No periods for a very long time. Reasons for delayed menstruation. The main causes of missed periods, other than pregnancy

Few women come to the gynecologist just to ask about their health. The most frequent visitors are pregnant women, those who need to undergo a medical commission, as well as patients with certain complaints, including delays in menstruation.

Between the ages of 12 and 14, every girl has menarche, the first sign of puberty known as menstruation. Menstruation can be irregular for 1.5-2 years, as the girl's hormonal system is still being formed.

But in some cases, it happens that by the time the hormonal background is fully mature, the delays continue. This is already an occasion to consult a doctor and find out what could be causing this.

Possible causes of delayed menstruation

A regular menstrual cycle helps to keep sex life under control and detect the first signs of pregnancy in time. Therefore, a failure usually causes anxiety and the question is: what could be the reason for the delay in menstruation?

Usually women of childbearing age associate this exclusively with pregnancy. Girls during puberty will be calm about menstrual irregularities for 2 years if their mothers have explained to them in advance what is happening in their body during this period.

Women of mature age may assume that the reason for this phenomenon is the imminent onset of menopause.

In fact, menopause does not come suddenly. A few years before menopause, periodic menstrual irregularities are observed. By this, the body warns that it is appropriate to consult a doctor.

The average duration is 28 days. In the event of a delay of several days, it is necessary to find out why this happened.

Causes of delayed menstruation of a gynecological nature in addition to pregnancy:

The period after childbirth. Throughout pregnancy, women do not have periods. After the birth of a child, renewal occurs in different ways, this process is individual in nature, depends on the physiology, health status of the female organs and the whole organism. During breastfeeding, the absence of menstruation is explained by the fact that the level of the hormone prolactin responsible for lactation increases significantly at this time. In the absence of milk, menstruation occurs after 1.5 months. In some cases, a woman becomes pregnant while breastfeeding, as the egg matures in spite of the elevated hormone levels.
Ovarian dysfunction. Dysfunction is understood as a violation of the activity of the ovaries, which regulate hormonal processes. If the periods of the menstrual cycle are shortened or increase, then ovarian failure may be the suspected cause.
Inflammatory diseases of the genital organs. Adenomyosis, the appearance of neoplasms, can cause a delay in menstruation.
Polycystic ovaries. One of the external, but optional signs of the disease is the abundant growth of hair on the face, legs, in the groin area. This cannot be a fundamental factor in making a diagnosis, since such phenomena can occur according to physiological and genetic parameters in any woman. A more significant sign of polycystic disease is a high content of the male hormone - testosterone. Its excess disrupts the menstrual cycle and can eventually lead to infertility.
Abortion. After an abortion, the body needs to restore hormonal levels, so it will take some time before all ovarian functions are restored.

Other reasons:

Weight problems. Irregular menstruation and frequent delay occurs in those who are obese. All processes in their body proceed sluggishly. Most often, these women disrupted the activity of the endocrine system. A slow metabolism affects the delay in menstruation, which is why the entire reproductive system malfunctions. With a sharp change in diet in order to lose weight and exhausting diets, the body can also respond with a delay in menstruation. With rapid weight loss, eating behavior is disturbed, an aversion to healthy vitamin products appears. As a result, the nervous system suffers. In medicine, this condition is called anorexia. This leads to a decrease in the production of hormones in the ovaries.
Hard physical labor. Physical activity associated with difficult working conditions affects not only the general state of health, but also the well-being of each organ, therefore, the violation of the menstrual cycle in this case is a fair indignation of the female organs for overwork, which is why the delay in menstruation happens quite often. Slow down is the only way out.
stressful situations. Much of the truth is that all disease comes from the nerves. During an emotional upheaval, the brain signals to all organs about the danger. At the same time, a delay in menstruation is not excluded.
Change of climatic conditions or time zone. In this case, the factor of the body's getting used to certain living conditions, the mode of work, rest and sleep is triggered. When the established routine is violated, the body reacts to it in different ways.
Taking medicines. In the treatment of certain diseases, women are prescribed drugs that can disrupt the intervals between periods. In this situation, it is necessary to stop taking them.
Chronic diseases. Diseases such as gastritis, diabetes mellitus, pathology in the kidneys and thyroid gland, make changes in the vital activity of the whole organism, respectively, affect the genitals. The use of drugs that help alleviate the course of chronic diseases can adversely affect the activity of the ovaries.
Application OK. Delayed periods can also occur during use or after discontinuation of contraceptives. The use of oral contraceptives provokes a failure in the cycle, but this is considered the norm, as the body is adapting. There may also be a short delay after the end of the medication or the break between packs. This happens because the ovaries need time to rebuild after a long period of inhibition.

