Reasons for missed periods other than pregnancy. What to do if there is a month delay? Why no menstruation?

Menstruation is an integral part of every woman’s life. They indicate that everything is fine with the female body, and their absence may indicate pregnancy. The first signs of menstruation are special sensations that are directly related to the natural restructuring that occurs in women every month.

What are the first signs of menstruation?

Each woman has completely different symptoms before menstruation: as a rule, breast swelling, pain in the lower abdomen above the pubis, brown spotting, irritability, short temper, a voracious appetite, etc.

Approximately 45% of women experience the appearance of PMS; the older they are, the more severe the symptoms. As a rule, signs appear 10 days before the start of menstruation.

Women report fatigue, general malaise, vomiting, depression and aggression.

Some ladies become unbearable during PMS and cause a lot of trouble to their loved ones due to their aggressive and irritable state.

Although the symptoms of the onset of menstruation may be different for all women, there are many common signs.

The first signs of the onset of menstruation in women, what are they:

feeling depressed and tearful;

anxiety;

aggression;

hopelessness;

headache;

malaise;

a great desire not to see anyone;

absent-mindedness, it is impossible to concentrate and concentrate;

increased appetite;

excessive sleepiness;

insomnia;

flatulence

the appearance of swelling;

The breasts become sensitive and pain is felt in the mammary glands.

As a rule, several symptoms occur simultaneously. If the signs before menstruation cause a lot of discomfort, you need to visit a doctor who will prescribe appropriate therapy. It is worth understanding in detail all the signs of an attack. critical days.

“Beastly” appetite before menstruation

Extra pounds are a sore subject for every woman. Before the start of menstruation, you should expect an increased feeling of hunger and really want to eat. Of course, the same female hormones are to blame. During this period, the body is deficient in serotonin, the hormone of joy.

In order for all processes to return to normal, a lot of carbohydrates are needed, which is why the feeling of hunger appears. To avoid gaining weight, you need qualified help from a nutritionist and endocrinologist. The principle of the diet is to eat small portions, often. Drink more water, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as dairy products.

The appearance of acne before the onset of menstruation

A week before the start of menstruation, many women experience acne on their facial skin. This symptom is considered individual, but the frequency of its manifestation is 95%.

Does vomiting indicate the onset of menstruation?

The cause of vomiting is the increased level of female hormones during this period. Vomiting often worsens when taking birth control medications. This may indicate that the product was chosen incorrectly.

Nausea can also occur due to the design of the uterus. Before menstruation, it increases and puts pressure on the nerve centers, which provoke vomiting.

Nausea before menstruation can also occur with excessive exercise.

After the ovulation phase, the body begins to prepare for conception, and a decrease in progesterone is noted. If fertilization does not occur, menstruation begins. A large number of women do not notice that they have a headache.

More sensitive ladies complain about such signs. The water-salt balance deserves attention; if it is disturbed, it can cause headaches. Separate attention should be paid to the development of depression.

Frequent bowel movement

This sign is common occurrence. Sometimes emptying may be accompanied by pain in the urinary canal. A deviation is considered to be if a woman urinates more than 10 times a day.

Frequent urge to urinate may be caused by hormonal imbalance, formations in the bladder, stones in urinary tract, neuroses, diabetes, uterine prolapse and fibroids.

But if you constantly want “small”, you may have cystitis. This is a bladder disease.

If the urge appears only a week before your period, this is a signal that menstruation will begin soon.

What if you have symptoms but no periods?

There are situations when women experience the first signs a week before the start of menstruation, but still don’t have their period. This situation may indicate pregnancy. But even before the expected menstruation begins, the test is unlikely to clarify anything. The hCG level at this stage of pregnancy is too low. Only a blood test for the level of “pregnancy hormone” can accurately determine pregnancy.

If the delay is long, you need to do a test, and if it is negative, you need to immediately visit a gynecologist.

The problem and causes can be different: diseases, metabolic disorders, stress, hormone imbalance, etc.

In any case, if there are all the signs that your period is about to start, but it doesn’t, you should be wary. It is not a fact that this is a dangerous disease or pathology, but it is still worth contacting a gynecologist for advice.

Why erroneous symptoms appear:

• Often, pain before menstruation can occur if a woman has been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst.
• Symptoms such as before menstruation may occur with endometriosis, a progressive adhesive disease.
• Pain that a girl mistakenly perceives as signs of menstruation is called acyclic and may not be associated with menstruation.
• Another possible reason, when a week before menstruation all the signs of the oncoming period appear, even spotting may begin, is an ectopic pregnancy. This pregnancy is “wrong” and it is very dangerous for the woman’s life, so you need to visit the gynecologist on time.

What measures to take when there are signs of imminent menstruation, but your period does not begin? Contact a doctor who will prescribe effective treatment. With amenorrhea, all premenstrual symptoms may persist, but menstruation is completely absent. And this condition can last up to six months.

Why can your stomach hurt before your period?

Almost every woman before the onset of menstruation feels a lingering pain in the lower abdomen, possibly bloating and intestinal dysfunction. These sensations appear 5–7 days before the onset of menstrual flow.

What reasons can provoke pain in the lower abdomen before menstruation?

• low level of endorphins in the blood;
• there are inflammatory processes;
• stress, depression;
• gynecological anomalies;
• infections of the reproductive organs.

If the pain is severe and unbearable, call an ambulance immediately.

Treatment of unpleasant symptoms

Typically used symptomatic therapy which helps relieve discomfort and discomfort. The gynecologist must conduct a survey and prescribe the necessary laboratory tests that will help establish the cause of the obvious signs.

If symptoms are related to hormonal levels, use hormone therapy, the course lasts approximately three months. Infectious diseases require antibacterial treatment. In order to prevent bleeding before menstruation, curettage is performed.

Medications may be prescribed to relieve swelling of the extremities.

You can also make your life easier during this period. Start leading healthy image life, engage in regular physical activity, reduce salt and flour consumption. Avoid coffee and alcohol.

Avoid foods that can cause fluid stagnation in the body. In order to withdraw excess liquid Your doctor may prescribe diuretics.

In fact, every woman is already accustomed to the signs of menstruation. But if they become very pronounced, you need to urgently visit a doctor to avoid unpleasant consequences that can cause the development of pathology.

Signs of menstruation: what is normal and what should you be wary of

Menstruation is a sign of a woman's health. Usually bleeding first begin around 12-15, give or take a couple of years. Their approach is indicated by special signs of menstruation, which every girl should know.

Those who have not yet had a period should carefully monitor the changes that occur in the body. So, what signs can signal the approach of your first period?

First of all, it is physical and puberty: breast enlargement , their sensitivity and even pain, hip expansion – from girlish, almost boyish, they transform into feminine. Also indicates approaching menstruation pubic and armpit hair growth , which means the beginning of the functioning of the gonads. In addition, in most cases, the first signs of menstruation manifest themselves as light creamy discharge .

