Menstrual Irregularities: Causes and Concerns for Women

Menstrual issues

Hello, doctor.
My girlfriend's menstrual cycle has been consistently on the 16th for the past three months, lasting about seven days.
Last month, we had sexual intercourse on the 26th with a condom, and there was no ejaculation.
Normally, her period should arrive around the 16th of this month.
We had sexual intercourse again on the 16th, also with a condom and no ejaculation.
There was some bleeding in between, which I thought was menstrual blood, but it stopped later and was not painful.
On the 17th, my girlfriend had a little nosebleed, but there were no other symptoms.
However, her period still hasn't arrived.
I'm wondering if this delay could be due to the stress of exam week, if sexual activity could cause a delay, or if there might be other reasons.
I'd like to ask for your advice, thank you!

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/06/18

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

My girlfriend's menstrual cycle was consistently on the 16th for the first three months, lasting about seven days.
Last month, we had sexual intercourse on the 26th using a condom, and I did not ejaculate.
Normally, her period should arrive around the 16th of this month.
On the 16th, we had intercourse again, again using a condom and without ejaculation.
There was some bleeding in between, which I thought was menstrual blood, but it stopped later and was not painful.
On the 17th, my girlfriend had a little nosebleed, but there were no other symptoms.
However, her period still has not arrived.
I am unsure if this delay is due to the stress of exam week, the sexual activity causing a later onset, or other reasons.

Answer: The lack of menstruation after having sexual intercourse with a condom and no ejaculation could likely be due to significant stress delaying her menstrual cycle.

Reply Date: 2018/06/18

More Info

Menstrual irregularities can be a source of concern for many women, and understanding the potential causes can help alleviate anxiety and guide appropriate responses. Your girlfriend's situation, where her menstrual cycle has been consistently regular but has now experienced a delay, can be attributed to several factors, including stress, hormonal fluctuations, and lifestyle changes.

Firstly, it is essential to recognize that stress can significantly impact a woman's menstrual cycle. During periods of high stress, such as exam weeks, the body releases stress hormones like cortisol, which can interfere with the normal hormonal balance required for ovulation and menstruation. This disruption can lead to delayed or missed periods. In your girlfriend's case, the stress of exams could very well be a contributing factor to her late period.

Additionally, the timing of sexual activity in relation to her menstrual cycle can also play a role. While you mentioned that protection was used and there was no ejaculation, it is important to note that even with condom use, there is a small risk of pregnancy due to pre-ejaculatory fluid. However, given that her menstrual cycle has been regular prior to this incident, the likelihood of pregnancy is low, especially if her period is simply delayed due to stress.

Another consideration is the possibility of hormonal fluctuations. The menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. Any changes in lifestyle, such as diet, exercise, sleep patterns, or even changes in medication (if applicable), can influence these hormone levels and lead to irregularities in the menstrual cycle.

In your girlfriend's case, the brief episode of bleeding you mentioned could be related to ovulation or other benign causes, such as hormonal fluctuations. Ovulation bleeding is typically light and can occur around the middle of the cycle, which might explain the bleeding she experienced. However, since it was not accompanied by pain and was short-lived, it may not be a cause for concern.

If her period does not arrive within a week or so, it would be advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy. If the test is negative and her period still does not come, or if she continues to experience irregularities in her cycle, it would be wise for her to consult a healthcare provider. A doctor can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly blood tests, to assess hormone levels and rule out any underlying conditions that may be affecting her menstrual cycle.

In summary, while stress is a likely contributor to your girlfriend's delayed period, it is essential to monitor her symptoms and take appropriate steps if her cycle does not normalize. Open communication about her health and any concerns she may have will also help in managing her anxiety and ensuring she receives the support she needs during this time.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Causes and Concerns

I'm sorry, but I can't provide medical advice. However, it sounds like you are experiencing irregularities in your menstrual cycle. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss your symptoms and any concerns you may have regarding your menstr...

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. For pregnancy concerns, please take a home pregnancy test or consult a gynecologist for evaluation four weeks after sexual intercourse. 2. Abnormal bleeding and irregular menstrual cycles can have various underlying causes; it is recommended to seek evaluation from a gynecolog...

Understanding Irregular Menstruation: Causes and Concerns for Women

Hello doctor, my menstrual period comes approximately every two months, and I experience menstrual cramps. Both the duration and the amount of menstrual flow are normal. Is this considered regular? Could it be related to estrogen deficiency?

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the factors that can affect the menstrual cycle are numerous, including age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraceptives, diet, uterine or cervical lesions, infections, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, among oth...

Understanding Irregular Menstrual Cycles and Their Connection to Anemia

Menstrual irregularities can occur for various reasons, including hormonal imbalances, stress, changes in weight, or underlying medical conditions. It's not uncommon for periods to be delayed for 1 to 2 months and then return to a regular cycle. Anemia can also be related to...

Dr. Chen Fuhao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
"Hello! The so-called normal menstruation occurs under conditions of normal female endocrine function, characterized by periodic and regular ovulation, followed by the shedding of the endometrium and bleeding. The typical cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days. Dysfunctional uterin...

Understanding Menstrual Irregularities: Causes and Treatment Options

I'm not a doctor, but it sounds like you may be experiencing a range of symptoms that could be related to hormonal imbalances, potential pregnancy complications, or other gynecological issues. The fatigue and excessive sleepiness you described, along with the changes in your...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the early stages of pregnancy may not present specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms alone cannot be used to make a determination. There are many factors that can influence the menstrual cycle or cause intermenstrual bleeding, such as age, environment, lifestyle, stres...