Thus, there are many reasons why menstruation is delayed. If menstruation occurs within a week, then you should not worry. It is recommended to consult a doctor if the delay lasts more than 7 days.

By the way a woman's reproductive system functions, one can judge the general state of health. The appearance of cycle disorders, delayed menstruation indicate deviations in the work of the endocrine, nervous and other systems. Regular menstruation of normal duration suggests that the level of hormones is normal, a woman is able to become pregnant. The reasons for the delay in menstruation can be the processes of natural age-related changes, the body's reaction to external factors. A deviation from the norm is often a sign of a serious illness.

Content:

What is considered a delay in menstruation

It is considered normal if a woman's period comes in 21-35 days. A delay of more than 10 days is a pathology if it is not associated with a physiological restructuring of the body. 1-2 times a year, a slight delay in menstruation occurs in every woman. If this is repeated constantly, then you need to see a doctor for an examination.

Menstruation may occur at intervals of more than 40 days (oligomenorrhea, opsomenorrhea), and may also be absent for several menstrual cycles (amenorrhea).

There are natural causes for missed periods. In addition to pregnancy, this, for example, can be lactation, menopause. If the delay is not associated with normal physiological processes, then the nature of the pathology must be immediately established in order to avoid complications.

Physiological causes of delayed menstruation

The menstrual cycle is a strict sequence of processes associated with the preparation of the female body for pregnancy. Even in a perfectly healthy woman, malfunctions of this mechanism can occur under the influence of external factors. These include:

Emotional state: tense expectation of menstruation, if a woman is afraid of an unwanted pregnancy, stress at work, personal experiences.
Increased physical and mental stress, intense sports.
Moving to a new place of residence, climate change, occupation, daily routine.
Improper nutrition, passion for diets, obesity, beriberi.
Colds, chronic gastritis, diabetes, kidney disease.
Taking antibiotics and certain other medications.
Use of hormonal contraceptives, abrupt withdrawal of contraception.
Hormonal changes in the body during puberty. Within 1-2 years, menstruation comes irregularly, even missing for several months due to the immaturity of the ovaries. Then the cycle gets better. If this does not happen, then it is necessary to find out the cause of the violations.
Changes in the hormonal background during menopause. Rare irregular periods are a sign of the onset of the perimenopausal period, preceding the complete cessation of menstruation.
An increase in the level of prolactin in the body in the postpartum period associated with milk production. If a woman does not breastfeed a child, then menstruation is restored after 2 months. If she feeds, then menstruation comes after the termination of the attachment of the child to the breast.

Note: If menstruation does not come 1 year after childbirth, this may be a sign of a disease that has arisen due to birth trauma.

Constant delays occur due to intoxication of the body with alcohol, drugs, nicotine. Cycle disorders often occur in women working in hazardous industries on the night shift.

Video: Causes of delayed menstruation. When to See a Doctor

Pathologies that lead to delays in menstruation

In addition to pregnancy, the cause of delayed menstruation can be diseases of the reproductive and endocrine systems.

Hormonal disorders

A common cause of menstrual irregularities are diseases of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, ovaries, causing hormonal imbalance.

Hypothyroidism- insufficient production of thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Without these substances, the production of sex hormones in the ovaries is impossible: estrogens, progesterone, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), which ensure the maturation of the egg, ovulation and other processes of the menstrual cycle. Delayed menstruation is one of the first signs of thyroid disease in women.

Hyperprolactinemia- a disease of the pituitary gland associated with excessive production of prolactin. This hormone suppresses the production of estrogens, which are responsible for the timely maturation of eggs. The work of the ovaries is disturbed with congenital underdevelopment of the pituitary gland, brain tumors.

Adenoma(benign tumor) of the pituitary or adrenal glands. Leads to obesity, excessive growth of body hair, menstrual irregularities.

Ovarian dysfunction- violation of the production of sex hormones in the ovaries. This condition may be the result of inflammatory diseases, hormonal disorders, the installation of an intrauterine device, the use of hormonal drugs.

Video: Why menstruation is delayed or absent

Diseases of the reproductive system

Inflammatory diseases of the uterus and ovaries lead to a violation of the production of hormones that are responsible for the processes of maturation of eggs, follicles, endometrium. As a result, they are often the cause of the delay. At the same time, the volume and nature of the discharge changes, pains appear in the lower abdomen, lower back, as well as other symptoms. Often, inflammatory processes are the cause of infertility, the occurrence of tumors of the organs of the reproductive system, mammary glands. Inflammatory diseases occur due to the penetration of infection with improper hygienic care of the genitals, unprotected intercourse, traumatic damage to the uterus during childbirth, abortion, curettage.