If you are in adolescence If you notice one or more of these symptoms, you need to notify your mother. There is nothing to be ashamed of, because this is a natural process of growing up. Read more about your first period

If you are an adult woman

It is not difficult for an experienced woman to determine the signs of menstruation in a week - this is when they appear. Usually this:

• engorgement of the mammary glands - they increase in volume, become denser and more sensitive. Also, in some cases, there is soreness in the nipple area. Sometimes, along with breast enlargement, dry mouth appears;
• In young girls, signs of the onset of menstruation are expressed in increased acne, localized on the forehead. Of course, if you are approaching the noble age of 45-50 years, then this symptom will most likely be absent. But according to statistics, up to 30-35 years of age it is observed in 99% of women;
• Another pronounced sign before menstruation is nagging pain in the lower abdomen. Most often, they appear immediately before the onset of menstruation and accompany bleeding for 2-3 days. Similar feelings are complemented aching pain in the lower back.

Although these symptoms are considered normal, their intensification may be a sign of some kind of abnormality. Therefore, visit your gynecologist regularly and monitor your cycle using a calendar. Read more about how to calculate your menstrual cycle >

Some women mistakenly refer to normal period symptoms as premenstrual syndrome. After all, this is not just breast swelling, acne or abdominal pain, but a whole set of neuropsychic symptoms that signal endocrine disorders. Signs of PMS before menstruation are divided into 4 types, depending on the form of the syndrome.

1. In the neuropsychic form of the disease, a woman becomes irritable, tearful or aggressive, feels weak to the point of nausea, and becomes depressed. Among the physiological signs of PMS This form is classified as flatulence.
2. The edematous form of PMS manifests itself as acute pain in the breasts, swelling of the face, ankles, and hands. Patients also experience bloating, itchy skin and increased sweating.
3. The cephalgic form occurs accompanied by migraine, irritability, nausea and dizziness. Often these symptoms develop into pain in the heart area, numbness of the fingers and swelling.
4. The most severe, crisis form of PMS is characterized by a jump blood pressure, weight in chest and manic fear of death.

Remember, premenstrual syndrome is not just a sign of menstruation. This is a complex condition that requires treatment.

Symptoms are present, but menstruation is late

Sometimes it happens that there are signs of menstruation, but no menstruation, and this worries any woman. If you have experienced all the required symptoms, and your period is late, this most likely indicates pregnancy. Doing a test before the delay is useless, since the hCG level is still too low. If, even after a long wait, the critical days still have not arrived, and the test is still negative, you need to urgently go to the gynecologist and have an ultrasound done. A similar picture may indicate a tumor on the ovaries, hormonal imbalance, metabolic disorders or acute infection. The cause of amenorrhea (prolonged delay of menstruation) can be abortion, miscarriage, stress, overwork or a long absence of a sexual partner.

What should concern you

Usually the menstruation itself is preceded by light whitish discharge, this is normal. But if the spotting before your period becomes abundant or changes color, it is better to go to the doctor:

5. If thick, curdled flakes are discharged from the vagina, thrush may be suspected. It’s not scary and can be treated quickly, but you shouldn’t delay going to the clinic;
6. if you have recently given birth and your cycle is just recovering, your period may be preceded by black spotting;
7. pink discharge, reminiscent of ichor, warns of cervical erosion. This may also be a symptom of endocercevitis and other infectious diseases;
8. if brown spotting begins before your period, which is usually a harbinger of endometriosis and hormonal imbalance, you need to get tested by a gynecologist;
9. The most dangerous thing is the thick mucous greenish-yellow discharge, signaling purulent cervicitis.

Of course, all these phenomena may be random and not pose a danger to women's health. But to make sure of this, you should visit a doctor and listen to his recommendations.

Symptoms of PMS or pregnancy, how to distinguish

Sometimes, while waiting for your period to start, you feel a certain discomfort, but your period never comes. This leads to doubts about whether pregnancy has occurred?

The first symptoms of pregnancy are similar to symptoms of PMS. Each girl experiences different unpleasant sensations, but the most common ones can be noted:

10. swelling and sensitivity of the mammary glands;
11. drowsiness;
12. craving for certain types food;
13. increased sensitivity to smells;

All these manifestations are associated with changes in hormonal levels in the body. The balance of progesterone and estrogen is disrupted, which affects the neuro-emotional state and causes deterioration in well-being.

Let's look at this in more detail.

Swelling and chest pain are characteristic of both PMS and pregnancy. This is due to changes in hormone levels, so this sign is not decisive. The only thing you can take into account is the duration of this condition.

During pregnancy, this symptom accompanies the young mother all the time, as processes associated with lactation occur in the chest.

With PMS, this symptom lasts for several days.

Discomfort in the back area

Back pain during pregnancy occurs much later, closer to the third trimester. In the early stages this is not characteristic feature, may occur due to a state of general malaise. More pronounced painful sensations appear in the back during PMS.

Bloody issues

Bloody discharge during pregnancy is not profuse, more spotting and lasts 2-3 days, general health is better than during normal menstruation.

This discharge may begin a little earlier than the expected period, and can be brown or brown in color.

Bloody discharge during pregnancy is explained by the process of attachment of the embryo in the uterine mucosa. Such phenomena do not happen often during pregnancy, but 2 of my friends experienced this.

Every woman should listen very carefully to her body, then such symptoms will not go unnoticed. This symptom is quite indicative. It is important to learn to determine the difference between spotting during pregnancy and menstruation. PMS may also be characterized by nausea, but this is short-term and a rare event

, and occurs much earlier than during pregnancy. Early toxicosis of pregnant women leads to aversion to food. Nausea occurs not only in the morning, but throughout the day at any time. Under influence unpleasant odors

, toxicosis intensifies.

Usually this symptom occurs after 5 weeks, which is associated with the vital processes of the fetus. The metabolism has not yet been established, and fetal decay products enter the mother’s blood and cause minor intoxication. This continues until 4-5 months, while the placenta matures. Vomiting may occur periodically.

This symptom may manifest itself differently in one woman during different pregnancies. My friend did not have toxicosis while expecting a boy, but when she became pregnant with her daughter, nausea and vomiting accompanied her constantly. From my own experience, I will say that toxicosis accompanied me from 5 to 16 weeks, but for two of my friends, it clearly stopped at 12 weeks. Several of my good friends did not suffer from it at all.

Cravings for certain types of food

During pregnancy, food tastes often change, cravings for certain foods arise, and familiar foods can cause disgust. The expression “craving something salty means pregnancy” is known to everyone, and this is understandable; there is often a desire to eat sweet and salty foods.

But such a symptom is also not decisive, since from my own experience I will say that before PMS my appetite greatly increases, like most of my friends.

This is also understandable from a physiological point of view - the body accumulates nutrients before significant blood loss.

Aching pain in the lower abdomen

During pregnancy - short-term, non-intrusive and sluggish.

With PMS, the pain is more severe and unpleasant, and there is bloating, especially on the first day. A third of my friends have a tummy tug throughout their period. There are also lucky women who do not experience such unpleasant sensations.

When pregnancy occurs, the egg is fertilized, and the uterus begins to prepare for its implantation. During the attachment of the fruit egg to the mucous membrane, unpleasant sensations are possible. Before menstruation, the reverse process occurs - the mucous membrane peels off, which is released during menstruation. It gives a similar feeling. In both cases, the pain is of a different nature.

