Patient's question:
On November 10th, my period arrived, and it cleared after a week. On November 19th, my boyfriend had sex with me (he was wearing a condom at the time). After that, my period never came. On December 8th and 9th, because of business travel, I took one tablet of Luting to adjust my period. Yesterday morning (December 18th), out of concern about pregnancy, I took a morning urine test with a pregnancy test kit, but only one control line appeared, indicating no pregnancy. Now, it’s December 19th, and my period still hasn’t arrived. What could be the reason?Doctor's answer:
Menstrual delay is a common phenomenon in women. Under normal circumstances, menstruation can be delayed by 7 days, but if it exceeds this period, it may indicate menstrual disorders. Every woman should understand the reasons for menstrual delay to facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment. So, what are the causes of menstrual delay?Pregnancy: If pregnancy occurs, menstruation will cease. On the expected day of menstruation, it often does not occur, and symptoms such as increased urination, changes in appetite, vomiting, and nausea may appear. Women of childbearing age who experience menstrual delay should pay attention to whether they are pregnant.
Ovarian factors: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian failure can also lead to menstrual delay. Timely examination is necessary, and if abnormalities are detected, prompt treatment should be initiated.
Common chronic diseases: Chronic conditions such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, tumors, and hypothyroidism often cause menstrual delay due to nutritional deficiencies.
Taking birth control pills: Sudden discontinuation of birth control pills, especially long-acting oral contraceptives, can lead to menstrual disorders.
Excessive weight loss: Many women, in an effort to control their weight, take weight-loss medications or practice extreme dieting, which can result in menstrual delay. If the delay is brief, the menstrual cycle may return to normal on its own. However, for prolonged delays, medication may be required to restore the regular cycle.
Surgical trauma: Cervical adhesion caused by uterine surgery or induced abortion can lead to blood stasis and result in delayed menstruation.
Psychological factors: Excessive stress, grief, sadness, anger, or emotional distress such as heartbreak can often cause menstrual delay. This may also lead to breast tenderness, restlessness, and a sense of unease. Generally, no treatment is needed, but if the delay persists, traditional Chinese medicine can be used for syndrome differentiation and regulation.
Menstrual delay can sometimes cause frustration in women, which may worsen the situation. If menstrual delay occurs, it is advisable to seek medical examination based on individual circumstances, maintain a positive mood, and pay attention to diet.