common symptoms of polycystic ovary disease are repeated delay in menstruation from 2 days to several months, excess body hair growth, and sometimes obesity. A delay in the offensive is one of the consequences of the interruption. This is due to a violation of the hormonal balance in the woman's body, as well as to the fact that during the mechanical uterus its inner lining is removed, which is supposed to grow during the menstrual cycle and go out in the form of menstrual blood. Recovery after an abortion may take not 28-32 days, but 40 or more. However, such a long delay is not the norm and should serve as a reason for examination and treatment. Oral contraceptives can also cause delays. While taking the pills or after stopping them for several menstrual cycles, the absence of any discharge is quite acceptable. This is called ovarian hyperinhibition syndrome. If oral contraceptives have this side effect, they are usually stopped. Within 2-3 months after the end of taking contraceptives, the function of the ovaries is restored. In the case of a longer absence of menstruation, the doctor prescribes medication. Severe stress can cause malfunction of the central structures of the body (hypothalamus, pituitary gland), which are responsible for the functioning of the ovaries and uterus. For example, in times of war, women experienced severe stress, and their critical days could end for a long time. Therefore, against the background of the absolute physical health of a woman due to emotional experiences, there are sometimes disruptions in the cycle of critical days. Significant delays in menstruation can also be provoked by rapid weight loss. Most often, this effect is a consequence of anorexia nervosa - eating disorders, refusal to eat. The nervous and endocrine systems of the body are inhibited, the production of pituitary hormones, which are responsible for the work of the ovaries, is sharply reduced. The disappearance of reproductive function is a protective reaction of a woman's body in conditions of food starvation. To restore the menstrual cycle, it is enough to normalize body weight and eliminate mental stress. And finally, pregnancy is the most common and physiological reason for the absence of critical days. A delay in menstruation during pregnancy can be accompanied by a number of signs: a change in taste and olfactory sensations, drowsiness, soreness of the mammary glands.

A delay in menstruation is one of the earliest signs of conception. However, the absence of menstruation in due time does not always indicate pregnancy. Sometimes the delay is a consequence of stress, emotional stress, hormonal disruption, or other pathology.

All girls and women of reproductive age should closely monitor their cycle. For greater accuracy, gynecologists recommend keeping a special calendar that indicates the start and end date of each menstrual bleeding. The regularity of the cycle indicates the correct functioning of the reproductive system.
- a complex of changes in a woman's body aimed at the ability to conceive. Its regulation is carried out using a complex hormonal mechanism.

The average duration of the menstrual cycle is. However, its length in healthy women can be shortened up to 21 days or lengthened up to 35 days.

Ovulation is the process of release of a female reproductive cell from the ovary into the free abdominal cavity. This event corresponds to the middle of the menstrual cycle - 12-16 days. During ovulation and 1-2 days after it, the female body is ready to conceive a child.

Menarche is the first menstrual cycle in a girl's life, it is the beginning of the reproductive activity of the female body. Usually this event occurs between the ages of 11 and 14 years, but the period from 9 to 16 years is considered the norm. Menarche time depends on many reasons - genetics, physique, diet, general health.

Menopause or menopause is the last menstrual cycle in life. This diagnosis is established after the fact, after 12 months of absence of bleeding. The period from 42 to 61 years is considered the normal range of the onset of menopause, on average - 47-56 years. Its onset depends on the number of pregnancies, egg storage, oral contraceptive use, and lifestyle.

Menstruation or menstruation is part of the female cycle, characterized by the development of uterine bleeding. Normally, its duration is from 3 to 7 days, on average - 4-5 days. Menstruation is a rejection of the endometrium of the uterus - its inner mucous layer.

Due to menstruation, the uterine endometrium is renewed. This process is necessary to prepare the organ wall for the next cycle, in which conception is possible.

A delay in menstruation is considered its absence for more than 6-7 days with a normal cycle. A shorter period is not considered a pathology. Normally, cycle shifts by 2-3 days are possible. Delayed menstruation can occur in women and girls of any age due to natural (physiological) and pathological reasons.

Reasons for delayed menstruation

Stress

The regulation of the menstrual cycle is a complex process that depends on many factors of the internal environment of the body. The work of the hormonal system is very susceptible to stress and emotional turmoil. This feature is the result of the close interaction of the endocrine glands and the brain.

Psychological and emotional stress is an unfavorable environment for pregnancy. That is why the brain sends a signal to the endocrine system that conception should not occur. In response, the hormonal glands change their mode of work, preventing the onset of ovulation.