Sudden changes in emotional state During pregnancy, mood swings are extreme, emotions are stronger and appear more vividly. One of my friends, in the early stages of pregnancy, wanted to cry all the time, she felt sorry for everyone and was offended to the point of tears, or she simply laughed merrily at an insignificant joke. Moodiness and causeless anxiety

also constantly accompany the woman. With PMS they are more often present negative emotions

, increased nervous tension, panic attacks, anger, rage. Everything returns to normal with the start of menstruation.

It is this indicator that most often catches the eye of others. The nature of this symptom is related to hormones, but there are also differences in its manifestation.

Fatigue and dizziness

14. During pregnancy, there is a sharp increase in progesterone levels, which causes increased fatigue in the first weeks.
15. There is a decrease in blood pressure and sugar levels Increases total

blood in the body

This causes deterioration in health and dizziness. Characteristic features include absent-mindedness and fatigue. Before the onset of menstruation, similar changes occur, but as they begin, progesterone levels decrease and fatigue goes away.

During my pregnancy, I simply slept through the entire first trimester, I was extremely sleepy:

There are women who experience insomnia during this period.

With PMS, this symptom is short-term.

This symptom occurs against the background of general fatigue of the body.

Sensitivity to odors

This symptom appears one of the first in early pregnancy. A woman feels morning sickness. Some smells are particularly disgusting. Most often this concerns smells. household chemicals, eau de toilette, perfume, odors from foods, especially during their preparation. All “flavors” are felt very sharply.

During pregnancy, my good friend simply could not go into the kitchen and open the refrigerator; she had difficulty going to public transport, everything smelled terrible to her. It is especially unpleasant to experience this period in the summer, when everyone irritating factors The heat is also added, which simply enhances this.

In PMS time Sensitivity to odors also occurs, but it does not manifest itself as strongly and does not last long.

How to determine exactly

None of the above signs are 100% decisive, you can guess possible pregnancy or doubt. Even the absence of menstruation does not definitely indicate pregnancy.

Delays can be caused by severe stress, overwork at work, emotional overstrain, perhaps you have exams or a difficult interview, you quarreled with your loved one; may be associated with climate change, or be a signal of the development of a disease. To eliminate any doubts, the best method is the use of a pregnancy test.

All tests have the same principle; they react to the level of a hormone in the urine - human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

Exist different kinds tests:

16. Test strips are not expensive. The test is a strip with markings applied to it. The test must be placed in a container with morning urine. After a few seconds, place the material on a horizontal surface and wait until the indicator strip reacts to the hormone level. found in morning urine highest concentration hCG, so the result will be more reliable. Two lines on the test indicate that the woman is pregnant. If the result is short, the result may be incorrect; it is better to recheck after some time.
17. The tablet test is relatively new and convenient. It has great sensitivity, which makes it possible to detect pregnancy in the early stages. The test looks like a tablet with windows. A small amount of urine must be applied to a special window where there is a colorless cloth with a reagent. When urine comes into contact with fabric, it reacts, colors it, and the result is visible in another window. This test is more effective.
18. Jet test is one of the new modern species. It is a small plastic device, at the end there are strips with applied sensitive particles that immediately react to the presence of the hCG hormone in the urine. It has very high accuracy and reliability.
19. The electronic test is very convenient and comfortable. By appearance resembles an inkjet, but has a special screen on which there will be an inscription: “pregnant” - you are pregnant, and “not pregnant” - you are not pregnant.

If you have done the test and have doubts, you can do a laboratory blood test for hCG.

Remember, every woman is individual and unique, no one can understand her body better than her. PMS is a monthly phenomenon, and each of us knows best what special symptoms it is accompanied by. Listen to your body and you will definitely notice if any changes occur.

The menstrual cycle involves a huge and complex work of the body, which is preparing for the conception of a child. In the middle of the cycle, an egg is released from the ovaries and prepares for fertilization. An additional mucous layer forms in the uterus, which will receive the unborn baby.

If fertilization does not occur, then the body begins to get rid of the results of its achievements, and next month everything will start all over again. Before the start of a new cycle, a number of changes occur in the female body, which occur a few days before the onset of menstruation and are called premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Manifestations of PMS Every second woman notices it in herself, but in my environment, certain signs are found in all my female friends and acquaintances.

20. back discomfort;
21. aching pain in the lower abdomen;
22. sudden changes in emotional state;
23. fatigue and dizziness;
24. nausea and vomiting;
25. bloody issues.

How to distinguish pre-menstrual symptoms from pregnancy

The concept of the menstrual cycle refers to the painstaking work of the body, which prepares for the conception of a child: the uterus is lined with a special layer of tissue, a comfortable place is prepared for the baby during pregnancy, and the egg matures. If conception does not take place, then the body gets rid of the achieved results in order to start all over again.

Before the start of a new cycle, a woman worries unpleasant moments or signs before menstruation, called PMS. They are accompanied by lingering pain in the lower abdomen, increased irritability, fatigue. However, pregnancy and menstruation, the symptoms of which are very similar, may have similar symptoms. It is important for every woman to learn to distinguish them from each other.

Menstruation or pregnancy

Once fertilization has occurred in a woman's body, the menstrual cycle stops until the baby is born.

However, in some cases, women continue to experience bleeding for several months. These discharges can hardly be called full menstruation. They are sparse, brownish or reddish in color. Essentially, the fertilized egg implants itself into the walls of the uterus, which can result in minor tears and bloody discharge. They may appear once, or they may occur periodically; the fruit will not reach a certain size. Such discharge cannot be called menstruation, and its appearance is a reason to visit a doctor.

Main signs before menstruation

Unpleasant sensations associated with the onset of menstruation can be very individual. However, the most common period symptoms are:

26. pain in the lower back, abdomen, chest;
27. depressive mood combined with sleep disturbances;
28. headache.

If you compare the symptoms of menstruation with the first signs of pregnancy, you can come to the conclusion that they are very similar. In the early stages of pregnancy, a woman may be drowsy, irritable, and have sudden mood swings. To understand the manifestations of the body, you need to learn to listen to yourself and feel changes.

Watch yourself for a few months. If the symptoms before your period are headache and back pain, then it is likely that these symptoms will not bother you once you become pregnant. If, on the contrary, the signs of the onset of menstruation are unknown to you, then you can say with reasonable certainty that pregnancy has occurred if you suffer from migraines, excessive irritability, and mood swings.

Temperature changes may also indicate a change in condition. A woman's temperature rises by several degrees during ovulation. If it has returned to a constant level, then you should prepare for the onset of menstruation. If the temperature column has frozen at increased rate, then we can talk about pregnancy. However, in this method there is also an error due to individual characteristics. In order to speak with confidence about normal or elevated temperature, it needs to be measured daily for several months in a row in order to have a picture of changes in body temperature over a certain period.

