Is It PMS? Menstrual Delays and Their Causes

Is it a premenstrual symptom?

I would like to ask the doctor, I had safe sexual intercourse with my girlfriend at the beginning of this month, but her period has not arrived on time.
Recently, she has been eating cold foods, and for the past few days, she has been experiencing some abdominal discomfort.
Could this mean her period is coming? I have heard that eating cold foods and anemia can cause a delay in menstruation.
Is this true? Could the combination of eating cold foods and feeling anxious be the reason for her delayed period? [Her periods have always been very regular.]

5566, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/23

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
At the beginning of the month, I had safe sexual intercourse with my girlfriend, but her period hasn't arrived as expected.
Recently, she has been eating cold foods, and for the past few days, she has been experiencing some discomfort and cramping in her abdomen.
Could this mean her period is coming? Ans: It is likely that her period is approaching.
2.
I heard that eating cold foods and anemia can cause a delayed period.
Is this true? Ans: Yes, it is true; it is often caused by psychological factors.
3.
Can the combination of eating cold foods and anxiety lead to a delayed period for her? Ans: Yes, it can.

Reply Date: 2018/08/23

More Info

When it comes to understanding menstrual delays, it’s important to consider a variety of factors that can influence a woman's menstrual cycle. In your case, the delay in your girlfriend's period could be attributed to several potential causes, including stress, dietary habits, and physiological changes.

Firstly, it’s essential to recognize that menstrual cycles can be affected by stress and anxiety. If your girlfriend has been feeling particularly anxious or stressed—perhaps due to the recent sexual encounter or other life circumstances—this could lead to hormonal fluctuations that may delay her period. The body can react to stress in various ways, including altering the timing of ovulation and menstruation.

Regarding her consumption of ice or cold foods, there is a common belief in some cultures that eating cold foods can affect menstrual cycles. However, from a medical standpoint, there is no substantial scientific evidence to support the idea that eating ice or cold foods directly causes menstrual delays. The menstrual cycle is primarily regulated by hormones, and while diet can play a role in overall health, it is unlikely that consuming cold foods alone would lead to a significant delay in menstruation.

Another factor to consider is the possibility of pregnancy. If you engaged in sexual activity, even with protection, there is still a chance of pregnancy if the contraceptive method was not 100% effective. If her period is significantly late, it may be wise for her to take a home pregnancy test to rule out this possibility. Pregnancy tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period.

Additionally, other medical conditions can cause menstrual irregularities. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or other hormonal imbalances can lead to delayed or missed periods. If her period does not arrive soon, it may be beneficial for her to consult a healthcare provider to explore these possibilities further.

In summary, while stress and anxiety, as well as dietary habits, can influence menstrual cycles, it is crucial to consider all potential factors, including the possibility of pregnancy. If her period does not arrive soon, or if she experiences significant discomfort or other concerning symptoms, it would be advisable for her to seek medical advice. A healthcare provider can offer a more personalized assessment and recommend appropriate next steps based on her individual health history and circumstances.

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