What are the causes of sudden delay in menstruation?

Sudden delay in menstruation may be caused by pregnancy, mental stress, endocrine disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid dysfunction and other reasons. If pregnancy is ruled out, specific symptoms need to be combined to determine whether medical treatment is needed.

1. Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the leading cause of delayed menstruation in women of childbearing age. After the fertilized egg implants, the level of human chorionic gonadotropin in the body increases, inhibiting ovarian ovulation, causing the endometrium to no longer shed periodically. It can be confirmed through early pregnancy test paper test or blood HCG test. If pregnancy is confirmed, regular prenatal check-ups are required as directed by your doctor.

2. Mental pressure

Long-term anxiety, stress, or sudden stress events may affect hormone secretion through the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, leading to delayed or suppressed ovulation. It manifests as prolonged menstrual cycle but no other abnormalities. Usually, the menstrual cycle can recover on its own within 1-2 days after the stress is relieved. It is recommended to regulate emotions through meditation, exercise, etc.

3. Endocrine disorders

Staying up late, dieting or excessive exercise may lead to disorders of gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion, leading to luteal insufficiency or follicular development disorders. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as reduced menstrual flow and breast tenderness. You need to adjust your work and rest schedule and ensure adequate daily caloric intake. If necessary, you can use progesterone capsules as directed by your doctor to adjust the cycle.

4. Polycystic ovary syndrome

Excessive androgens and insulin resistance lead to stagnant follicular development, manifested as delayed menstruation, acne, hirsutism, etc. Ultrasound shows polycystic changes in the ovaries. Long-term management is required. Ethinyl estradiol and cyproterone tablets can be used as directed by the doctor to regulate hormones, and metformin tablets can be used to improve metabolism.

5. Abnormal thyroid function

Thyroid hormone directly affects the secretion efficiency of follicle-stimulating hormone. Hyperthyroidism may cause oligomenorrhea, while hypothyroidism often causes amenorrhea with chills and edema. Five items of thyroid function need to be tested. After diagnosis, levothyroxine sodium tablets or methimazole tablets are used to treat the primary disease.

It is necessary to maintain a regular daily routine and avoid excessive dieting or strenuous exercise. It is recommended to maintain a BMI between 18.5-23.9. If menstruation is delayed for more than 3 months, you should promptly visit a gynecologist or endocrinologist to complete six sex hormones, thyroid function and ultrasound examinations. Recording basal body temperature and menstrual cycle can help doctors determine ovulation status. Do not take menstruation-regulating drugs by yourself.