Pregnancy symptoms

In addition to delayed menstruation, pregnancy can manifest itself with a number of other symptoms:

29. Constant fatigue can be caused by hormonal changes in the body, which are among the first signs of conception.
30. The breast reaction may become aggravated. All touches to it become painful, and sometimes there is an increase in volume.
31. Cramps and pain in the lower abdomen, which happens before menstruation, can be one of the signs of pregnancy before the delay.
32. Small vaginal discharge, which is a sign of attachment of the egg to the uterus.
33. Nausea may appear along with a delay in menstruation and go away fairly quickly or accompany the woman throughout pregnancy.
34. The constant urge to urinate is associated with a gradual increase in blood in the body, as well as other fluids that ensure the vital functions of the mother and the unborn baby. The longer you are pregnant, the more often you will have to visit the toilet. However, this symptom should not be confused with possible manifestation inflammatory diseases, for example, cystitis.
35. Glitches in the schedule. If previously menstruation appeared on a clearly designated day, and now even after PMS periods are absent, then fertilization may have occurred.
36. Sensitivity to odors is an early sign of pregnancy and is caused by a sharp increase in estrogen levels in the blood.
37. Increasing the temperature a few notches can tell you a lot, but you'll have to keep a temperature log to do that.
38. Positive test response. Pharmacy tests can rarely detect pregnancy before your period is missed. If you notice other signs of pregnancy and the test shows negative result, it is worth repeating the study in a few days.

What a woman should always pay attention to

Not everyone experiences toxicosis in the first months of pregnancy, and one pregnancy can be very different from another. However, in some cases, women note the appearance of irritating odors, a feeling of rejection of specific products, or, conversely, strange taste preferences. which had not been observed before. Any of these signs may indicate pregnancy.

It is already clear that the symptoms of menstruation and pregnancy are extremely similar. However, if you feel unusual pain in the lower abdomen, you should consult a specialist for advice.

A slight increase in temperature can tell a woman about the onset of pregnancy or the appearance of a sluggish inflammatory process.

Meager periods: if you have not previously noticed the appearance of light periods, and during your cycle you had unprotected sexual intercourse, then you should consult a gynecologist, since scanty bleeding can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

Pain in the mammary glands, increase in volume and swelling may indicate both menstruation and pregnancy. The appearance of colostrum secreted from the nipples will tilt the diagnosis in favor of the latter. However, breast pain in a specific area, combined with discharge from the nipples, against the background of excluding pregnancy, is a reason for an urgent visit to a mammologist, since such symptoms may indicate oncology.

All of the above has one big amendment: each organism has its own individuality. If you cannot determine exactly what signs are bothering you, buy a pharmacy test. If your schedule is delayed and you suspect you are pregnant, you can contact a gynecologist who will examine you and prescribe the appropriate tests. However, in most cases, a woman intuitively determines the presence of pregnancy better than any tests or analyses.

Premenstrual syndrome

If you suddenly find yourself craving a sandwich... butter, or burst into tears of emotion at the sight of a small child, or you painfully wanted to buy a pair of earrings that you are unlikely to wear, stop for a moment and ask yourself whether your period will start soon. If soon, your unusual behavior may be caused by premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual tension syndrome (PMS). This is a specific condition that precedes menstruation and, to one degree or another, is characteristic of most women. When PMS hits, just try to calm down and control your actions. When your period starts, you will return to your normal state.

Premenstrual tension syndrome is associated with regular fluctuations in the level of hormones in the blood.

Previously, premenstrual syndrome was considered as psychological illness, until researchers have proven that this condition is of an organic nature, caused by changes in hormone levels in the body.

For example, decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone can:

- increase the production of aldosterone, which causes a lot of changes in the body,

- increase the level of monoamine oxidase (a substance released in brain tissue that can cause depression),

- lower the level of serotonin (a substance released in brain tissue that affects activity levels and mood).

For some women, PMS passes calmly, for others it is very violent, but the time of onset of symptoms is always predictable. This is what makes it possible to distinguish premenstrual tension syndrome from other diseases. Changes in emotional and physical state appear 7-10 days before menstruation, and disappear almost immediately after the start of menstruation. These dates can be established by keeping a menstrual diary for several months, noting in it all the symptoms and dates of the beginning and end of menstruation.

If symptoms persist throughout your menstrual cycle, PMS may not be the cause. In this case, you should contact a psychiatrist.

Causes of premenstrual syndrome

The appearance of premenstrual tension syndrome in some women and its absence in others is associated, first of all, with hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and the individual reactions of the whole body to them. However, recently scientists have begun to explore other possible reasons of this condition (no definitive evidence yet):

- monthly cyclical fluctuations in the amount of certain substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain, which include endorphins, which affect mood,

- poor nutrition: symptoms of premenstrual syndrome such as mood swings, fluid retention in the body, increased breast sensitivity, fatigue are associated with vitamin B6 deficiency, while headaches, dizziness, palpitations and cravings for chocolate are caused by magnesium deficiency,

— hereditary factor. It has been proven that identical twins are much more likely to suffer from PMS together than fraternal twins. There may be a genetic predisposition to PMS.

Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome

- increased sensitivity or even tenderness of the breasts,

- fluid retention in the body, leading to swelling of the legs and arms and weight gain of about 2 kg,

- headaches, especially migraines,

- nausea, vomiting and dizziness,

- pain in muscles and joints and specific back pain,

- in some cases, constipation, diarrhea,

— extreme thirst and frequent urination,

- cravings for food, especially salty or sweet foods, intolerance to alcohol,

- lethargy, fatigue or vice versa, energy,

- palpitations and flushing of the face,

- increase in the number of acne.

- frequent mood changes,

- depression, blues, feeling of depression,

- constant tension and irritability,

- insomnia or prolonged sleep,

- absent-mindedness and forgetfulness.

Some women may experience more severe symptoms:

- thoughts of suicide

- aggressiveness, tendency to violence.

What can you do

- do physical exercise. Study Shows Regular Exercise Reduces PMS Symptoms, Perhaps? this is due to the release of endorphins or other substances in the brain that relieve stress and improve mood.

- sleep 8-9 hours a day. Lack of sleep aggravates anxiety and other negative emotions, and increases irritability. If you suffer from insomnia, find a way to combat it. Deep breathing and others simple ways Relaxation before bed turns out to be very effective in many cases. Before going to bed, take a hot bath and drink a glass of warm milk.

- stick to a diet with low content fats and a high percentage of fiber. During PMS, try to limit your intake of foods such as coffee, cheese and chocolate. Their use has been linked to migraines and many other PMS symptoms, such as anxiety, frequent mood swings and palpitations.

- don’t eat a lot, limit sweets, it’s better to take some fruit.

- maintain a constant level of insulin in the blood; to do this, eat small meals about 6 times a day, this is better than eating a large portion once. Try to eat healthy.

- nutritionists recommend daily in the form of food additives consume vitamin B6 (50-100 mg) and magnesium (250 mg). In addition, doctors prescribe additional calcium intake, which, together with magnesium, eliminates PMS symptoms and protects against osteoporosis, and iron (to fight anemia).

- many women say that primrose oil helps them (a substance rich in important fatty acids). Check with your doctor about the dosage for you.

- stay away from crowds, don't go outside unnecessarily if the weather is bad, and get plenty of vitamin C (an antioxidant and stimulant) immune system). Women suffering from PMS get sick more often. Scientists believe that this is a consequence of a weakened immune system before the onset of menstruation, which makes the body vulnerable to viral, bacterial and fungal infections.

