Late Menstrual Cycles
During a woman’s reproductive years it is very common to experience the occasional later menstrual cycle. Such late menstrual cycles or periods are fairly common and are not of any great concern for a woman’s health. In the years leading up to and during menopause however, late menstrual cycles along with other menstrual abnormalities can be a sign of fluctuating hormone levels and changes within the body.
What are Late Menstrual Cycles?
 Late menstrual cycles occur when a women’s period does not fall into her regular pattern, but may occur some days or even in some cases, weeks later. Often associated as a first sign of pregnancy in younger years, this change can be worrying and irritating for many women.
A normal menstrual cycle is considered to be between 23 to 35 days however every woman is different and is probably aware of what is normal for her own body. Most medical professionals would expect a women’s period to fall around the same time every month. Frequently late menstrual cycles are also known as a type of irregular period and may indicate that a woman is entering perimenopause or menopause proper if she is around the ages of 40-55.
Types of Late Menstrual Cycles
| Late Menstrual cycles that affect
frequency of Menstruation |
Polymenorrhea: frequent periods (with intervals of 21 days or less).
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| Late Menstrual cycles that produce
pain during menstruation |
Dysmenorrhea, cramps or painful menstruation, involves menstrual periods that are accompanied by either sharp, intermittent pain or dull, aching pain, usually in the pelvis or lower abdomen.
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| Late Menstrual cycles that affect
quantity of menstruation |
| Hypomenorrhea: A diminution of the flow or a shortening of the duration of menstruation. |
| Menorrhagia is an abnormally heavy and prolonged menstrual period. It may be associated with abnormally painful periods (dysmenorrhoea). |
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What Causes Late Menstrual Cycles?
There can be several causes of late menstrual cycles, though these causes differ greatly from woman to woman. Although most of the causes can be pinned on physical factors within the body, it’s also important to consider psychological factors which may be contributing to irregular or late menstrual cycles.
Psychological causes for late menstrual cycles. Stress can be a big factor in the healthy and regular running of the body. Many women around menopause find that they have busy family and work lives which may be contributing to health problems. Worries and anxiety can also increase the likelihood of late menstrual cycles, especially if a woman is experiencing other symptoms of menopause which can be uncomfortable and distressing.
Physical causes for late menstrual cycles. The hormones estrogen and progesterone regulate the menstrual cycle and when these two hormones become unbalanced late menstrual cycles are a very common side effect. Certain treatments can help to keep these hormones balanced so keep reading to find out more.
What to do about Late Menstrual Cycles?
The simplest way to treat late menstrual cycles is to establish what is causing them. Although it’s always wise to consult a doctor when trying to tackle medical issues, some women may be aware of factors in their lives which could be contributing to irregular or late menstrual cycles.
 Psychological: Anxiety, stress, overworking and fatigue can all be attributed to causing late menstrual cycles. For this reason it is important to make time for rest and relaxation and treat any sleep disorders which may be making day to day life exhausting.
Physical: Late menstrual cycles are often caused by imbalanced hormonal levels which regulate the menstrual cycle and insure the ovulation and menstruation. There are several ways to manage late menstrual cycles, but the best way is by combining therapies such as being committed to fitness, a healthy lifestyle and trying alternative or herbal medicine.
You can click on one of the links in the article below to learn more about the treatments for late menstrual cycles that most suits you.
Three approaches for treating late menstrual cycles:
(1)lifestyle changes, (2)alternative approaches and (3)drugs and surgery. It makes most sense to start with simple lifestyle changes and only move onto to more drastic measures if late menstrual cycles do not become more regular. Click on treatments for late menstrual cycles and learn more about these three approaches and way to implement them.
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