Salpingoophoritis- inflammation of the uterus and appendages (tubes and ovaries). The process can cause ovarian dysfunction.

endometritis- inflammation of the mucous membrane of the uterus, which leads to the appearance of hypomenstrual syndrome (menstruation can come after 5-8 weeks and even no more than 4 times a year).

cervicitis- inflammation of the cervix. The process easily passes to the uterus and appendages.

hyperplasia of the endometrium. There is a pathological thickening of the mucous layer lining the uterus. It is the cause of a long delay in menstruation, after which heavy bleeding occurs. Pathology occurs due to hormonal disorders caused by diseases of the endocrine glands.

uterine fibroids- a benign tumor in the uterus, single or in the form of several nodes located both outside and inside the uterus. This disease is characterized by irregular menstruation. Long delays can alternate with a short cycle.

Polycystic ovaries- the formation of multiple cysts outside or inside the ovaries. The disease can occur without symptoms. It is often found when examining a woman for a long (more than 1 month) absence of menstruation.

Polyps of the uterus- the formation of pathological nodes in the endometrium, can spread to the neck. Delays in menstruation, prolonged heavy bleeding are characteristic. Often there is a malignant degeneration of tissues.

endometriosis- growth of the endometrium in the tubes, ovaries, in neighboring organs. This disrupts the patency of the fallopian tubes, which can cause a delay in menstruation. In addition to normal pregnancy, menstruation with endometriosis does not come on time due to an ectopic pregnancy, if the embryo is attached in the tube, and not in the uterine cavity. As a result, a pipe rupture can occur, which is life-threatening for a woman. Instead of the expected menstruation, spotting with an admixture of blood appears. A woman should pay attention to the appearance of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pulling pain in the lower abdomen (on the side where the egg was attached).

An ectopic pregnancy also occurs after diseases that lead to adhesions of the tubes and ovaries (salpingoophoritis).

Hypoplasia of the endometrium- underdevelopment of the uterine mucosa, in which the endometrial layer remains too thin, cannot hold a fertilized egg. This leads to termination of pregnancy at the very beginning, when the woman does not yet know about her onset. The next menstruation comes with a delay, brown spotting may appear before it. Hypoplasia is the result of inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs, operations on the uterus and ovaries, hormonal disorders in the body.

Addition: One common cause of delay is anorexia, a mental illness associated with an eating disorder. It is usually seen in young women. The desire to lose weight becomes an obsession. At the same time, food ceases to be absorbed, complete exhaustion occurs. Menstruation comes with increasing delay and then disappears. If you manage to restore weight, then menstruation reappears.

Why constant delays in menstruation are dangerous

Permanent delays in menstruation indicate hormonal disorders, lack of ovulation, abnormal changes in the structure of the endometrium. Pathology can occur due to serious, even dangerous diseases: tumors of the uterus, endocrine glands, polycystic ovaries. The reason for the delay in menstruation is an ectopic pregnancy.

It is necessary to establish a diagnosis as early as possible, to find out the degree of danger of the processes, since they lead, at least, to infertility, early menopause. Diseases associated with delayed menstruation cause breast tumors, cardiovascular problems, diabetes mellitus, weakened immunity, premature aging, changes in appearance. For example, if the delay occurs due to polycystic ovaries, then the woman dramatically increases weight, up to obesity, hair appears on the face and chest (as in men), acne, seborrhea.

Timely treatment of diseases that caused the lengthening of the cycle often avoids infertility, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and prevents the appearance of cancer.

Examination methods, establishing the reasons for the delay

To determine the cause of the delay in menstruation, an examination is carried out.

It is checked whether a woman is ovulating. To do this, during the entire cycle, the basal body temperature is measured (in the rectum), a schedule is drawn up. The presence of ovulation is evidenced by a sharp increase in temperature above 37 ° in the middle of the cycle.

A blood test for hormones is carried out to detect deviations from the norm, possible consequences.

With the help of ultrasound, the state of the pelvic organs is studied, the presence of tumors and other pathologies in the uterus and appendages is detected.

Computerized and magnetic resonance imaging (CT and MRI) methods are used to examine the brain, the state of the pituitary gland.

Faced with a hormonal disorder, namely a delay in menstruation, the first thing that comes to mind is pregnancy. It is easy to guess what scenario of actions will follow.

Of course, a woman will first buy a test to rule out the most likely cause. Suppose that this very test gave a negative result, temporarily lulling her vigilance, but there are plenty of reasons for a delay in menstruation, in addition to pregnancy.