What can a doctor do?

Since the causes of the disease are not completely clear, treatment for PMS focuses on mitigating its symptoms:

- for anxiety, insomnia and others psychological symptoms the doctor may prescribe tranquilizers or sedatives. However, long-term use of these medications is undesirable due to the fact that they are addictive. Newest antidepressants have been shown to be effective for PMS, but they must be taken under medical supervision.

- for migraines associated with PMS, the doctor may prescribe special therapy aimed at preventing headache attacks. To relieve pain, most doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.

- for edema or other signs of fluid retention, diuretics are prescribed, which must be started 5-7 days before the start of menstruation.

- in some cases, the doctor may prescribe progesterones and other hormones for PMS.

Any disorder in the body, the causes of which are not clear, is difficult to prevent. At the moment the best way Control of a given situation is the ability to cope with it, not prevention.

Normally, the menstrual cycle lasts from 21 to 35 days. For each woman, its duration is individual, but for most of them, the intervals between menstruation are equal or differ from each other by no more than 5 days. You should always mark the start day on your calendar. menstrual bleeding in order to notice the irregularity of the cycle in time.

Often, after stress, illness, intense physical activity, or climate change, a woman experiences a slight delay in menstruation. In other cases, this sign indicates pregnancy or hormonal disorders. We will describe the main reasons for delayed periods and the mechanism of their development, and also talk about what to do in such a situation.

Amenorrhea

In the medical world, a delay or absence of menstruation is called. It is divided into two categories:

1. Primary amenorrhea. This is a condition in which a girl has not started her period by the age of 16. Often primary amenorrhea is associated with the presence of congenital disorders that did not manifest themselves in any way until the onset of puberty. These are, for example, genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, problems with organs reproductive system etc. These may include being born without a uterus, or a uterus that does not develop normally.
2. Secondary amenorrhea. This is a condition in which periods suddenly stop and are absent for more than three months. Those. I used to have periods, but now they are absent. Secondary amenorrhea is the most common form of missed period. The most common causes of this condition are pregnancy, problems with the ovaries (for example, polycystic ovary syndrome or early menopause), pituitary tumors, stress, serious violations of normal body weight (both smaller and larger), and others.

In addition to amenorrhea, there is another medical term which I want to introduce you to is oligomenorrhea. This is a disorder in which the duration of the menstrual cycle significantly increases and the duration of menstruation itself decreases. It is generally accepted that a woman has oligomenorrhea if during the year she had periods less than 8 times and/or lasted up to 2 days or less.

Normal course of menstruation cycles

The normal menstrual cycle occurs at 10-15 years of age in a young woman, after which the body is considered to have entered a phase where it can perform full-fledged conception. This system works every month up to 46-52 years of age, but this is an average figure. (There are cases of later cessation of menstruation.)

Then there is a decrease in the duration of menstruation and the amount of blood released during this process. Eventually, menstruation stops completely.

Reasons for delayed menstruation other than pregnancy

Delayed periods may be the result physiological changes in the body, and also be a manifestation of functional failures or diseases of both the genital and other organs (“extragenital pathology”).

Normally, menstruation does not occur during pregnancy. After childbirth, the mother’s cycle is also not restored immediately; this largely depends on whether the woman is lactating. In women without pregnancy, an increase in cycle length may be a manifestation of perimenopause (menopause). Irregularity of the cycle in girls after the start of menstruation is also considered normal, if it is not accompanied by other disorders.

Functional disorders that can provoke disruption of the menstrual cycle are stress, intense physical activity, fast weight loss, past infection or other acute illness, climate change.

Often irregular cycle with delayed menstruation in patients suffering from gynecological diseases, primarily polycystic ovary syndrome. In addition, such a symptom can accompany inflammatory diseases of the reproductive organs, occur after termination of pregnancy or diagnostic curettage, after hysteroscopy. Ovarian dysfunction may be caused by pathology of the pituitary gland and other organs that regulate a woman’s hormonal levels.

Of the somatic diseases accompanied by possible violation menstrual cycle, it is worth noting obesity.

List of reasons that may cause a delay in menstruation

A delay of 2 to 5 days in the “red days of the calendar” should not be a cause for concern, since this is considered a very real phenomenon for every woman. If pregnancy is excluded, then such disorders female body can be caused by many factors. Their careful analysis allows us to determine the cause of a gynecological or non-gynecological nature.

So, we list the top 15 reasons for missed periods:

1. Inflammatory diseases;
2. Hormonal contraceptives;
3. Diagnosis of the uterine cavity, abortion or miscarriage;
4. The period after childbirth;
5. Puberty;
6. Menopausal disorders;
7. Large physical exercise;
8. Stressful conditions;
9. Environmental climatic conditions;
10. Body weight abnormalities;
11. Intoxication of the body;
12. Taking certain medications;
13. Hereditary predisposition.

As follows from all of the above, the reasons for regularly recurring delays of critical days are multifaceted. Biological clocks can go wrong even in nulliparous women, who often confuse the symptoms of menstrual irregularities with pregnancy. An inconsistent menstrual cycle should not be considered a particularly dangerous, serious illness, but it is still worth paying close attention to the frequency of your critical days.

Stress and physical activity

The most common causes of missed periods, other than pregnancy, are a variety of nervous tension, stress and the like. Difficult work environment, exams, family problems - all this can cause a delay. A woman's body perceives stress as difficult life situation, in which a woman should not yet give birth. It is worth taking care of changing the situation: contact a family psychologist, change jobs or learn to take a more simpler approach to the situation, and the like. Keep in mind that overwork and lack of sleep are also very stressful for the body.

Excessive exercise also does not contribute to the regularity of the menstrual cycle. It is known that professional athletes often experience problems with delayed periods and even with childbearing. The same problems plague women who take on physically demanding jobs. It's better left to men.

But don’t think that moderate exercise or morning jogging can affect the situation. An active lifestyle has never bothered anyone. It's about specifically about excessive loads under which the body works for wear and tear.

Weight problems

Scientists have long found out that adipose tissue is directly involved in all hormonal processes. In this regard, it is easy to understand that the reasons for a delay in menstruation, in addition to pregnancy, may also lie in weight problems. Moreover, both excess and lack of weight can provoke a delay.

The fat layer, in case overweight, will accumulate estrogen, which negatively affects the regularity of the cycle. With underweight, everything is much more complicated. Prolonged fasting, as well as weight loss below 45 kg, is perceived by the body as extreme situation. Survival mode turns on, and in this state pregnancy is highly undesirable. In this case, not only a delay in menstruation is possible, but also its complete absence– amenorrhea. Naturally, problems with menstruation disappear with normalization of weight.

That is, plump women need to lose weight, thin women need to gain weight. The main thing is that this must be done extremely carefully. A woman’s diet should be balanced: the food should contain proteins, fats, carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and microelements. Any diet should be moderate and not debilitating. It is better to combine them with moderate physical activity.

Inflammatory diseases of the uterus

Inflammatory diseases of the uterus and ovaries lead to disruption of the production of hormones that are responsible for the processes of maturation of eggs, follicles, and endometrium. As a result, they are often the cause of delay. At the same time, the volume and nature of the discharge changes, pain appears in the lower abdomen, lower back, and other symptoms.

