Eight reasons besides pregnancy that can cause a missed period

 

Eight reasons besides pregnancy that can cause a missed period

Women

of reproductive age usually have their periods every 28 days. Although this period can sometimes be between 24 and 35 days, and a week more or less of this cycle is usually not considered a serious problem, but if it occurs repeatedly, it can indicate an underlying problem.

The lack of menstruation in women of reproductive age is called amenorrhea. Although the most common reason for women to miss a period for a few months can be pregnancy, there are many other reasons that can cause a delay in menstruation in the case of a long period.

Gynecologist Dr. Amira Al-Cordien-Martinez told the BBC that no two women are the same, meaning their menstrual cycles are different.

'You have to know yourself, how your body works and if you notice something out of the ordinary in it, you will know for yourself. Every woman has different menstrual habits than everyone else. According to the UK's National Health Service (NHS), if you have missed your period for three consecutive months and you are not pregnant, or if your periods stop before the age of 45, you should consult a doctor.

The Mayo Clinic in the US also recommends medical advice for girls who have not started their periods by the age of 15.

According to both medical institutions, there are eight common reasons, other than pregnancy, for a woman to experience amenorrhea.

Stress

Dr. Amira Alcordin Martinez calls stress the most important cause of medical complications during this period and a real epidemic.

Stress activates hormones such as adrenaline, which keeps the body alert as a defense mechanism in case of danger.

Prolonged activation of these hormones can disrupt the menstrual cycle, its duration or cycle may be longer or shorter, or even menstruation may stop or be more painful.

In some cases, it can even cause a woman to experience menstruation twice a month.

If stress causes a period to be late or absent, the NHS recommends taking steps such as exercising regularly or practicing breathing techniques.

If these measures are not effective, therapy (CBT) is recommended to help deal with stress and anxiety.

Sudden weight changes

Sudden weight changes can cause changes in your hormones. If calories are suddenly reduced too much to lose weight, it can prevent the body from producing the hormones needed for ovulation (pregnancy).

A dietitian can help you reduce your calorie intake, including adults with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 18.5 who can also be helped to gain weight in a healthy way by a dietitian.

When weight loss is due to an eating disorder, such as anorexia, the help of a psychologist is usually necessary.

Obesity

Being overweight can cause the body to produce excess estrogen. These hormones help regulate a woman's reproductive system.

Increased estrogen levels can affect the regularity of her menstrual cycle and in some cases, cause it to stop completely.

For women experiencing amenorrhea, women who are overweight or have a BMI over 30 are often referred to a nutritionist by their doctor to help them achieve a healthy weight.

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Excessive physical exertion

Intense or strenuous exercise can also affect the levels of hormones that regulate menstruation by increasing physical stress, while losing too much body fat can sometimes affect the ovaries.

For professional athletes, sports medicine experts can advise on how they can maintain their performance at the right level.

Sports medicine experts can help athletes maintain their performance at the right level

Polycystic ovary syndrome:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition. According to experts, delayed or irregular menstruation or periods due to PCOS can be a major obstacle to women's ability to conceive.

The UK's National Health Service NHS says that symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include irregular and painful menstruation, excessive hair growth and weight gain.

The NHS says PCOS is a common cause of infertility but many women can get pregnant after treatment. It is a major cause of missed periods in 33% of cases, according to the organisation.

PCOS is a major obstacle to women's menstrual cycle and the process of getting pregnant. Menopause and perimenopause"

Along with pregnancy and breastfeeding, menopause is also one of the natural causes of amenorrhea.

As women approach menopause, estrogen levels begin to decline and the formation of eggs in the uterus of women becomes irregular.

It should be remembered that menopause in women usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.

However, according to medical research, one in every 100 women goes through menopause before the age of 40, a condition called premature menopause or premature ovarian failure.

Contraception:

Some contraceptive drugs and methods can also cause irregular and missed periods. These include birth control pills, injections, implants, and intrauterine devices.

Taking medications for a long time:

Complex and Long-term medical conditions, such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or hypothyroidism, can cause hormonal imbalances to occur. According to the Mayo Clinic, amenorrhea can be caused by certain medications, including antipsychotics, chemotherapy, antidepressants, and medications for high blood pressure and allergies.