How Much Delay in Periods is Normal?

The menstrual cycle is a result of the monthly changes that the body goes through, such as the lining building up in the uterus for the preparation of the egg fertilization, but when the egg doesn’t fertilize, the lining breaks off, and the vagina bleeds. The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of the period and ends on the first day of the next month’s period. The hormone level changes during this time. Usually, the menstrual cycle is about 28 long, but it can vary from 21 to 28 days. A study was conducted that stated that only 16 % of the world’s female population have a cycle of 28 days and the rest have variations. Delay in period is normal until 4 to 7 days, but if the periods occur after a gap of 4 to 7 days, they are considered irregular. If they exceed, you can visit Kokilaben Hospital for consultation.

The variation of 3 to 5 days is considered a regular cycle of periods that only fall on such time. The period is an unpredictable cycle that is regulated by many factors. Since we know the normal delay in periods, it lets us know the reasons for such delay.

Why are periods irregular?

It is normal to have irregular periods during puberty because hormonal level enhances. During adolescence, various changes go internally and externally in the body. Therefore, it is normal to have irregularity in periods. In addition, ovaries are not in the habit of releasing eggs every month. If you have passed the adolescence phase, there can be a reason that can bother the regularity in periods.

• Stress

Stress is one of the reasons for late periods. There are many reasons for stress. A relationship or personal situation can cause stress. Injuries and wounds cause other stress scans. Stress is important in regulating the periods. It can disturb the cycle and become the reason for the late period. The menstrual cycle is a complex process where the uterus, ovaries, and hypothalamus take part to start the period. But when deep stress exists, the brain activates the defense mechanism where it only focuses on the essential functions and thus postponing the periods.

• Weight loss

Excessive weight loss and weight gain can be the reason for the delay in periods. Fluctuation in weight disbalances the hormones, which further can become a cause in postponing the periods.

• Birth control

Intake of birth control tablets and stopping the pills results in the irregularity of the periods. Birth control tablets contain hormones such as estrogen and progestin, essential for regulating the periods. But when the supply of the hormones stops, the level of hormones in the body fluctuates, which causes no periods. Maintaining a hormone level is essential for regular periods. 

• Polycystic ovary syndrome

It is a condition in a female body where the female tends to miss periods due to internal problems. Periods are missed for even 2 to 3 months, and the cause is not pregnancy. In this condition, the body enhances the production of androgen. In addition, small cysts can be found on the ovary, and the eggs are not ruptured. Polycystic ovary syndrome also contains symptoms like 

• Excess facial growth 
• Infertility 
• Acnes
• male pattern baldness
• Weight gain

The consequences of PCOS can be controlled if a healthy weight is maintained with a low carbohydrate diet and the body is moved, i.e., exercise is important.

• Pregnancy 

Pregnancy is the most common reason that comes to mind when we hear of missed periods. Every month, when the endometrium is made, the egg is fertilized with the egg. Hence no rupture of the egg takes place. Therefore, no vaginal bleeding is observed. Therefore, before concluding, always make sure that you are not pregnant by taking a self-detecting pregnancy test.

• Early menopause

It is a condition where early menopause occurs in the female. The female tends to face irregularity in periods when they enter the age of 40, and other symptoms of menopause occur. Try consulting a doctor if you think it’s too early to enter the menopause phase.

• Thyroid disease

The thyroid gland is responsible for vaginal bleeding. When the hormones are too high or low, they can fluctuate in the periods. Therefore, try to maintain a healthy thyroid by eating healthy and exerting.

When should you consult a doctor?

If you’re found pregnant, visit your gynecologist regarding the dos and don’ts in the pregnancy. And if you found other reasons for missed periods, such as

• Unexpected heavy bleeding 
• Nausea
• High fever dizziness 
• Severe pain
• With these symptoms, you can call or consult your doctor 

Conclusion –

Delay in periods is not normal every time. You should consult your gynecologist once for such issues, or you can visit Kokilaben Hospital Mumbai for menstruation cycle issues.