Why no menses?

When a woman turns to a gynecologist due to a delay in menstruation for a week, or even 2 months, she often hears a diagnosis of ovarian dysfunction.

Please note that with this diagnosis, the doctor only confirms the irregularity of the menstrual cycle (that is, the stoppage of menstruation), excluding the option of pregnancy. So dysfunction is not the cause of the disease, but only the conclusion that something is wrong with the body.

Now you need to find out what caused the stop of menstruation. But the reasons for this are much more than it seems.

Factors that can affect cycle regularity

Gynecological factors of menstrual cycle failure

The reason for the failure of the menstrual cycle and a long delay (20 days or more) can also be gynecological diseases:

cervical cancer;
uterine fibroids;
cyst;
violations and infectious infection of the genitourinary system;
contraceptives (spiral).

Any disease, be it a tumor or an inflammatory process, requires timely diagnosis and treatment, which will at least double the chances of a full recovery. Therefore, with any sensations of discomfort, especially if there are no periods for more than 2 weeks, you should not neglect your health, but you need to seek qualified medical help.

External interference such as abortion or miscarriage also have an impact on the stability of the menstrual cycle. Pregnancy initially causes resonance and drastic changes in the body, and if this pregnancy is interrupted artificially, you cannot do without failures. Typically, recovery after surgery takes 1-2 months, after a vacuum 4 months or more. If there were surgical interventions, there is no reason to worry about a delay in menstruation even up to 4 months. It may also happen that the cycle (stopping menstruation) is not restored at all, then you should immediately consult a doctor.

Hormonal contraceptives take not the last place in the imbalance. The hormones contained in these contraceptives stimulate the menstrual cycle, but are addictive, adjusting the rhythms of menstruation according to the schedule of taking the drugs. After stopping the tablets for several weeks and up to 2 months, delays may occur. The situation will be repeated until the full recovery and settlement of menstruation. Hormonal contraceptives are a forced measure that should not be abused. Constant changes in the hormonal background will not go unnoticed for the body.

Non-gynecological factors of menstrual irregularities

When for a month, 2 months there was a stop of menstruation, but there is no pregnancy, it is easy to guess that something is wrong with the body.

If there are no gynecological problems, it is worth thinking about the reasons for the absence of menstruation. As we already know, all processes in the body are controlled by the brain. The cerebral cortex, hypothalamus and pituitary gland are responsible for the menstrual cycle. If there are disturbances in the functioning of the brain, it is possible that this could be the cause of the delay.

Also, do not forget that there are a number of diseases that affect the entire work of our body. These include:

diabetes;
thyroid diseases;
diseases of the adrenal glands;
diseases of the endocrine system (in such cases, the delay can range from two weeks to up to 4 months).

Against the backdrop of all the negative internal processes, a woman has to deal with such unpleasant symptoms as being overweight and weak immunity, which often leads to a deterioration in well-being, at least doubling the stress for the whole organism as a whole.

Let's not forget about the climax. When a woman's reproductive age comes to its logical conclusion, some menstruation failures can be observed. Usually it is 1 month, but sometimes more (2-4 months). At this age, it is especially important to identify “malfunctions” in the body at an early stage, at least within two weeks.

PCOS or Polyscytic Ovarian Syndrome. What's this?

The reason for the prolonged absence of menstruation (more than 20 days) may indicate a pathology such as Polyscytic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). This name hides a serious imbalance of hormonal levels, which often results from impaired ovarian function. At the same time, the production of tarragon and androgens increases in the body. Among other things, this disease is characterized by a functional disorder of the pancreas and adrenal cortex.

Not only a long delay in menstruation (2-4 months) can indicate PCOS, but also the appearance of a woman. The first signs of the disease are obesity and active hair growth (in the groin, legs, upper lip, etc.), that is, the male hormone predominates in the female body. But it is worth remembering that appearance still will not give a 100% result, since, for example, in Eastern women, intensive hair growth is associated with national characteristics. The surest way to calculate the disease is to undergo an examination and take tests.

PCOS, like any other disease, has its own characteristics. In some cases, PCOS can lead to infertility, but you should not focus on this, because this disease is treated with hormonal drugs. Taking only a month of prescribed medicine, not only the work of the ovaries improves, but also the appearance of a woman. This is due to the fact that with the help of the drug, the female body begins to produce female sex hormones, which leads to the normalization of the general condition of the body and the regulation of the menstrual cycle.

When there is a delay. What to do?

