From stress to PCOS: Reasons your period is delayed or has suddenly stopped

Excessive exercise

Working out is good, but if you exercise too much or do it aggressively then your hormones will be disrupted in a way they are when you are stressed. Excessive workouts without taking in enough calories can cause disruptions in the body. If you are an avid gym-goer or athlete and have very little body fat, there is a good chance you will begin to skip periods and have anovular cycles too.

Both, excess or less body weight can impact the menstrual cycle. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Excess or less body weight

We know not all fat is good, but some fat is essential. If your body weight sinks too low, you may stop ovulating. Being too thin can prevent a pregnancy when there is not enough food to sustain both you and the baby. In the same way, excess weight can lead to obesity thereby increasing your chances of being diagnosed with infertility. Keep a watch on your weight; too much body weight also disrupts your menstrual cycle.

ALSO READ: Menstrual Hygiene Day 2019: All about alternative, eco-friendly period products

You may have PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is very common today due to lifestyle habits. It’s an endocrine disorder that has many symptoms, such as lack of or irregular periods, ‘cysts’ in the ovaries, fertility issues and weight gain. It can also cause excess body hair, acne, thinning hair and depression. Not everyone shows all these signs; however it affects women in different ways. Untreated, it can sometimes lead to more serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart problems, so don’t ignore it.

You could be going through premature menopause

Menopause is something that we associate with older women, but premature ovarian failure (POF) can happen to younger women, too. The exact cause of POF remains undetermined but changing food habits, work cultures with increased pressure and high stress jobs are some of the reasons of your sudden menopause.