Various stresses can cause a delay in menstruation. Some women calmly endure severe shocks (death of a loved one, diagnosis of an illness, dismissal from work, etc.). In some patients, the absence of menstruation may be associated with minor experiences.

Possible reasons for the delay in menstruation also include severe lack of sleep and overwork. To restore the cycle, a woman should exclude the action of a provoking factor. If this is not possible, the patient is advised to consult a specialist. Usually, the delay in menstruation during stress does not exceed 6-8 days, but in severe cases, it may be absent for a long time - 2 weeks or more.

Heavy physical activity

By its nature, the female body is not adapted to strong physical exertion. Excessive exertion can cause disruptions in the menstrual cycle. Such disorders of the reproductive system are quite often observed in professional athletes.

The reason for the delay in menstruation during heavy physical exertion is the production of an increased amount of testosterone - the male sex hormone. Thanks to him, muscle tissue growth is possible in response to its tension. Normally, the female body has a small amount of testosterone, but its increase leads to disruptions in the menstrual cycle.

High testosterone levels interfere with the complex mechanisms between the pituitary gland and the ovaries, thereby disrupting their interaction. This also leads to a delay in menstrual bleeding.

If there are disruptions in the menstrual cycle, a woman should exclude strength training. They can be replaced with aerobic exercise - dancing, running, yoga.

For what reasons is there a delay in menstruation?

Climate change

Sometimes the human body is hard to adapt to new living conditions. A sudden change in climate can cause menstrual irregularities. Most often, this feature is observed when traveling to hot and humid countries.

Changes in environmental conditions are a signal of the need to prevent conception. This mechanism is similar to the delay in menstruation during emotional stress and shock. The brain sends a signal to the ovaries to block ovulation.

Another reason for a delay in menstruation with a negative pregnancy test is prolonged exposure to the sun. Ultraviolet rays have a negative effect on the functioning of the ovaries. A delay can be observed with the abuse of the tanning bed.

Usually, the duration of the delay in menstrual bleeding when traveling does not exceed 10 days. In case of his longer absence, a woman should consult a specialist.

Hormonal changes

In adolescent girls, jumps in the cycle are possible during the first 2-3 years after menarche. This feature is a normal phenomenon associated with the regulation of ovarian activity. Usually the cycle is set by the age of 14-17, if the delay in menstruation continues after 17-19 years, the girl should consult a specialist.

The reason for the delay in menstruation after 40 years is the onset of menopause characterized by the extinction of reproductive function. Typically, menopause lasts 5-10 years, with a gradual increase in the period between bleeding. Quite often, menopause is accompanied by other symptoms - a feeling of heat, sweating, nervousness, surges in blood pressure.

Also, a long delay in menstruation is a natural reaction of the body after pregnancy. During breastfeeding, a special hormone called prolactin is produced in the pituitary gland. It causes blockage of ovulation and lack of menstrual bleeding. This reaction is conceived by nature, since the female body must recover after childbirth.

If a woman does not breastfeed immediately after giving birth, her normal cycle returns in about 2 months. If a young mother begins lactation, menstruation will occur after it ends. The total duration of delayed bleeding should not exceed one year.

Natural hormonal changes occur after the abolition of oral contraceptives. During their intake, the ovaries cease to function, so it takes 1-3 months for them to recover. Such a reaction of the body is considered absolutely normal; it does not require medication adjustment.

Another reason for the delay in menstruation for a week or more is taking emergency contraception (Postinor, Escapel). These drugs contain artificial hormones that block the synthesis of their own. Due to this effect, ovulation is blocked and the menstrual cycle is shifted.

Lack of body weight and poor nutrition

In the endocrine metabolism of the female body, not only endocrine glands are involved, but also adipose tissue. Its percentage of body weight should not be lower than 15-17%. Adipose tissue is involved in the synthesis of estrogens - female sex hormones.

Inadequate nutrition causes a lot of weight loss, which leads to amenorrhea - a lack of menstruation. With a strong lack of mass, cyclic bleeding may not be observed for a long period of time. This feature is adaptive in nature - the brain sends signals that a woman will not be able to bear a child.

Constant delays in menstruation may be associated with insufficient intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. These substances are involved in the endocrine function of the ovaries, causing the normal division of female germ cells.