When there is a delay, young women who are sexually active and girls who have just started it should do the following:

pregnancy test;
determine other factors (climate change, stress, diet, etc.), usually the duration of the delay starts from 20 days and can last up to 4 months;
will turn to a gynecologist if the delay is 3 months.

If the woman is not sexually active:

determine other factors;
turn to a gynecologist in case of a delay of 20 days and no more than 2-3 months, but no more than 4 months.

If a woman has crossed the 40-year barrier:

visit a medical institution for examination in case of absence of menstruation from 20 days to 4 months.

If you stop taking hormones:

visit a gynecologist if the delay lasts from 20 days to 2-3 months. Sometimes the delay can reach up to 4 months.

If any discomfort is felt in the body, an urgent need to contact a specialist for medical help.

- this is the absence of cyclic bleeding for more than 35 days in a woman of reproductive age who has not entered the menopause. There can be many reasons for such a violation of menstrual function, they are caused by physiological, organic and functional disorders.

As for the age at which the delay is observed, it can be different, starting from the period of puberty of the girl and ending with the period of premenopause. Statistics indicate that 100% of women have faced this problem at least once in their lives.

What are the reasons for delayed menstruation?

Naturally, the most common reason that the next menstrual cycle does not start on time is pregnancy. In addition, a woman's taste sensations change, morning sickness can be observed, and even painful sensations appear in the mammary glands. All these signs are associated with a change in the hormonal background in a woman's body after conception.

However, pregnancy is an obvious reason for the onset of a delay and it is not difficult to determine it using a special test.

If the result is negative, then other reasons should be considered, including:

Increased emotional stress, for example, strong, study load before exams. Do not underestimate the impact of stress on a woman's body. It can cause serious malfunctions in the areas of the brain that are responsible for hormonal regulation. Under severe stress, menstruation can stop even for several years.

Increased physical stress associated, for example, with increased sports training or difficult working conditions.

Professional heavy sports.

Refusal to take hormonal contraceptives. This delay is due to the fact that the functionality of the ovaries is reduced against the background of a long supply of hormones from the outside. A deviation from the norm in this case is the absence of more than 2-3 cycles.

Taking drugs with a high content of hormones, which are used as methods of emergency contraception. For example, such means as Postinora, Escapeli, etc.

Violations of the maturation of the follicle, which is expressed in its atresia or persistence.

The period after childbirth, when the delay is due to hormonal changes due to the onset. The body in excess begins to produce prolactin, which contributes to the suppression of the functionality of the ovaries. A woman needs to know that if the baby does not receive a breast, then menstruation should begin after two months. If the mother feeds the child, then menstruation should be restored after the cessation of lactation.

Viral infections, for example, SARS and.

Exacerbation of chronic diseases:,. In addition, functional impairments, etc., may have an impact.

Taking medicines. Antidepressants, corticosteroids, chemotherapy for oncological diseases can have an effect.

Digestive disorders, which may be due to strict diets, diseases, overeating, metabolic failures, etc.

Abortion. In this case, either hormonal disorders or mechanical damage lead to a delay.

Ectopic or missed pregnancy. Both cases require immediate surgical intervention.

Miscarriage in the early stages after conception.

Marked weight loss. A disease such as anorexia can lead to a complete shutdown of the functionality of the ovaries.

Alcohol abuse, drug use. Often, a delay in menstruation can occur in women who prefer beer to all alcoholic beverages.

Hypothermia of the body, as well as its overheating, can provoke a delay in the next cycle.

An increase in the level of prolactin in the blood, which can become a symptom of a brain tumor.

Reasons for delaying menstruation by 2-3-4-5 days

Failure in the menstrual cycle for a short period of time - up to 5 days or less, is considered the norm. However, if after this time the menstruation has not resumed, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

There may be several reasons for such a short delay, and most often they are explained by natural physiological processes occurring in the body. So, in the puberty period, when the formation of the cycle is still taking place, such breaks are not any deviation from the norm. Temporal fluctuations with delays of up to 5 or even 7 days can be observed for 1.5-2 years. After that, the menstrual schedule should return to normal. If this does not happen, then you should seek the advice of a doctor.

In addition, such a delay is a frequent companion of the premenopausal period, when there is a progressive slowdown in menstrual function. The rhythms of a woman's body change, as well as the timing of each cycle. At this time, delays in menstruation can be replaced by their complete absence.

Sometimes such time delays can also occur in women of childbearing age. Most often, women themselves are able to determine the reason for such a short delay - this is the onset of pregnancy, breastfeeding, refusal to take oral contraceptives, acclimatization and other natural physiological reasons. But if such violations become regular, then this indicates pathological processes occurring in the body and a doctor's consultation is necessary in this case.

