What Are the Reasons for a Delayed Menstrual Cycle?

Female menstruation can directly reflect the health of the body. There are four main aspects to observe menstruation, including the estimated cycle, menstrual blood volume, duration, and the appearance of menstrual blood. Some women may experience delayed menstruation, which can be quite worrying. Some women attribute this to dietary issues, but in fact, there are many factors in our lives that can lead to delayed menstruation. Let's explore some of the reasons behind delayed menstruation:

1. Pregnancy and Menstrual Pause

Menstrual pause is the primary and most reliable indicator of pregnancy, accompanied by various other physiological changes. When the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, it may cause a similar abdominal discomfort to menstrual cramps, which can mislead some people to believe that menstruation is approaching and thus abandon pregnancy testing. Additionally, increasing levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can lead to changes in the breasts, such as softening, enlargement, and nipple tenderness. If you have delayed menstruation along with these symptoms, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test as soon as possible. It's important to note that mild bleeding may occur during early pregnancy due to the implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterine lining. Do not mistake this for menstruation and abandon pregnancy testing.

2. Menopausal Menstrual Pause

Besides pregnancy, menstrual pause is also one of the earliest symptoms of menopause. This is typically manifested as a sudden irregularity in previously regular menstruation, ranging from complete absence to prolonged and intermittent bleeding that gradually tapers off until menopause. For menopausal women, it is crucial to have sufficient psychological preparation to navigate this phase smoothly, as it can easily lead to excessive anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues, which may even exacerbate other menopausal symptoms.

3. Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance is not uncommon in our daily lives. Essentially, it refers to obstacles in the secretion or transportation of various hormones within the body. The menstrual cycle of women is significantly influenced by the level of estrogen secretion. Estrogen does not exist independently in our bodies but is affected by many other hormones. Factors such as changes in diet, living environment, excessive stress, excessive exercise, excessive weight loss, and the use of certain medications can disrupt the secretion of other hormones, thereby affecting estrogen levels. This is especially common among adolescent girls undergoing physical development, explaining why their menstrual cycles tend to be irregular but become more regular as they age.