10 Reasons for Irregular and Delayed Periods After Marriage

A woman’s menstrual cycle is a key part of her reproductive and physical health. Periods occur every month on a schedule that can sometimes be interrupted. When these interruptions become regular and delayed or make your cycle harder to predict, it can be a scary experience. That is why learning about irregular menstrual cycles and the reality behind them is essential to your mental, physical, emotional, and reproductive health.

Understanding the causes of irregular menstrual cycles, such as hormonal imbalances, stress, diet, or underlying medical conditions, empowers women to seek appropriate treatment and support. For instance, some women may experience an irregular menstrual cycle after marriage due to the adjustment to new routines, stressors related to marital life, or changes in diet and lifestyle. Addressing these factors with medical guidance can help restore regularity and promote overall well-being.

What Is an Irregular Menstrual Cycle?

An irregular menstrual cycle is when your period schedule is delayed due to a number of reasons. This is a common occurrence that almost every woman faces at some point in her life. It may be the consequence of a number of issues including stress but there may be other reasons as well. It could be a drastic change in the environment that has affected your body or it could also be an active sex life that has changed your cycle. The causes are numerous and most of them are not dangerous.

Causes of Irregular Periods After Marriage

To ensure you keep calm when your periods are delayed, it is essential to understand the reasons for your delayed or irregular period. Here are 10 reasons why irregular periods after marriage could occur.

1. Emotional Stress

This is one of the main reasons for delay in periods after marriage. Marriage is always a blissful union of two souls becoming one. This can also be a very stressful time. After all, during this time you are constantly on edge because you are making plans for the actual wedding, settling into life after marriage, and sorting out a balanced routine with your partner. The awkward conversation about when and if at all you want children, the vulnerability of the huge commitment you have made and a lot of emotional stress during this period of your life is one of the factors that can, in extreme situations, lead to delayed periods. Your periods should get back to normal once you settle in and the stress subsides.

2. Pregnancy

Most couples, after marriage, expect a drastic spike in sexual activity. This could lead to you becoming pregnant and one of the signs of pregnancy is an irregular or delayed period.

3. Birth Control Pills

Birth control is known to have numerous side effects, one of the most common ones experienced by women is a change in their menstrual cycle. To rule this out, you can consult your doctor. If it is the birth control pills, you can ask your doctor for other means of contraception that are available and just as effective.

4. PCOS

Another very common cause of delayed periods is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This is not an extremely dangerous disease and can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.

5. Drastic Weight Gain

It is very common, after marriage, for your lifestyle to change. In some cases, this means you put on a few pounds. One of the side effects of weight gain is a change in your menstrual cycle. This should sort itself out if you lose those extra kilos.

6. Drastic Weight Loss

Like with the weight gain, it is also common for you to lose weight at a rapid pace, this is one of the most common and treatable reasons for your delayed periods.

7. Thyroid Irregularity

In cases where you have a thyroid issue, it can cause a delay or irregular periods. This is one of the reasons that doctors recommend you to get your thyroid checked every 6 months. Issues like hypothyroidism can be dangerous so it is recommended you follow up with a doctor if you have this issue or suspect you do.

8. Breastfeeding

A very common side effect of pregnancy and one that is less harmful is the fact that your period is delayed because you are breastfeeding. When caring for your little one, your body is still recovering from immense physical stress and the chemicals aren’t yet balanced.

9. Lifestyle Changes

In most cases of delayed periods due to non-medical situations, the cause is a drastic shift in lifestyle and environment. This includes an extreme change of diet and a sudden increase or decrease in physical activity.

10. Sleep Irregularities

Sleep deprivation leads to physical stress and this can cause irregular periods. It is recommended that you sleep for at least 6-8 hours at a stretch. If you are unable to sleep, it is recommended you see a doctor as it could be a sign of anything from obstructive sleep apnea to depression. Once you have a regular sleep cycle, your periods should become normal if this was the cause.

How Can Irregular Periods Affect Your Chances of Getting Pregnant?