According to doctors, a short single delay in menstruation for up to five days is a physiological norm and most often does not require special treatment. However, no one knows her body better than the woman herself. Therefore, if there is reason to be concerned about a delay of even a few days, then you should not put off going to the doctor.

Causes of a delay in menstruation for 10-15 days or more, the test is negative

Prolonged absence of the menstrual cycle is a delay of 10-15 days or more. If the pregnancy test did not give a positive result, then it makes sense to start worrying about your own health. Most often, such a prolonged absence of menstruation indicates the presence of any disorders in the body. Only a doctor can correctly diagnose the cause of the delay and prescribe treatment.

Of course, the cycle can recover on its own if the delay was caused by stress or acclimatization.

But, if this does not happen, and the delay is 15 or more days, then this may be due to the following reasons:

Oligomenorrhea, which is characterized by a weakening of menstruation. They are becoming not only scarce, but also rare. The interval can be from 15 days to six months. This pathology occurs in about 3% of women.

Polycystic ovary syndrome, when multiple cystic formations begin to grow inside and outside them. It occurs in both young girls and older women.

Endometriosis can delay the menstrual cycle.

Alimentary causes caused by imbalance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, lack of vitamins, microelements supplied with food.

Any major life change. Delays may appear against the background of the fact that adaptive and adaptive mechanisms work much worse with age. Even a short trip to the sea can have an effect.

Taking medications, the number of which increases significantly as a woman ages. Any drug can provoke a delay, but most often at this age it is observed while taking antipsychotropic drugs, drugs to get rid of endometriosis - Zoladex, Diferelin, Buserelin, and also due to the use of Duphaston, Lanazol, Methyldopa, etc.

Any diseases of the reproductive system, for example, polycystic ovaries, benign and malignant tumors, vaginal colpitis, etc.

Given these factors, a woman should seek the advice of a specialist if the delays become regular and exceed the physically acceptable limits of 5 days.

What are the dangers of constant delays in menstruation?

If a single delay in menstruation within physiologically acceptable limits is not a threat to a woman's health, then regular failures are fraught with danger. It lies in the fact that the cause that caused the delay will not be diagnosed and eliminated in time.

It is important to seek medical help for frequent cycle disorders, as:

The delay may be caused by the growth of a microadenoma, a malignant brain tumor. Cycle disorders are caused by an increase in the level of prolactin in the blood.

Inflammation of the uterus and appendages can cause not only delays, but also lead to anovular infertility, the formation of a purulent process, pelvic thrombophlebitis, parametritis. In addition, depletion of the follicular apparatus due to regular delays due to inflammation of the appendages often leads to an early menopause, at the age of 35 and younger.

Any neglected female diseases threaten the development of complete infertility, and they can begin with the usual delays in menstruation.

Polystosis of the ovaries, often manifested in delayed menstruation, can lead to the development of gestational diabetes, obesity and. As a result, the entire cardiovascular system suffers, up to blockage of the veins, heart attack and.

Any hormonal disruption not only disrupts a woman's well-being, but also causes miscarriages, uterine fibroids, is fraught with development, diabetes, and malignant cancerous tumors. In addition, in addition to delaying menstruation, hormonal disorders significantly worsen a woman’s quality of life (mammary glands appear, sleep is disturbed, sweating increases, etc.) and lead to changes in her appearance (obesity or thinness, underdevelopment of the mammary glands, increased hair growth on body, oily skin, etc.).

Early menopause leads to premature aging of the skin, weakening of the body's immune forces, the development of atherosclerosis, premature extinction of reproductive function, an increased risk of developing diabetes, etc.

Due to the fact that regular violations of the menstrual cycle can cause serious health problems, women must definitely consult a gynecologist and other necessary examinations to determine the cause of the failure.

What to do if there is a delay in menstruation?

If there are regularly repeated delays in menstruation or the delay exceeds the maximum allowable physiological limits of five days, then you should consult a doctor. After finding out the reasons, the woman will be prescribed appropriate treatment. Most often, therapy is carried out with the use of hormonal pills. However, in no case should they be taken on their own, without medical advice. This is extremely dangerous for a woman's health and can disrupt the entire hormonal system, which means it can lead to serious health problems.

Among the most common hormonal drugs, doctors prescribe the following:

Postinor. It is a drug used for emergency contraception. This remedy is used if it is necessary to induce the menstrual cycle as soon as possible. However, it is recommended only for regular menstruation, since its use can provoke cycle disorders, and if used very often, lead to infertility.

