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New Delhi – Every woman is different – including their period. Some happen regularly and some are random and for some it’s unpredictable. On average, a woman has her period every 21 to 35 days and it usually lasts about 2 to 7 days. Is your period irregular – and if so, do you need to be careful? Many women worry about a late period, but know you are not pregnant? Did you know that a late or missed period happens for many reasons other than pregnancy? Common causes can range from normal physiological conditions, stress or obesity, anxiety-related issues, lifestyle changes, or hormonal imbalances.
However, every woman should understand, you can be different: you can have more or less and a missed or irregular period should be seen in terms of what’s normal for you, says Manjula Deepak, senior consulting gynecologist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals. , Bengaluru (HRBR). “The causes and treatment differ by age group of women and therefore it is important to stop a comparison of our conditions.”
The expert explains it in detail:
What causes a delayed period?
Amenorrhea occurs when menstruation is absent during the reproductive years, between puberty and menopause. It is not a disease and it does not mean that a person is infertile, but it can be a sign of a health problem that needs some attention. It can occur in healthier women while breastfeeding or can signal other gynecological conditions, such as hormonal imbalance, excessive exercise, eating disorders, stress, use of medications, PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, endocrine disorders such as thyroid, pituitary, premature ovarian failure.
Amenorrhea usually occurs when the ovaries stop making enough female hormone. Primary amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation in a person who has not had a period by the age of 16. The most common causes of primary amenorrhea are related to hormone levels, although anatomical issues can also cause amenorrhea. Such conditions are rare and constitute less than 0.1 of individuals. Secondary amenorrhea refers to the absence of three or more periods in a row by a person who has had a period in the past. Pregnancy is the most common cause of secondary amenorrhea, although hormone problems can also cause secondary amenorrhea.
A variety of factors, including those below, can cause an irregular period.
You are stressed: If you are under a lot of stress, your body may remain in fight-or-flight mode, which can temporarily prevent you from ovulating. This lack of ovulation, in turn, can delay your period.
Changes in body weight (increase / decrease in weight): Severe changes in body weight can affect the timing of your period. Extreme increases or decreases in body fat can lead to a hormonal imbalance that causes your period to be delayed or stopped altogether.
You have PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a collection of symptoms caused by an imbalance in reproductive hormones. People with PCOS do not ovulate regularly. As a result, your period may be lighter than normal, come at inconsistent times, or go away altogether. Besides the delayed period, you may also notice excess or hair on the face and body, acne on the face and body, thinning hair, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, patches of dark skin, often on the folds of the neck, groin and under the breasts, scarred skin in the armpits or neck.
You are in perimenopause: Perimenopause is the time before your menopausal transition. It usually starts in your mid to late 40s. Perimenopause lasts for several years before your period stops completely. For many, missed periods are the first sign of perimenopause. You may skip a one month period and be back on track for the next three, you may skip your period three months in a row and find that it arrives unexpectedly, often lighter or heavier than that. what you are used to.
You are at the onset of menopause: Early menopause, also known as premature ovarian failure, occurs when your ovaries stop working before the age of 40. When your ovaries aren’t working the way they should, they’re not making enough hormones. You will begin to experience the symptoms of menopause. Late or missed periods can be an early sign.
Chronic diseases: Chronic diseases such as diabetes, tuberculosis, liver problems can also affect your menstrual cycle. These are linked to hormonal changes, so although they are rare, your period can be irregular.
Thyroid problems: An overactive or underactive thyroid gland can also be the cause of a late or missed period. The thyroid regulates your body’s metabolism, so hormone levels can also be affected. Thyroid problems can usually be treated with medication. After treatment, your period will likely return to normal.
Contraceptives / contraceptive drugs: drugs such as birth control pills, intrauterine devices may cause lighter, less frequent, more frequent or missed periods or no periods at all UTERINE CAUSES Endometrial thickening, polyps, uterine fibroids , uterine cancer, endometriosis, Adenomyosis can also be a cause.
Diagnosis of a missed / delayed period
* A detailed history
* Family history
* Patient examination
* Laboratory investigations – follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, estrogen, testosterone prolactin, beta HCG
*Ultrasound
Many things can cause irregular periods, from routine lifestyle changes to underlying medical conditions. If your period is regularly late, make an appointment with a gynecologist to determine the cause. Irregular periods aren’t always a sign of a problem, but it’s important to understand the underlying causes of delayed / missed periods. It is a myth that a delayed period indicates problems with infertility and conception. Timely medical intervention is recommended. A gynecologist will be able to determine the cause of your irregular period and help you develop the best treatment plan for you. (IANS)
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