A common fear women have is that delayed periods after marriage can affect their chances of becoming pregnant. This is a valid fear as the chances can be lower if the cause of your delayed period is due to medical reasons like PCOD. In most cases, if your period is delayed for a month or two, there is nothing to be worried about.

Treatment for Irregular Periods After Marriage

Experiencing irregular periods after marriage can be unsettling for many women. Fortunately, there are several medical treatment options and lifestyle adjustments that can help regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate associated symptoms:

• Consultation with a Gynecologist: Schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and receive personalized advice.
• Hormonal Therapy: Birth control pills or hormonal supplements your doctor prescribes can regulate menstrual cycles.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise, and manage stress levels effectively.
• Treatment of Underlying Conditions: Address any underlying medical issues such as thyroid disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Alternative Therapies: Consider complementary approaches like acupuncture or herbal remedies under medical guidance.

When to Consult a Doctor?

In some cases, a delayed period may be dangerous and you may need medical assistance:

• If your periods are delayed for more than three consecutive months
• If your delayed period is accompanied by bloody urine or stools
• If your delayed period is accompanied by nausea and vomiting for more than 3 days consecutively
• If the delay or irregular periods are caused by a medication you recently went on
• If your periods are delayed and it is accompanied by lower abdominal pain
• In case you had sexual intercourse recently and believe that pregnancy is the reason for your delayed periods
• If the delay in your period is causing you anxiety
• When the delay in your period is also accompanied by a loss of appetite

How to Treat and Prevent Irregular Periods at Home?

When considering how to cure irregular periods after marriage, it is important to note that there are several remedies for irregular periods after marriage you can follow once you know the cause. It is essential that you seek medical advice before starting any treatment. The steps mentioned below are safe and may help you cure your delayed periods:

• Eat a balanced diet regularly
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid drugs
• Avoid smoking
• Sleep for 6-8 hours consecutively
• Do some yoga
• Exercise regularly
• Take your vitamins
• If PCOD is the cause, take the required medication
• Find activities to help you reduce or eliminate stress

FAQs

1. What role does diet play in managing irregular periods?

Diet can play a significant role in managing irregular periods after marriage. A balanced diet rich in nutrients and adequate hydration can support hormone regulation and overall reproductive health.

2. What role does age play in irregular periods after marriage?

Age-related hormonal changes, especially approaching perimenopause (late 30s to early 50s), can contribute to irregular periods after marriage. It’s important to monitor changes and discuss concerns with a healthcare provider.

3. Can environmental factors impact menstrual regularity?

Exposure to environmental toxins, pollutants, or chemicals found in certain products or environments can disrupt endocrine function and cause period delay after marriage.

4. Can emotional trauma or grief affect menstrual regularity?

Significant emotional trauma, grief, or psychological stressors unrelated to marriage can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to irregular periods.

After marriage, irregular periods are normal. It is essential that you do not self-medicate in any manner before you consult your physician. In most cases, delayed periods are not life-threatening and can be solved with lifestyle changes. Do not medicate without the supervision of your OB/GYN.

References/Resources:

1. Ahamed. F, Lohiya. A, Kankaria. A, Silan. V, et. al; Menstrual Disorders and Its Determinants Among Married Women of Rural Haryana; Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research; https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2015&volume=9&issue=9&page=LC06&issn=0973-709x&id=6441; September 2015

2. Irregular Periods; Cleveland Clinic; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14633-abnormal-menstruation-periods

3. Das. D, Ray. S; Variation in menstrual characters: a study between married and unmarried women of West Bengal (Collegium Antropologicum); National Library of Medicine; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20977093/; September 2010

4. Dinour. L, Leung. M, Tripicchio. G, Khan. S, Yeh. M; The Association between Marital Transitions, Body Mass Index, and Weight: A Review of the Literature (Journal of Obesity); Wiley Online Library; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2012/294974; September 2012

5. Infertility; U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Office on Women’s Health; https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/infertility

6. Female infertility; Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354308

7. What causes menstrual irregularities?; US Department of Health and Human Services: National Institutes of Health; https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/menstruation/conditioninfo/causes

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