What are the reasons for delayed menstruation in women?

Delayed menstruation in women is a common problem in clinical practice. It is more common in women aged 20-35. The average women's menstruation is about 21-35 days, and the average is about 28 days. If it is advanced or delayed by 3-7 days, it is normal. However, if a woman's menstruation is advanced or delayed for a long time, sometimes even delayed for about a month, it is abnormal. Generally, if a married woman or a woman who has had sexual life has a delay of about 1 month, we first consider whether it is a pregnancy problem.

2. Side effects of drugs

For example, endocrine disorders after long-term use of contraceptives can also cause delayed menstruation. Doctors also found, based on patient feedback, that a new generation of gastrokinetic drug, metoclopramide, also known as domperidone, may also cause this condition. Since metoclopramide does not easily cross the blood-brain barrier, it is believed that it has no inhibitory effect on central dopamine receptors. Central dopamine receptors are inhibited, resulting in a decrease in the amount of hypothalamic release factors entering the anterior pituitary. As a result, the anterior pituitary secretes less gonadotropin and corticotropin, leading to amenorrhea and delayed ovulation.

3. Surgery-induced folding

1. Menstruation after surgical or medical abortion is determined by the degree of recovery of the endometrial wall, which may cause delayed menstruation to a large extent.

2. Uterine surgery can cause cervical adhesions and lead to menstrual blood stasis, thus delaying menstruation.

4. Endocrine disorders

Endocrine reasons such as polycystic ovary syndrome and premature ovarian failure can also lead to delayed menstruation. Timely examination should be carried out and treatment should be started as soon as abnormalities are found.

5. Premature ovarian failure

Premature ovarian failure is caused by abnormal ovarian function. It often manifests as delayed menstruation, infrequent menstruation, amenorrhea and infertility. Symptoms similar to menopause such as vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, hot flashes and insomnia may occur.

Expert tip: If menstruation is delayed only 1-2 times occasionally and there are no other accompanying symptoms, it does not fall into the category of menstrual disorders. When the interval between menstrual cycles is more than 35 days, it is called oligomenorrhea, and when menstruation stops for more than 3 menstrual cycles, it is called amenorrhea. The absence of ovulation after menopause can also lead to problems such as osteoporosis and endometrial hyperplasia, which must be taken seriously. You should go to the hospital immediately for a comprehensive examination.

6. Folding in contact with inappropriate substances

Long-term exposure to harmful radiation, chemotherapy drugs, etc. may also cause premature ovarian failure and delayed menstruation. Pay attention to ovarian protection. For older women (over 40 years old), delayed menstruation and exclusion of other endometrial diseases are mostly caused by the gradual decline in ovarian function, and no special treatment is required clinically.

The above are the causes of delayed menstruation. Especially for women, delayed menstruation first considers whether they are pregnant, so we hope that women will pay attention to it. Even if it is confirmed that there is no pregnancy, if the problem of delayed menstruation occurs for a long time, timely treatment is required, otherwise it will affect women’s future fertility.