To restore the cycle, a woman should gain the missing pounds and revise her diet. It should include sea fish, red meat, nuts, vegetable oil. If necessary, it is possible to use vitamin E preparations.

Obesity

Weight gain can cause menstrual irregularities. The mechanism of the pathology of reproductive function is associated with the blocking of ovulation due to the excessive accumulation of estrogens in adipose tissue.

Also, against the background of obesity, insulin resistance occurs - a condition in which the cells of the human body become less sensitive to insulin. In response to this, the pancreas begins to synthesize an increasing amount of the hormone. A sustained increase in the amount of insulin in the blood increases testosterone levels.

The increased amount of male sex hormones disrupts the normal menstrual cycle. That is why women are advised to monitor their weight and prevent obesity.

Infectious process

Any inflammatory process disrupts the normal course of the female cycle. The body perceives it as a negative background for the onset of conception, therefore, it blocks or shifts ovulation.

One of the most common causes of delayed menstrual bleeding is colds and other diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Usually, with such pathologies, the cycle is shifted by no more than 7-8 days.

Specific diseases of the genitourinary organs (,) can cause a prolonged absence of menstruation due to disruption of the work of internal organs. If a woman has pain or pulls in the lower abdomen, pathological discharge from the genital tract is observed, body temperature rises, pain occurs during intercourse, she should consult a specialist.

This pathology is characterized by multiple changes in hormonal levels that block ovulation and shift the menstrual cycle. With polycystic ovary syndrome, the endocrine function of the pituitary gland is disrupted. This leads to the maturation of several follicles, but none of them becomes dominant.

With polycystic ovary syndrome, an increased amount of male sex hormones is observed in a woman's blood. They aggravate the course of the disease, further inhibiting ovulation. Quite often, against the background of pathology, insulin resistance is observed, which increases the secretion of testosterone.

To diagnose the disease, an ultrasound examination is necessary. On ultrasound, enlarged ovaries with many follicles are visible. With pathology, an increase in androgens (male sex hormones) and their derivatives is observed in the blood. Quite often, polycystic ovary syndrome is accompanied by external symptoms - male-pattern hair growth, acne, seborrhea, and a low tone of voice.

Treatment of pathology includes taking hormonal contraceptives with antiandrogenic effects. When planning a pregnancy, the expectant mother may be shown to stimulate ovulation with drugs.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a disease characterized by decreased function of the thyroid gland. There are many factors that cause this condition - iodine deficiency, pituitary pathology, trauma, autoimmune damage.

Thyroid hormones are responsible for all metabolic processes in the human body. With their lack, there is a decrease in reproductive function due to blocking ovulation. That is why, with hypothyroidism, there are often long delays in menstruation up to its absence.

To diagnose pathologies of the thyroid gland, its ultrasound examination and counting the amount of hormones in the blood are used. Treatment is based on the type of disease and may include iodine supplementation, replacement therapy, and surgery.

Hyperprolactinemia

This disease is characterized by increased synthesis of the pituitary hormone - prolactin. Excessive amounts of it block ovulation and disrupt the menstrual cycle. Hyperprolactinemia occurs as a result of trauma, pituitary tumors, medication, or disruptions in hormonal regulation.

Diagnosis of pathology includes the delivery of a blood test for hormones, as well as an MRI or CT scan of the brain. For the treatment of this disease, medications are used - dopamine agonists.

Hyperprolactinemia: the main mechanism of PMS development

Pregnancy

A delay in menstruation is considered one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. To confirm conception, the expectant mother can use test strips that determine the level of hCG in the urine. The most modern of them can determine pregnancy even before the delay of menstruation.

In addition to pregnancy, a delay in menstruation can be caused by more rare pathologies and diseases:

Itsenko-Cushing's disease (hyperproduction of adrenal cortex hormones);
Addison's disease (hypoproduction of the adrenal cortex);
tumors of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland;
damage to the endometrium of the uterus (as a result of surgery, cleaning, abortion);
resistant ovary syndrome (an autoimmune disease);
ovarian wasting syndrome (premature menopause);
ovarian hyperinhibition syndrome (against the background of prolonged use of oral contraception, radiation exposure).

- violation of menstrual function, manifested by the absence of cyclic bleeding for more than 35 days. It may be due to physiological reasons (pregnancy, premenopause, etc.), as well as various organic or functional disorders. A delay in menstruation occurs at different periods of a woman's life: during the formation of menstrual function, in the reproductive period and in premenopause. A delay in menstruation for more than five days is a reason to see a doctor. Diagnosis of a delay in menstruation is aimed at finding the main cause of this symptom, on which further treatment tactics depend.