Often, inflammatory processes are the cause of infertility, tumors of the reproductive system, and mammary glands. Inflammatory diseases occur due to infection due to improper hygiene care for the genitals, unprotected sexual intercourse, traumatic damage to the uterus during childbirth, abortion, curettage.

Uterine fibroids

Menstruation with uterine leiomyoma can be irregular, with a delay ranging from several days to several months. Despite the fact that this pathology in most cases is considered a benign tumor, there are a number negative consequences to which it can lead. And first of all, its degeneration into cancer is dangerous. Therefore, seeing a doctor at the slightest suspicion of fibroids is extremely necessary.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

One of the main reasons for menstruation to lag behind the usual schedule in this case is the lack of the required amount of hormones.

As a rule, the process is caused by the lack of ovulation, suppression of the endometrium, as well as existing hormonal disorders. The egg does not mature in this process, which gives the body a signal that there is no need to prepare for possible fertilization.

Endometriosis

This disease is a pathological proliferation of benign tissue, which is similar to the mucous membrane of the reproductive organ. The development of endometriosis can occur in various parts of the reproductive system, and it is also possible to go beyond it. Changes in hormonal levels can be both the cause of the disease and its consequence. Irregular periods are also one of the main symptoms of such abnormalities.

Birth control pills

If you are taking hormonal birth control pills, it is quite possible that your menstrual cycle will differ significantly from normal. Very often, the duration of cycles when taking birth control pills increases significantly. Some pills do not have this effect. Menstruation occurs as usual, but most often it is lighter and shorter. It is also worth noting that in very rare cases the pill may not prevent pregnancy, especially if it is missed. However, even if you took the pills accurately and correctly, if your period is late and you are worried about it, you can take a pregnancy test to calm down.

Nowadays you can find a fairly large number of different birth control pills on sale. Some of them may differ significantly in their effects on the body. In addition, it is worth noting that each individual woman can react differently to the same pills.

Also, keep in mind that when you stop using birth control pills, you may not have a normal menstrual cycle right away. For most women, the recovery period takes from one to two months, and sometimes this period can last up to six months. Only then will you be able to conceive a child again. Accordingly, during the recovery period you may also have an irregular cycle, and this needs to be taken into account if you experience a delay.

Delayed menstruation during pregnancy and after childbirth

During the entire period of pregnancy, a woman does not have periods. After childbirth, their resumption occurs in different ways - it all depends on individual characteristics body. Increased level Prolactin when feeding a child can prevent the eggs from starting to work. If a woman is breastfeeding, a delay in menstruation may last as long as milk is produced (this directly depends on the level of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for lactation). Sometimes this can happen within 2-3 years.

If milk is not produced, another period will occur in about 6-8 weeks. But sometimes there are exceptions when the ovaries begin to work even before the baby stops feeding, the egg matures, and the woman can become pregnant again. If this does not happen, the new cycle ends with the appearance of menstruation.

Why are constant delays in menstruation dangerous?

Constant delays in menstruation indicate hormonal disorders, lack of ovulation, and abnormal changes in the structure of the endometrium. Pathology can arise due to serious, even dangerous diseases: uterine tumors, endocrine glands, polycystic ovary syndrome. The cause of a missed period 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 a minimum, 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 ovary syndrome, then the woman experiences a sharp increase in weight, up to obesity, hair appears on the face and chest (as in men), acne, and seborrhea.

Timely treatment of diseases that cause prolongation of the cycle often helps to avoid infertility, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and prevent the appearance of cancer.

Examinations for delayed menstruation

To find out the reasons for the delay in menstruation, the following studies are prescribed:

1. Examination for sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, etc.).
2. Ultrasound of the pelvic organs, thyroid gland and adrenal glands. This study carried out to exclude pregnancy, tumors, gynecological and endocrine diseases.
3. Examination of the pituitary gland (radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, CT scan, electroencephalography). Diseases of the pituitary gland are quite often the cause of delayed menstruation.
4. Hormonal studies. The levels of estrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH, PRL are determined, as well as thyroid and adrenal hormones.
5. Curettage of the inner layer of the uterus and further histological examination. Curettage is performed from the cavity and canal of the cervix.

What to do if your period is late?

If you experience regularly recurring delays in menstruation or the period of delay exceeds the maximum permissible physiological limits of five days, you should consult a doctor. After determining the reasons, the woman will be prescribed appropriate treatment. Most often, therapy is carried out using hormonal pills. However, under no circumstances should they be taken independently, without medical recommendations. 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:

1. Duphaston. Used if a 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 research conducted. 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.
2. Postinor. It is a drug used for emergency contraception. This remedy is used if it is necessary to induce a menstrual cycle as quickly as possible. However, it is recommended only for regular menstruation, since its use can cause cycle disorders, and if used very frequently, lead to infertility.
3. Pulsatilla. Another hormonal drug that can be prescribed for delayed menstruation. This is the most safe remedy, which does not lead to weight gain, does not affect the nervous system. However, it should not be taken by girls with irregular cycles.
4. Progesterone is an injectable hormone. Used to induce menstruation, dosage selection is carried out strictly individually. Increased intake of progesterone in the body can cause mass side effects, including excess hair growth, weight gain, menstrual irregularities. More than 10 injections are never given. The effect is based on stimulating the work of the glands located in the mucous membrane of the uterus. The product has a number of contraindications, including: uterine bleeding, liver failure, breast tumors, etc.
5. Non-ovlon, a drug that stimulates the onset of the menstrual cycle, is able to prevent acyclic bleeding. It contains estrogen and gestagen. Most often, if there is a delay, two tablets are prescribed every 12 hours. However, before using it, it is mandatory to consult a specialist, since the drug has side effects and can disrupt the functioning of the reproductive organs.
6. Utrozhestan. It is a drug that suppresses estrogen and stimulates the production of progesterone, which is what causes it healing effect. In addition, it has a stimulating effect on the development of the endometrium. The drug can be administered vaginally, which is its undoubted advantage, however, this drug also has some contraindications.
7. 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 risks miscarriage and bleeding. It has a large number of contraindications and side effects, so a preliminary consultation with a doctor is necessary.

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.

In situations where there is no period for 2 months, but the woman is not pregnant, the reason for the delay may lie in the development of the disease, severe fatigue and any changes in lifestyle. Cycle failure indicates physiological or pathological disorders in the body, which can cause serious complications. Therefore, it is so important to promptly determine why menstruation does not occur and eliminate the factor that provokes such changes.

The explanation for why there have been no periods for 2 months may be functional reasons.

Delayed menstruation is often caused by stress, compliance strict diet, endocrine system disorders, chronic infections and problems with ovarian activity.

Chronic psychogenic stress

All processes in the body are regulated by the central nervous system. Cyclicity disorders are often observed in adolescents exposed to constant stress.

Depression and emotional exhaustion can lead to a woman not having periods for 3 months or even a longer period.

