Why Is My Menstrual Cycle Delayed and I Have an Unusual Odor Below?

Delayed menstruation is likely caused by poor lifestyle habits or menstrual irregularity. If a delayed menstruation is accompanied by an odor from the vagina, it is necessary to consider whether gynecological diseases such as vaginitis are present. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist for examination. Although vaginitis does not cause menstrual irregularity, many gynecological diseases can manifest symptoms such as menstrual irregularity and vaginal odor. Menstrual delay, also known as "oligomenorrhea," "menstrual delay," or "menstrual overdue," is a common type of menstrual disorder. The average menstrual cycle for women is generally 21 to 35 days, with an average of 28 days. Variations of up to 7 days earlier or later are still considered normal, and the length of the cycle varies from person to person. However, if menstruation is delayed for more than 7 days, it is considered menstrual delay. Various factors that affect the female central nervous system-hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis and the uterus can lead to menstrual delay. This can occur during both ovulation and non-ovulation menstrual cycles. Women of reproductive age who experience a menstrual delay of 10 days or more should first rule out pregnancy.

1. Pregnancy: After a menstrual delay of 10 days, a urine pregnancy test can be performed at a hospital. A positive result indicates a high possibility of pregnancy, which may be accompanied by other symptoms such as chills, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.

2. Medication: The use of progesterone-containing medications, such as progesterone and emergency contraceptives, can prolong the luteal phase and cause menstrual delay. New-generation gastric motility drugs may also cause menstrual delay.

3. Surgical Procedures: Surgical procedures such as uterine cavity surgery can lead to intrauterine or cervical adhesions that prevent menstrual blood from being expelled, resulting in menstrual delay.

4. Hormonal Imbalance: Factors such as obesity, excessive dieting, irregular lifestyle, premature ovarian failure, and polycystic ovary syndrome can lead to hormonal imbalance in women, causing menstrual delay.

5. Chronic Diseases: Chronic conditions like chronic hepatitis, tuberculosis, tumors, hypothyroidism, severe anemia, and vitamin E deficiency can often trigger menstrual delay.

6. Psychological Factors: Stress, pressure, and environmental changes can all contribute to menstrual delay.