Yes, we know that the first sign of being pregnant is a missed period, which is medically known as amenorrhea. But if you are not trying for a pregnancy and still end up getting a delayed period, chances are it could be pointing to an underlying health condition or something as simple as stress, which we tend to ignore on our daily lives.
Here are 5 other reasons for a missed period besides a pregnancy:
#1 A thyroid disorder
An imbalance of the thyroid hormones could also play havoc with your ovulation and menstrual cycle and the first sign of that would be a missed period. However, do look for other signs such as rapid weight gain or weight loss, mood swings, hair falls, chronic fatigue and brain fog that are some prominent signs of a thyroid disorder.
What you can do: Get your T3, T4 and TSH levels tested and visit a general physician who could decipher the results for you.
#2 Aggressive exercise or a change in routine
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If you’ve recently started exercising, it could also be a reason for your missed period. On the other hand, if you have started on a new routine such as taken up a night job or started staying awake late in the night, it could also be a cause. However, your cycle would be back to normal once your body adjusts to the routine.
What you can do: Take it easy and go slow. Look for ways to relax and rejuvenate after work by taking up yoga or meditation.
#3 Stress
Yes, this is another health problem that stress could trigger! If you’re undergoing stressful situations in life such as a painful divorce, breakup, death of a dear one or even work-related issues, it could lead to hypothalamic amenorrhea or a late period.
What you can do: Yoga and meditation are all you need to keep stress away and increase the levels of your happiness hormones.
#4 Weight woes
If you’ve taken on an aggressive weight loss regimen and are eating less or exercising way more than your body permits, it could result in a late period as well. This is because your body is under a lot of stress and it takes it as a signal to delay ovulation and in turn your period. Now you know why fitness instructors ask you not to overdo things?
What you can do: If you are trying to lose weight, don’t try easy methods and think of losing it all in a month. Gradual weight loss is more effective and also has no effect on your health.
#5 A deficiency
A severe deficiency in your body such as low iron levels or illness could also delay your period. Anaemia or iron deficiency is a condition when your body has a lower number of red blood cells than required which are required to carry oxygen to the different parts of your body.
However, there will be other signs that would accompany it such as pale skin, recurrent skin infections, irregular heartbeat, dizziness and headache. Consult your doctor if you feel that you are suffering from them.
What you can do: If you notice any of the above signs, go see a doctor and discuss them with him in detail.
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(Image courtesy: Google)
