Missed or Late Periods

Missed or late periods, also known as amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, refer to the absence or delay of menstrual periods in women.

Causes

• Hormonal Imbalance: Changes in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, can disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to missed or late periods.
• Stress: High levels of stress can affect the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates hormones, leading to changes in menstrual cycles.
• Weight Changes: Significant weight gain or loss can impact hormone production and lead to irregular periods.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy is a common cause of missed periods, as the body produces human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) instead of estrogen and progesterone.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder that can cause irregular ovulation and menstruation.
• Thyroid Disorders: Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can affect menstrual cycles.
• Menopause or Perimenopause: The transition to menopause can cause irregular periods, including missed or late periods.

Symptoms

• Absence of menstruation for three months or more
• Infrequent or light periods
• Heavy or prolonged bleeding
• Pelvic pain or cramping
• Bloating and breast tenderness
• Mood changes, such as anxiety or depression

Diagnosis

To diagnose the cause of missed or late periods, a healthcare provider may perform:

• Physical Exam: To check for any underlying medical conditions.
• Medical History: To review menstrual history, pregnancy status, and other health factors.
• Hormone Level Tests: To measure levels of estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones.
• Pelvic Exam: To check for any abnormalities in the reproductive organs.
• Imaging Tests: Such as ultrasound or MRI to visualize the reproductive organs.

Treatment

Treatment for missed or late periods depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Hormonal Birth Control: To regulate menstrual cycles and hormone levels.
• Fertility Medications: To stimulate ovulation in women with PCOS or other fertility issues.
• Thyroid Medication: To treat thyroid disorders and regulate hormone production.
• Lifestyle Changes: Such as stress management, weight loss or gain, and exercise to help regulate menstrual cycles.