Duphaston. They are used if the delay in the menstrual cycle is caused by insufficient levels of progesterone in the body. Only a doctor should adjust the dose, based on the studies. If there is no pregnancy, and the delay does not exceed 7 days, then postinor is prescribed for a period of 5 days. After this time, menstruation should begin two or three days later.

Mifepristone can be used to induce menstruation early in pregnancy up to 42 days. However, it should never be used if an ectopic pregnancy is suspected. reception should be carried out under the supervision of a physician, since the indiscriminate use of mifepristone leads to a violation of the hormonal background.

Pulsatilla. Another hormonal drug that can be prescribed for delayed menstruation. This is the safest remedy that does not lead to weight gain, does not affect the nervous system. However, it should not be taken by girls who have an irregular cycle.

Non-ovlon, a drug that stimulates the onset of the menstrual cycle, is able to prevent acyclic bleeding. It contains estrogen and progestin. Most often, with a delay, two tablets are prescribed after 12 hours. However, before using it, a mandatory consultation with a specialist, since the drug has side effects and can disrupt the functioning of the reproductive organs.

Progesterone is an injectable hormone. It is used to call menstruation, the selection of the dosage is carried out strictly individually. Increased intake of progesterone in the body can cause a lot of side effects, including excessive hair growth, weight gain, menstrual irregularities. Never more than 10 injections. The effect is based on stimulating the work of the glands located in the mucous membrane of the uterus. The tool has a number of contraindications, including: liver failure, breast tumors, etc.

Norkolut, causes menstruation, as it contains norethisterone, which in its action is similar to the action of gestagens. And their lack often provokes failures in cycles and their delay. The course of treatment should not exceed five days, it is not used during pregnancy, as it threatens with miscarriage and bleeding. It has a large number of contraindications and side effects, so a preliminary consultation with a doctor is necessary.

Utrozhestan. It is a means of suppressing estrogen and stimulating the production of progesterone, which determines its therapeutic effect. In addition, there is a stimulating effect on the development of the endometrium. The drug can be administered vaginally, which is its undoubted advantage, however, this remedy also has some contraindications.

Naturally, the use of hormonal drugs to induce menstruation is not a safe method. They must be taken correctly, as they can cause irreparable harm to health.

It should be understood that any intervention in the hormonal background must be justified. Each medicine is selected strictly individually and subject to clear medical recommendations. Only in this way can you preserve your own health and avoid negative consequences. But long delays should not be ignored either. Therefore, the most correct decision will be a trip to the doctor and the passage of reasonable and adequate therapy.

Education: Diploma "Obstetrics and Gynecology" received at the Russian State Medical University of the Federal Agency for Health and Social Development (2010). In 2013, she completed her postgraduate studies at the NMU. N. I. Pirogov.

A regular cycle with a stable duration of menstrual bleeding is an indirect sign of good women's health. During the year, a representative of the weaker sex may experience a single delay in menstruation, which will not be a deviation. If failures in the cycle occur regularly, this suggests a possible disease. It is possible to establish the correct cause that caused the ailment with the help of modern diagnostic manipulations.

The classic menstrual cycle has a duration of 21 to 35 days, and regular bleeding lasts 3-7 days. It is good if menstruation comes on time, without catching its owner by surprise. However, every woman had to deal with the fact that there is a delay in menstruation, the causes of which are not exactly known. To correctly assess your own condition, you need to understand how many days there should be no menstruation in order to talk about a delay.

When 1 day delay, it is too early to talk about a deviation from the norm. Perhaps, indeed, there was some kind of malfunction in the body, but doctors do not consider this condition a cause for concern. It is allowed to vary the period of arrival of menstruation by 5 days in one direction or another. If the delay is 10 days, then it’s already worth starting to worry. The examination will help determine the reasons for the absence of another bleeding.

If the cycle is stable and fits into the range of 21-35 days, then gynecologists talk about regular menstruation. When a woman has a period from one bleeding to another is 21 days, and the next month passes 30 or 35, and this is repeated constantly - this is a cause for concern. The duration of the menstrual cycle of more than 40 days is also a deviation from the norm, requiring correction.

There are many ways to determine the delay now. For all, the basis is a calendar count. A woman can mark the necessary days on or keep statistics in electronic form.

Modern phones allow you to install applications that will remind you of your next period, which is very convenient. Keeping statistics allows you to suspect a failure even if there is only a 2-day delay. It may not be time to go to the doctor, but in such a situation, you can think about a new position - pregnancy.

I am pregnant?