General information

Delayed menstruation it is considered a malfunction in the menstrual cycle, in which menstrual bleeding does not occur at the expected time. A delay in menstruation, not exceeding 5-7 days, is not regarded as a pathology. Variants of the delay in menstruation are such menstrual irregularities as oligomenorrhea, opsomenorrhea and amenorrhea, manifested by a decrease in menstrual bleeding. A delay in menstruation can be observed in different age periods of a woman's life: during puberty, in the reproductive phase, in premenopause and caused by physiological or pathological reasons.

Natural, physiological reasons for the delay in menstruation are explained in the pubertal period during the formation of the menstrual cycle, when during 1-1.5 years menstruation can be irregular. In women of reproductive age, a delay in menstruation is natural during pregnancy and lactation. In the premenopausal period, the menstrual function gradually fades away, changes in the rhythm, duration of menstruation occur, and delays in menstruation are replaced by their complete cessation.

All other options for the delay of menstruation exceeding 5-7 days are not explained by natural phenomena, in such cases an urgent consultation with a gynecologist is required. A woman's menstrual cycle is a subtle mechanism that maintains fertility and reflects any deviations in the state of general health. Therefore, for a better understanding of the causes and mechanisms of delayed menstruation, it is necessary to clearly understand what is the norm and deviation in the characteristics of the menstrual cycle.

Characteristics of the menstrual cycle

The functioning of the body of a woman of childbearing age has cyclical patterns. Monthly bleeding is the final stage of the menstrual cycle. Menstrual flow indicates that the fertilization of the egg and the onset of pregnancy did not occur. In addition, the regularity of menstruation indicates that a woman's body is functioning smoothly. A delay in menstruation, on the contrary, indicates some failures that have occurred.

The onset of the first menstrual period usually occurs between the ages of 11-15. At first, menstrual bleeding may occur irregularly, the delay in menstruation during this period is normal, but after 12-18 months the menstrual cycle should finally form. The onset of menstruation before 11 years of age and absence after 17 years is a pathology. A delay in the onset of menstruation up to 18-20 years indicates obvious pathological processes: a general lag in physical development, dysfunction of the pituitary gland, underdevelopment of the ovaries, uterine hypoplasia, etc.

Normally, menstruation begins and ends at regular intervals. In 60% of women, the cycle lasts 28 days, that is, 4 weeks, which corresponds to the lunar month. Approximately 30% of women have a 21-day cycle, and about 10% of women have a 30-35 day menstrual cycle. On average, menstrual bleeding lasts 3-7 days, and the permissible blood loss per menstruation is 50-150 ml. The complete cessation of menstruation occurs after 45-50 years and marks the onset of menopause.

Irregularity and fluctuations in the duration of the menstrual cycle, systematic delays in menstruation for more than 5-10 days, alternation of scanty and heavy menstrual bleeding, indicate serious deviations in the health of a woman. In order to control the onset or delay of menstruation, every woman should keep a menstrual calendar, noting the day the next menstruation begins. In this case, the delay in menstruation will be immediately visible.

Delayed menstruation and pregnancy

Pregnancy is the most common cause of delayed periods in women of childbearing age. The probable onset of pregnancy, in addition to a delay in menstruation, is evidenced by changes in taste and smell, appetite, the appearance of nausea and vomiting in the morning, drowsiness, painful sensations in the mammary glands. It is impossible to reject the possibility of pregnancy even in cases where there was interrupted intercourse, sexual contact during menstruation, on "safe" days or using a condom, in the presence of an intrauterine device, taking oral contraceptives, etc., since neither one method of contraception does not give a 100% contraceptive effect.

If there was a delay in menstruation, and in the previous month the woman had sexual intercourse, then it is possible to determine pregnancy using special tests. The principle of operation of all pregnancy tests (test strips, tablet or inkjet) is the same: they determine the presence of chorionic gonadotropic hormone (hCG or hCG) in the urine, the production of which begins in the body 7 days after fertilization of the egg. The concentration of hCG in the urine increases gradually, and modern, even the most sensitive tests, are able to determine it only after a delay in menstruation and not earlier than 12-14 days after conception. It is necessary to “read” the test result in the first 5-10 minutes. The appearance of even a barely noticeable second strip during this period of time indicates a positive result and the presence of pregnancy. If the second streak appeared later, then this result is not reliable. If your period is delayed, to obtain a reliable result, the pregnancy test is recommended to be repeated twice with an interval of 2-3 days.

