Below are five questions women should consider if they experience late periods consistently, to understand the underlying causes and seek appropriate care if necessary.
While it is normal to experience occasional fluctuations in menstrual cycles, if your periods are late every month, this can indicate several underlying health issues. These health problems can range from an imbalance in stress-related hormones to serious conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders. Addressing these issues as soon as possible is critical to minimizing the damage caused and effectively preventing further complications.
Dr Shruti Ugran, Consultant Gynaecologist, Gynaecological Endoscopist and Minimally Invasive Gynaecologist (MIG) at Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, spoke to India.com and shared five questions that a woman should consider if she experiences constant menstrual delays, to understand the underlying causes and seek appropriate care if needed. Scroll down to read!
Do you have irregular periods? Ask yourself these 5 questions
Question 1: Am I stressed or under a lot of pressure?
Stress can contribute to irregular periods. When you’re stressed or overwhelmed, your body releases cortisol, a type of stress hormone. Cortisol can negatively disrupt the hormonal balance that’s vital to regulating your menstrual periods on time. So, the next time you have a late period, stress could be the culprit.
Question 2: Have I changed my diet or exercise routine recently?
Drastic changes to your eating habits or exercise routine can have a significant impact on your menstrual cycles. Suddenly starting an intensive exercise routine or a low-calorie diet can deplete your energy levels. Because of this, your body may not have enough energy to support your menstrual cycles, leading to irregular periods or decreased flow.
Question 3: Have I gained or lost weight recently?
Excessive weight gain not only causes hormonal imbalance but also reduces the risk of developing various health complications. Gaining or losing weight quickly can negatively affect the production of hormones that are responsible for regulating menstrual periods. Make sure you take proactive steps to maintain a healthy weight.
Question 4: Am I taking any new medications or supplements?
If you are starting new medications or supplements, you should be careful, as they may delay your menstrual periods. Some medications, such as antidepressants, birth control pills, or thyroid medications, can disrupt your periods and blood flow.
Question 5: Am I getting enough sleep?
Not getting enough sleep can seriously affect your menstrual cycles and blood flow. Poor quality sleep can increase your stress levels while also creating hormonal imbalance that leads to late or missed periods all too often. So, make sure you get more than 7-8 hours of sleep to improve your menstrual health.
