Menstruation is a natural biological process that happens to women during their reproductive years. It is the shedding of the lining of the uterus and is regulated by hormones.

Any deviation from the normal menstrual cycle can cause anxiety in women, especially if they are sexually active. One of the common abnormalities is menstrual delay or amenorrhea. Amenorrhea is defined as the absence of menstruation for three or more consecutive menstrual cycles.

While pregnancy is the primary cause of menstrual delay, there are other non-pregnancy causes that can contribute to this condition. This article discusses some of the non-pregnancy causes of menstrual delay.

Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid gland regulates body metabolism and produces thyroid hormones that affect various bodily functions. Thyroid disorders, especially hypo or hyperthyroidism, can cause menstrual abnormalities.

Hypothyroidism, for example, can lead to decreased levels of thyroid hormones that can reduce the production of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are essential for the regulation of the menstrual cycle. The result can be menstrual delay or amenorrhea.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which there is an overproduction of androgens (male hormones) in women.

This hormonal imbalance can cause a myriad of symptoms that include menstrual abnormalities, hirsutism (unwanted hair growth), weight gain, and acne. PCOS can lead to oligomenorrhea (reduced frequency of menstruation) or amenorrhea.

Stress

Stress is a common factor that can cause menstrual abnormalities. Stress increases the production of cortisol, a hormone that inhibits other hormones, including those that regulate the menstrual cycle.

Prolonged or high levels of stress can disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to menstrual delay or amenorrhea.

Weight Changes

Significant changes in body weight can affect the regulation of the menstrual cycle. Obesity or being underweight can result in an imbalance of hormones, leading to menstrual abnormalities.

Fat cells produce estrogen, and an excess of fat cells can increase the production of estrogen, leading to shortened menstrual cycles. Being underweight, on the other hand, can lead to decreased production of estrogen, leading to menstrual delay or amenorrhea.

Excessive Exercise

Engaging in rigorous physical activity can affect the production of hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. Over-exercising or exercising excessively beyond the body’s limits can lead to menstrual abnormalities.

Exercise-induced amenorrhea is common in athletes, especially those engaged in endurance sports such as running and gymnastics.

Perimenopause and Menopause

Perimenopause is the period preceding menopause and is characterized by hormonal changes that lead to the cessation of menstrual periods. Menopause is the period when menstruation stops permanently in women.

In both perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes can cause menstrual delay or amenorrhea.

Medications

Some medications can affect the regulation of the menstrual cycle. Hormonal contraception, for example, can cause menstrual delay or amenorrhea.

Other medications that can cause menstrual abnormalities include antipsychotics, antidepressants, and chemotherapy drugs.

Thyroid Imaging Agent

Radioactive thyroid imaging agents can cause temporary menstrual delay or stoppage. These agents are used to evaluate thyroid function and structure and can cause decreased thyroid hormone production, leading to menstrual abnormalities.

Chronic Diseases

Chronic diseases such as diabetes and celiac disease can cause menstrual abnormalities. Diabetes can lead to insulin resistance, leading to an excess of insulin in the body.

This hormonal imbalance can affect the production of estrogen and progesterone, leading to menstrual delay or amenorrhea. Celiac disease, on the other hand, can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, leading to decreased body weight, which can cause menstrual abnormalities.

Tumors

Tumors of the ovaries, uterus, or pituitary gland can cause menstrual abnormalities. Tumors can affect the production of hormones or cause abnormal growths that can affect the menstrual cycle.

Conclusion

Menstrual delay or amenorrhea can be attributed to various non-pregnancy causes, including thyroid disorders, PCOS, stress, weight changes, excessive exercise, perimenopause, menopause, medications, thyroid imaging agents, chronic diseases, and tumors. While some of these causes are temporary and resolve on their own, others require medical attention. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help diagnose and treat any underlying conditions that may cause menstrual abnormalities.