Chronic infections

If there is a history chronic infections genitourinary system There is a delay of menstruation for two months. It has been noted that the longer pathogens remain in the body, the more serious complications they can cause. Such pathologies can lead to long-term delay and complete loss of reproductive function.

Endocrine disorders

Your period is late for 2 months and the test is negative – such situations are often associated with disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland, which is responsible for the production of hormones. In this case, the ovaries cease to function properly.

In addition to the fact that a woman has not had menstruation for 2 months, accompanying symptoms may also be observed:

• weight gain;
• male pattern hair growth;
• excessive work of the sebaceous glands.

With similar clinical manifestations You should definitely consult not only a gynecologist, but also an endocrinologist.

Against the backdrop of weight loss

Representatives of the fair sex often strive to achieve perfection and follow exhausting diets. Rapid weight loss leads to changes in hormonal levels and a decrease in progesterone levels.

If the weight drops below 45 kg, then menstruation may stop completely. Before this, the woman notes that she does not have her period for two and sometimes three months.

Ovarian hyperinhibition syndrome

A delay of menstruation by 3 months in some cases is due to ovarian hyperinhibition syndrome. It occurs due to suppression of pituitary gland function under the influence of medications. If not properly treated, this condition can lead to infertility.

Taking medications

Lack of menstruation is not uncommon when taking oral contraceptives. Hormonal disturbances caused by drugs in this group provoke suppression of reproductive function, and as a result of this, the cessation of menstruation after discontinuation of OCs.

Women often note that they have not had a period for three months while taking antibiotics and a number of other medications. As a rule, the menstrual cycle is restored a short time after the end of their use.

Anatomical disorders

Cycle failure and long absence menstruation can be triggered by various anatomical disorders in the body.

Sheehan syndrome

If, after resolution of pregnancy, scanty, irregular and painful menstruation, then the development of Sheehan syndrome can be suspected. The disorder occurs due to the death of pituitary cells. This process is provoked by severe blood loss during childbirth.

In this condition, women do not have periods for 2 months, after which minor discharge appears. If no therapeutic measures are taken, serious complications may result.

Empty sella syndrome

The sella turcica is a depression filled with the pituitary gland, which is responsible for the activity of the endocrine glands. At different pathological processes Liquor enters a peculiar hole, and the pituitary gland is compressed. Against this background, menstruation does not occur for 3 months and may stop completely.

With the development of empty sella syndrome, even in cases where there were no health problems before, the following symptoms are observed:

• headache;
• reproductive dysfunction;
• blurred vision;
• arterial hypertension;
• increase in body weight.

Hyperprolactinemia

This condition is characterized by an increase in prolactin levels in the blood. As a result, women do not have periods for 3 months and experience the following symptoms:

• disruption of the menstrual cycle;
• male pattern hair growth;
• production of colostrum or milk;
• acne;
• increase in body weight.

Amenorrhea of ​​ovarian origin

Dysfunction of the ovaries is often observed during the development various pathologies this organ. The result is amenorrhea (complete cessation of menstruation for more than six months).

PCOS

By this we mean a pathology in which the menstrual cycle is disrupted and ovulation is absent. Such changes are caused by the intense production of androgens - male hormones.

In most cases, PCOS develops spontaneously, but heredity is among the main reasons for such changes. During clinical trials It was found that excessive production of androgens is caused by an increase in insulin in the blood.

Most often, such disorders are observed in women suffering from excess body weight.

As a result of hormonal imbalance, small cysts grow on the surface of the ovaries. This in turn leads to the fact that there are no periods for 2 months, they come late. Appears acne, hair begins to grow according to the male type. The delay may last for several months. Complete loss of reproductive function and infertility are possible.

Ovarian wasting syndrome

This term refers to the complete cessation of ovarian activity in women of reproductive age. The syndrome is often called early menopause.

Initially, there is a delay of menstruation for 2 months, and then there is a complete cessation of critical days. In addition, the following clinical manifestations are noted:

• decreased libido;
• hot flashes;
• sudden mood changes.

Such changes are caused by insufficient production of hormones. There is a decrease in the number of follicles and, as a result, a lack of ovulation.

Tactics

A long delay in menstruation can negatively affect the state of the reproductive system and pose a serious danger. It is extremely important to go to the gynecologist in a timely manner. Doctor’s consultation and full examination – mandatory procedures, which are strongly not recommended to be avoided.

There can be many reasons for cycle failure. In order to identify them, you need to undergo a gynecological examination. After completing all the necessary measures, the doctor will be able to tell you what to do in the current situation and prescribe the optimal course of treatment. It is recommended to study the description of the drugs suggested by the gynecologist before starting use. Special attention attention should be paid to the list of contraindications. In addition, you need to follow additional recommendations:

• stop taking medications that can affect hormonal levels and reproductive function;
• get rid of bad habits;
• carry out all preventive measures outlined by the attending physician.

The course of therapy by the gynecologist is prescribed on an individual basis. The choice of one or another tactic directly depends on the reason that led to the failure of the cycle.

A delay of critical days by two months should under no circumstances be ignored. Such violations often indicate serious problems in organism. Only with timely diagnosis and properly selected therapy will it be possible to restore reproductive function in a short time and avoid unwanted complications. Such changes threaten serious consequences, including infertility. Therefore, it is important to consult a gynecologist for initial stage development of the problem.

By how a woman's reproductive system functions, we can judge general condition health. The appearance of cycle disorders and delayed menstruation indicate abnormalities in the functioning of the endocrine, nervous and other systems. Regular periods normal duration they say that the level of hormones is normal, the woman is able to become pregnant. The reasons for the delay of menstruation can be natural processes age-related changes, the body's reaction to external factors. Deviation from the norm is often a sign of a serious illness.

Content:

What is considered a missed period?

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. Every woman experiences a slight delay in menstruation 1-2 times a year. If this repeats constantly, then you need to see a doctor for examination.

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

There are natural reasons for a missed period. In addition to pregnancy, this could, for example, be lactation or menopause. If the delay is not associated with normal physiological processes, then the nature of the pathology must be immediately established to avoid complications.

Physiological causes of delayed menstruation

The menstrual cycle is a strict sequence of processes associated with preparing the female body for pregnancy. Even completely healthy woman This mechanism may malfunction under the influence of external factors. These include:

1. Emotional state: tense anticipation of menstruation, if a woman fears an unwanted pregnancy, stress at work, personal worries.
2. Increased physical and mental stress, intense sports.
3. Moving to a new place of residence, changing climate, occupation, daily routine.
4. Poor nutrition, passion for diets, obesity, vitamin deficiency.
5. Colds, chronic gastritis, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease.
6. Taking antibiotics and some other medications.
7. Use of hormonal contraception, abrupt cancellation of contraception.
8. Hormonal changes in the body during puberty. For 1-2 years, periods come irregularly, even missing for several months due to the immaturity of the ovaries. Then the cycle is established. If this does not happen, then it is necessary to find out the cause of the violations.
9. Changes in hormonal levels during menopause. Rare, irregular periods are a sign of the onset of perimenopause, which precedes the complete cessation of menstruation.
10. An increase in prolactin levels in the body during the postpartum period associated with milk production. If a woman does not breastfeed, her periods will return after 2 months. If she is breastfeeding, her period comes after she stops putting her baby to the breast.