It should be remembered that while living a sex life, a woman can always become pregnant, so it is necessary to closely monitor the menstrual cycle and pay attention to the delays in menstruation. However, a delay in menstruation can be caused not only by pregnancy, but also by a number of very other, sometimes very serious and dangerous reasons for health.

Other reasons for delayed menstruation

All the reasons causing the delay in menstruation, gynecology conventionally divides into two large groups: physiological and pathological reasons for the delay in menstruation. In some cases, the delay in menstruation is caused by special transitional states, adaptive for the body, and usually does not exceed 5-7 days. However, some of these conditions are borderline, and with their aggravation, organic disorders may occur, leading to a delay in menstruation as a manifestation of one or another pathology. Due to physiological reasons, it can be considered:

delay in menstruation caused by strong emotional or physical stress: stress, increased sports, training or work loads;
delay in menstruation due to unusual changes in lifestyle: a change in the nature of work, a sharp change in climate;
delayed menstruation due to insufficient nutrition and adherence to strict diets;
delay in menstruation during periods of hormonal changes: puberty or menopause;
delayed menstruation as a condition after the abolition of hormonal contraceptives, caused by temporary hyperinhibition of the ovaries after prolonged reception of hormones from the outside. If the delay in menstruation is observed for 2-3 cycles, it is necessary to visit a gynecologist.
delay in menstruation after using emergency contraceptive drugs containing a high dose of hormones;
delay in menstruation in the postpartum period, associated with the production of the pituitary hormone prolactin, which is responsible for the secretion of milk and suppresses the cyclic function of the ovaries. If a woman is not breastfeeding, then menstruation should return about 2 months after giving birth. When breastfeeding is carried out, menstruation is restored after the baby is weaned. However, if the delay in menstruation is more than a year after childbirth, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist.
delay in menstruation caused by colds (ARVI, flu), chronic diseases: gastritis, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, kidney disease and many others. others, as well as taking certain medications.

In all cases, (except for those when the delay in menstruation is caused by age-related hormonal changes or lactation), the delay should not exceed 5-7 days, otherwise it is imperative to visit a gynecologist in order to prevent the development of serious diseases.

The pathological reasons for the delay in menstruation include, first of all, diseases of the genital area. In this group of reasons, there are:

delay in menstruation caused by inflammatory (adnexitis, oophoritis) and tumor (uterine myoma) diseases of the genital organs. Inflammatory processes in the genitals, in addition to a delay in menstruation, can manifest as pathological secretions and pain in the lower abdomen. These conditions require urgent treatment, as they can lead to serious complications and infertility;
delayed menstruation due to polycystic ovary disease and associated hormonal disorders. Also, with polycystic ovaries, in addition to the delay in menstruation, there is an increase in body weight, the appearance
delay in menstruation caused by critical weight gain or loss. For women with anorexia, a delay in menstruation can result in their complete cessation.

Thus, regardless of the reasons, a delay in menstruation is the basis for an urgent visit to the gynecologist.

Examination with a delay in menstruation

To establish the reasons for the delay in menstruation, examinations may be required in addition to a gynecological examination:

measurement and graphical display of changes in basal temperature, allowing you to verify the presence or absence of ovulation;
determination in the blood of the level of hCG, hormones of the ovaries, pituitary gland and other glands;
ultrasound diagnostics of the pelvic organs to determine pregnancy (uterine, ectopic), tumor lesions of the uterus, ovaries and other reasons that caused a delay in menstruation;
CT and MRI of the brain to exclude pituitary and ovarian tumors.

If diseases associated with a delay in menstruation are detected, consultations of other specialist doctors are prescribed: an endocrinologist, a nutritionist, a psychotherapist, etc.

Summing up the above, it should be noted that the delay in menstruation, no matter what circumstances it was caused, should not be ignored by a woman. A delay in menstruation can be caused by both a banal change in the weather, or the joyful expectation of motherhood, and serious diseases. If there is a delay in menstruation, a timely consultation with a doctor will free you from unnecessary worries and experiences that can significantly aggravate this condition. In families where girls are growing up, it is necessary to conduct their competent sex education, explaining, among other things, that the delay in menstruation is a problem that must be solved together with the mother and the doctor.