Pregnancy is the first thing women think about when they are late for their period. However, is pregnancy one of the triggers for late menstruation? Late menstruation can be a sign of a health problem that needs to be treated by a doctor. 

In some cases, even simple changes to your daily routine can cause delayed menstruation. It must be understood that the menstrual cycle for each woman is usually different. However, the normal turnover is 21-35 days, starting from the day of the last menstruation. 

So, you can be said to have a late period if you haven't had your period for 35 days or more. Even though it usually happens, you are advised to always be vigilant, because there are many clinical conditions that can cause late menstruation. Here is an explanation, hopefully it helps!

Potential Causes of Late Menstruation

Late menstruation is not always synonymous with pregnancy. Because there could be other factors that can cause it, including:

• PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
  Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone problem that occurs in women of childbearing age. PCOS is characterized by menstrual disorders and excessive levels of male hormones (androgens). So that this condition causes the menstrual cycle to become irregular.
  
  
• Chronic Diseases
  Chronic diseases such as diabetes and celiac disease can be a trigger factor for late menstruation. Changes in blood sugar are related to hormonal changes, and diabetes that is not properly monitored can result in irregular menstrual cycles. Those with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes may experience missed periods in rare cases. 
  
  This tends to only occur when blood sugar levels are not within normal limits. Celiac disease causes an infection that can damage the small intestine. Thus preventing the body from absorbing essential nutrients. This can result in late or possibly irregular periods.
  
  
• Thyroid Issues
  gland plays a role in regulating the body's metabolism. If this hormone doesn't work properly, menstruation can also be disrupted. Problems with the thyroid gland can be recognized by signs such as fatigue, marked weight loss, hair loss, and sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures.
  
  However, you don't need to worry because thyroid problems can be treated with some drugs and surgery. Menstruation will also return to normal after thyroid problems are treated by a doctor.
  
  
• Early Menopause
  Early menopause occurs when the ovaries stop working before a woman is 40 years old. This is the factor that causes late menstruation. Early menopause causes the release of egg cells to stop which is characterized by signs such as late menstruation, night sweats, and difficulty sleeping. 
  
  However, if you are over 40 years old and show signs of late menstruation, longer periods, or bleeding after sexual intercourse, you should immediately consult a doctor. These problems can be signs of cervical polyp disease, endometrial polyps, or endometrial cancer.
  
  
• Experiencing Obesity
  Weight gain can cause hormonal changes in women. Research shows that women who are overweight have a high risk of experiencing late menstruation. 
  
  
• Excessive Stress
  Over time depression can lead to disease or even experience a drastic increase or decrease in body weight, all of which can affect the menstrual cycle. 
  

This increase in hormones forces the brain to determine which body functions are most important, this lasts until the depression is over. This situation can be a trigger for late menstruation. If you think depression can affect the menstrual cycle, try exercises to do relaxation and lifestyle changes. Don't forget to exercise and get enough rest.

References:

https://www.alodokter.com/menstruasi-terlambat-bisa-disebabkan-oleh-10-hal-ini

https://www.orami.co.id/magazine/penyebab-terlambat-haid