Because of what there may be a delay, it is because of pregnancy. This is what the representatives of the weaker sex, their partners and doctors immediately think about. Throughout the cycle, there is a change in hormonal levels. The secretion of the necessary substances allows the growth of the dominant follicle, which breaks approximately in the middle of the menstrual cycle, if its duration falls within the range of 26-28 days. Subsequently, progesterone is actively produced, which prepares the uterine cavity for implantation and maintains a new state during the first three months of pregnancy.

The desired level of progesterone does not allow the next menstruation to occur, otherwise the pregnancy will be terminated. Therefore, after fertilization, a woman always finds that she has a delay and her chest hurts.

Even when using contraceptives, there is a minimal chance of conception. None of the methods of protection against unwanted pregnancy does not completely eliminate it. A woman who is sexually active always runs the risk of becoming pregnant. Therefore, the absence of menstruation (delay of 5 days or more) is the reason for a home pregnancy test.

An ectopic pregnancy is also accompanied by a delay in menstruation, however, in this condition, after 1-2 weeks, spotting and abdominal pain appear. If a woman is experiencing these symptoms, then she needs emergency medical attention. Inaction and home treatment can result in internal bleeding and death.

Violation of the cycle: failure or disease?

You can be absolutely sure that there is no pregnancy and look for other reasons for delaying menstruation if sexual intercourse is completely excluded. Failure of the menstrual cycle has a physiological and pathological origin. You can suspect the first one yourself, but the gynecologist must confirm this. Pathology and various diseases of the genital area usually cannot be detected by itself, so an examination is required.

Physiological causes

Physiological reasons for the absence of another bleeding appear under the influence of external and internal factors. The most common is emotional. Due to stress, nervous tension, a delay of 7 days or less can easily occur. Other failure provocateurs include:

stress (mental, physical);
change of climatic conditions (moving, change of residence, travel);
diets (malnutrition, strict restriction of oneself in food and water, fasting);
treatment with medications (for example, antibiotics or corticosteroids);
improper use of oral contraceptives or their abrupt cancellation.

Normally, up to 12 days delay (or even more) occurs in young girls in puberty. The formation of the menstrual cycle occurs within one year. If after 12 months the bleeding has not taken a certain regularity, then it is necessary to be examined.

Menopause also belongs to the physiological reasons for the absence of menstruation. It occurs in women at the age of 45-55. At a younger age, premature menopause occurs when the ovaries are depleted or after their resection.

Some pathologies can be attributed to the physiological reasons for the failure of the menstrual cycle: SARS, diabetes, gastritis or ulcers, thyroid diseases.

Pathological causes

Gynecological diseases, hormonal disorders, infectious processes - this is why the delay in menstruation, if not pregnant. It is impossible to determine these conditions without medical help. A woman can only suspect about them. Hormonal causes of menstrual irregularities include:

hypothyroidism - a violation of the production of thyroid hormones, which entails insufficient secretion of FSH and LH;
hyperprolactinemia - a violation of the pituitary gland, which provokes estrogen deficiency;
adenoma (pituitary or adrenal glands) - causes malfunctions in the production of all hormones;
ovarian dysfunction - pathological processes in the reproductive glands caused by inflammation, improper use of contraceptives (oral or intrauterine) or other factors.

The root cause that a woman has a delay of 9 days or more may be inflammation. This condition affects the entire reproductive system. The longer it is present in the body, the harder it will be to restore the natural reproductive function. After an examination of the inflammatory process, one or more conditions can be detected:

salpingoophoritis - infection of the uterus with appendages, often causes dysfunction of the gonads;
endometritis - an inflammatory process in the mucous membrane of the reproductive organ, in which menstruation can occur only 4 times a year;
cervicitis - the process of inflammation affecting the cervix, eventually affects the rest of the pelvic organs;
hyperplasia - pathological growth of the endometrium, thickening, in which long delays end in massive bleeding;
fibroids - a tumor in the uterine cavity that causes long delays;
endometriosis - the spread of endometrial tissue to the pelvic organs, accompanied by long cycles of 50-70 days;
hypoplasia - underdevelopment of the mucous layer of the uterus, manifested by a delay in menstruation and brown discharge.

Delayed examinations

If a delay in menstruation is found, then why it happened can be found out after a medical examination and examination. The first thing to do is to contact a gynecologist. In order to exclude pregnancy and to assess the condition of the pelvic organs, the specialist prescribes an ultrasound examination. A woman can save time by doing it before visiting the doctor. Then the doctor will already have a clearer picture of the state of health. Based on the results of ultrasound, problems such as fibroids, polyps, ovarian cysts, inflammation, ectopic pregnancy or endometriosis can be detected. If necessary, tomography (computer or magnetic) is recommended. The study will differentiate existing neoplasms.