Does stress delay menstruation?

Stress in women can cause delayed menstruation. The normal menstrual cycle is influenced by the ovarian hormone level, which periodically causes the endometrium to shed and menstruation to occur, so the menstrual cycle is mainly regulated by the hormone level. Women who are under stress, or mental tension or poor health can cause delayed menstruation. If a woman’s menstruation is delayed for more than 10 days, the first step for women of childbearing age is to rule out whether pregnancy is causing the delayed menstruation. If the lining is thick, progesterone can be given to promote menstruation. If progesterone is given orally or intramuscularly and does not induce menstruation, a hormone level test should be performed to understand the function of the ovaries.