What causes a delayed period?

A delayed period, which causes anxiety and worry when observed, is a common ailment among women. Also known by different names such as menstrual delay, delayed period, or delayed menstruation, the first thing that comes to mind when a period is delayed is the possibility of pregnancy. However, if pregnancy is ruled out, investigating other underlying causes is important for the patient's health.

What is a Missed Period?

A healthy woman of reproductive age experiences menstruation once a month, excluding pregnancy. This cycle is generally defined as 24-31 days worldwide. While menstruation typically lasts 3-7 days, periods shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days indicate regular menstruation. Experiencing irregular periods a few times a year can be considered normal, but frequent irregularities suggest something is wrong. In particular, menstruation that is later than normal, lasting up to a week or ten days, should be taken seriously. 

Reasons for Delayed Menstruation

When a missed period is mentioned, pregnancy is often the first thing that comes to mind. However, stress, changes in living and working conditions, certain illnesses, some hormonal medications, ovulation irregularities, birth control pills, birth control injections, progesterone pills, etc., can all cause a missed period. In addition, weight gain or loss, excessive exercise, thyroid disorders, breastfeeding, depression, high prolactin (milk hormone) levels, and eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia can also cause a missed period. 

Treatment of Delayed Menstruation 

The treatment process for a delayed period is planned according to the underlying factor. For example, if the cause of the delay is stress, the stress factors can be eliminated and the menstrual cycle monitored. If the cause is medication, a change in medication may be considered. Since stress, excessive weight, and ovulation irregularities are often the causes of delayed periods, improving these factors will help regulate the menstrual cycle. At this stage, examinations and tests performed by a specialist doctor are taken into account. If the delays are caused by formations such as fibroids, polyps, or ovarian cysts in the uterus or cervix, the patient may be treated with medication or surgery. If no cause for the delayed period is found, the patient may be given medication to induce menstruation in some cases.