Missing a menstrual cycle can be stressful, but missing several cycles can be nerve-wracking. By this time your mind is in overdrive to find a reasonable explanation, yet at the same time expecting the worse. There are many reasons why your menstrual cycle can be delayed. Some are as simple, such as pregnancy and stress, while others are more serious and need medical attention.
Pregnancy
According to MayoClinic.com, pregnancy is the most frequent reason for delayed menstruation. The reason for the delay is due to the lining of the uterus remaining intact for the fetus. Without the lining shedding there is no menstrual cycle. Nursing your child when she is born often continues to delay your cycle for several months, adds MayoClinic.com.
Anorexia and Bulimia
MayoClinic.com states that having an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia can cause delayed menstruation. The disorders cause extremely low body body weight and hormonal imbalances. This can stop ovulation and delay your menstrual cycle.
Contraceptives
You may experience a delayed menstrual cycle if you take birth control pills or use other birth control methods such as Depo-Provera or progesterone-containing Mirena. MayoClinic.com notes that this is due to the hormones contained in the contraceptives. With some contraceptives, it can often take up to 6 months for your cycle to become regular.
Exercise
Women who are physically very active are often subject to delayed menstrual cycles. According to MayoClinic.com, this is attributed to several factors, including low body weight, stress and the amount of energy exerted during such activities.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition in which your female sex hormones are unbalanced, according to MedlinePlus, as PCOS causes higher estrogen and androgen levels. This lowers the levels of the hormone that causes ovulation, often leading to delayed menstruation.
Scarring
The buildup of scar tissue along the lining of your uterine lining is a condition known as Asherman's syndrome. The condition can be caused by several uterine procedures, including cesarean section, fibroid treatment, dilation and curettage, reports MayoClinic.com. The scarring can lead to a delay in your menstrual cycle.
Ovarian Hypofunction
Hypofunction is a reduction of ovarian function. One factor that can cause this is chemotherapy and radiation, notes MedlinePlus. Ovarian hypofunction can cause symptoms similar to menopause, including delayed menstruation and difficulty becoming pregnant.