Note: If your period does not come 1 year after giving birth, this may be a sign of a disease caused by birth injuries.

Constant delays occur due to intoxication of the body with alcohol, drugs, and 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 delayed menstruation

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

Hormonal disorders

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

Hypothyroidism- insufficient production of thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Without these substances, it is impossible to produce sex hormones in the ovaries: estrogens, progesterone, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), which ensure the maturation of the egg, ovulation and other processes of the menstrual cycle. Delayed periods are 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 disrupted by congenital underdevelopment of the pituitary gland and brain tumors.

Adenoma (benign tumor) pituitary or adrenal glands. Leads to obesity, excess body hair growth, and menstrual irregularities.

Ovarian dysfunction- disruption of the production of sex hormones in the ovaries. This condition may be the result of previous inflammatory diseases, hormonal disorders, installation of an intrauterine device, or 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 disruption of the production of hormones that are responsible for the processes of maturation of eggs, follicles, and endometrium. As a result, they are often the cause of delay. At the same time, the volume and nature of the discharge changes, pain appears in the lower abdomen, lower back, and other symptoms. Often, inflammatory processes are the cause of infertility, tumors of the reproductive system, and mammary glands. Inflammatory diseases occur due to infection due to improper hygienic care of the genitals, unprotected sexual intercourse, traumatic damage to the uterus during childbirth, abortion, and curettage.

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

Endometritis- inflammation of the uterine mucosa, which leads to the appearance of hypomenstrual syndrome (menstruation can come after 5-8 weeks and not even more than 4 times a year).

Cervicitis- inflammation of the cervix. The process easily spreads to the uterus and appendages.

Endometrial hyperplasia. There is a pathological thickening of the mucous layer lining the uterus. Causes a long delay in menstruation, after which comes heavy bleeding. 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 ovary syndrome- formation of multiple cysts outside or inside the ovaries. The disease may occur without symptoms. It is often discovered when examining a woman for a long (more than 1 month) absence of menstruation.

Uterine polyps- the formation of pathological nodes in the endometrium, which can spread to the cervix. Characterized by delayed menstruation and prolonged heavy bleeding. Often happens malignant degeneration fabrics.

Endometriosis- growth of the endometrium into the tubes, ovaries, and neighboring organs. At the same time, patency is impaired fallopian tubes, which can cause a delay in menstruation. In addition to normal pregnancy, menstruation with endometriosis does not come on time due to 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 can be life-threatening for the woman. Instead of the expected menstruation, spotting mixed with blood appears. A woman should pay attention to the appearance of such signs as nausea, vomiting, nagging pain in the lower abdomen (on the side where the egg is attached).

Ectopic pregnancy also occurs after diseases leading to adhesions of the tubes and ovaries (salpingoophoritis).

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

Addition: One of common reasons delay is anorexia, a disease mental nature disorder-related eating behavior. It is usually observed in young women. The desire to lose weight becomes obsession. In this case, food ceases to be absorbed, and complete exhaustion occurs. Menstruation comes with increasing delay and then disappears. If you manage to regain weight, your periods will appear again.

Why are constant delays in menstruation dangerous?

Constant delays in menstruation indicate hormonal disorders, lack of ovulation, and abnormal changes in the structure of the endometrium. Pathology can arise due to serious, even dangerous diseases: tumors of the uterus, endocrine glands, polycystic ovaries. The cause of a missed period 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 a minimum, to infertility and early menopause. Diseases associated with delayed menstruation cause breast tumors, cardiovascular problems, diabetes, weakened immunity, premature aging, and changes in appearance. For example, if the delay occurs due to polycystic ovary syndrome, then the woman experiences a sharp increase in weight, up to obesity, hair appears on the face and chest (as in men), acne, and seborrhea.

Timely treatment of diseases that cause prolongation of the cycle often helps to avoid infertility, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and prevent the occurrence 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 the woman is ovulating. To do this, basal body temperature (in the rectum) is measured throughout the entire cycle and a schedule is drawn up. The presence of ovulation is indicated 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 and possible consequences.

Using ultrasound, the condition of the pelvic organs is studied, the presence of tumors and other pathologies in the uterus and appendages is detected.

The brain and the condition of the pituitary gland are examined using computer and magnetic resonance imaging (CT and MRI) methods.

No periods and no pregnancy, what could it be, what is the reason? Menstruation is considered one of the indicators of a woman's health. Our mothers have been explaining to us since childhood how important it is for menstruation to be regular.

Irregular menstruation not only causes inconvenience for the woman herself (you need to carry personal hygiene products with you at all times, wear dark clothes), but can also be the first symptom of infertility. So, what to do if there are no signs of pregnancy and no menstruation - what kind of examination should you undergo?

Let's begin with interesting situation in a woman it can be practically asymptomatic. Toxicosis, fatigue and similar symptoms do not occur in everyone expectant mother, especially on early pregnancy. Therefore, first of all, you need to do a test at home. If you don’t have your period, the test is negative and you are not planning a child, you need to do an ultrasound of the uterus and take a blood test for hCG. This will give an accurate answer to the question regarding your situation. But it has been proven that if there is no menstruation and there is no pregnancy, the doctor will tell you what to do. Usually, if there is a delay of 1-2 weeks, the doctor simply sends the woman home to wait for her menstruation. And if it does not occur within a couple of weeks, then he may prescribe medications containing progesterone, since it is its lack, in most cases, that causes the absence of menstruation. The doctor makes the diagnosis of “amenorrhea” (absence of menstruation) if a woman’s bleeding disappears for several months.

The reasons for a delay in menstruation may include: gynecological diseases, endocrinological and neurological. The doctor conducts a gynecological examination, after which he gives directions for blood tests for hormones (FSH, E2, Prl, LH, TSH, T4, T3), and a biochemical blood test. The course of further examination depends on the results obtained. For example, if prolactin is significantly elevated (and this may be the reason for the absence of menstruation), an MRI may be prescribed, since a pituitary adenoma is often the cause of hyperprolactinemia. And the woman will be forced long time take certain medications that will not only reduce the size of this formation and lead to the appearance of menstruation, but also make pregnancy possible.

Often modern women menstruation disappears due to sharp decline weight. Nowadays it is very fashionable to be thin. But few people know that weight loss to 45 kg or less leads to amenorrhea due to a decrease in the fat layer in which the female hormone estrogen is formed. Anorexia is very dangerous condition, leading to exhaustion of the body, cardiovascular and mental illness, and in severe cases ends in death.

That is, women should not fear the absence of menstruation as an independent phenomenon, but the reasons that led to this.

If no abnormalities are found in a woman’s health, but menstruation comes late, and pregnancy is not planned, the doctor may prescribe oral contraceptives. They will not only protect against unwanted pregnancy, but also make the menstrual cycle regular. Menstruation will begin literally on the hour every month.

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29.10.2019 17:53:00 How to return female hormones to balance without drugs? Estrogens affect not only our body, but also our soul. Only when hormone levels are optimally balanced do we feel healthy and joyful. Natural hormone therapy can help bring your hormones back into balance.

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27.10.2019 11:32:00