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Late menstruation is not always a sign of pregnancy, as other situations such as excessive stress, very strong emotions, hormonal changes or even excessive consumption of caffeine or alcoholic drinks, can lead to delayed menstruation.
Usually, this delay in menstruation can last from 1, 2, 3 or 5 days to 1 to 2 months, it is recommended to consult the doctor if menstruation is delayed for more than 3 months, so that the cause can be identified and treated.
However, if there was unprotected intimate contact a few days earlier, there is a likelihood of pregnancy, and it is recommended to do a test, which can be purchased at pharmacies.
If menstruation is late and the woman has already had at least 2 pregnancy tests in the last month, with a 7-day interval between taking the test, and the result was negative, it is very likely that it is not pregnancy and the delay in menstruation may be caused by other situations, such as:
1. Excessive physical activity
Excessive physical activity, as with athletes or people who are in preparation for some sporting event or competition, for example, can lead to hormonal changes, such as increased prolactin, which can lead to delayed menstruation. However, it is important that the person knows that it is important to practice regular physical activity, as long as it is not in excess.
2. Very restrictive diets
Some very restrictive diets can lead to hormonal fluctuations that cause changes in menstruation. In addition, the reduction of nutrient input makes the body take advantage of the small amount of nutrients for more important functions, which can be reflected in delays or even absence in menstruation.
3. Changes in the reproductive system
Changes in the reproductive system, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome or the presence of fibroids in the uterus, can also cause fluctuations in female sex hormones, which can lead to changes in menstruation.
4. Alterations of the hypothalamus and pituitary
The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland are glands that are located in the brain and are responsible for the regulation of sex hormones. Diseases that cause changes in these glands can lead to fluctuations in the cycle and, consequently, delays or early menstruation.
5. Continuous use pill
The pill or other contraceptives for continuous use, as they supply hormones to the body daily and without breaks, prevent menstruation from occurring. However, minor bleeding may occasionally occur, but on different days of the cycle.
6. Pre menopause
When the menopause phase begins to approach, it is normal to begin to experience delays or even failures in menstruation. Some women may enter menopause at an early age and not realize that this is the cause of delayed periods.
7. Postpartum
In the postpartum period, menstruation can only return after the woman stops breastfeeding. However, it is necessary to use contraceptive methods while breastfeeding, to avoid pregnancy.
8. Use of contraceptives
In some women who stop using contraceptives such as the pill, implant or contraceptive injection, the menstrual cycle can take about 6 months to return to regular, which is perfectly normal, with no reason to worry.
9. Stress and anxiety
Stress can influence hormonal regulation, carried out by the hypothalamus, in the brain, leading to changes in menstruation.
Some of these situations can lead to the absence of menstruation for more than 3 months (amenorrhea), it is recommended to consult the doctor if this happens. Learn about other causes that can lead to delayed menstruation.
Attention should also be given to situations of adolescents who have already turned 16 years of age and have not yet menstruated for the first time. In this case, the gynecologist can diagnose a primary amenorrhea, which should be investigated. This delay in menstruation may be related to problems such as head trauma, prematurity or defects in the reproductive system, such as imperforate hymen, vaginal septum or absence of uterus.
What to do in case of delayed menstruation
If a woman has a late menstruation, the first step is to do a pharmacy pregnancy test. If menstruation is delayed for more than 3 months, and it is not possible to identify the cause, you should go to the gynecologist, so that he can identify the cause and treat the problem, and in some cases the use of medicines to get down menstruation.
The doctor may order tests, such as the progestin test and the prolactin test, to be able to identify the reason for this delay and indicate the most appropriate treatment.
In addition, depending on what is causing the delay in menstruation, it is also important:
- Reduce the intensity of physical exercise;
- Reduce stress;
- Maintain a balanced diet, avoiding very restrictive diets;
- Maintain the ideal weight;
- Take the birth control pill, if recommended by your gynecologist, to regulate your menstrual cycle.
In addition, regular medical consultations are also recommended to identify possible health problems or diseases such as polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, anorexia, bulimia, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, which can cause changes in the menstrual cycle.
Home Remedies to Lower Menstruation
There are some home remedies that can help to lower menstruation, but these should only be taken when pregnancy is not suspected.
1. Cinnamon tea
To prepare this tea, it is necessary to:
Ingredients
- 2 cinnamon sticks;
- 1 cup of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Add cinnamon sticks to boiling water, cover and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. After that time, remove the cinnamon sticks and drink when it is warm. This tea should be drunk 1 to 2 times a day until menstruation is over and, if necessary, can be sweetened with a little honey or sugar.
2. Agonized tea
To prepare this tea, it is necessary to:
Ingredients
- 5 grams of dried agonized flowers;
- 500 ml of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Add the agonized flowers to the boiling water and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes and strain before drinking. You should drink 2 to 3 cups of this tea a day until your period drops.
These teas are natural options for when menstruation is delayed for a few days and should only be taken for 5 to 10 days, it is recommended to consult the doctor if menstruation does not come during that time. In addition, there is no scientific evidence that they work in regulating menstruation.
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Frequently asked questions related to the article
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