Missed or delayed periods can happen for many reasons other than pregnancy. Some of the common causes can range from hormonal imbalances to serious medical conditions.
If you do not have any known conditions affecting your menstrual cycle, your period cycle should start within 28 days of the start of the last period but this is not the standard for all women. Cycle lengths vary from woman to woman. Therefore, a period is usually considered late if it’s been more than 30 days since the start of your last period.
By the age of 15, 98% (Medically reviewed by Carolyn Kay,M.D and written by Corinne O’Keefe Osborn on july 25,2019) of the teens have started their periods. Beyond the age of 15, then one might start to worry and possibly make an appointment with a doctor.
Other reasons for delayed period debut can be family history, low activity levels, among others.
The reason for the delay may be nothing to worry about. it could also indicate that you have a health condition that you need to treat.
These are some of the reasons for delayed menstruation:
1) Stress
A little stress in your life is fine, but chronic stress can throw your body off balance. It activates the hormone cortisol and pushes your body into survival mode which may delay your period.
2) Medication
If you’re taking a new medication, one of the side effects may be irregular periods. Additionally, some birth control medication such as IUDs, the implant may also stop or delay your periods while on them.
3) Sleep Schedule Changes
Did you also know that switching to the night shift or traveling to another time zone may delay your menstrual cycle from starting?
4). Weight loss
Excessive weight loss is another reason for late periods. That is why some female athletes don’t have periods due to being underweight.
How to overcome delayed periods
1). Maintain a healthy balanced diet
Changes in your weight can affect your periods, if you areover weight or obese, loosing weight could help you regulate your periods and vice versa.
2).Exercise regularly
This has many benefits that can help boost your periods. It can also help you reach or maintain a healthy weight and is commonly recommended as part of the treatment plan for polycystic ovary syndrome
3) Spice your food with ginger
Ginger is a wonder herb that can effectively ease menstrual cramps. It plays a key role in lowering the
4) Add some cinnamon to your food.
levels of the pain-causing prostaglandins. Also helps fight fatigue associated with premenstrual syndrome and can make irregular periods regular
Cinnamon tea helps reduce menstrual discomfort. This is because it is capable of reducing prostaglandin levels, increasing endorphin levels and improving blood circulation.
NOTE: PROSTAGLANDIN are a group of compounds with varying hormone-like effects,notably the promotion of uterine contractions. They are also fatty acids.
Written by Trinity Achan.
