Why is menstruation delayed for 16 days?

A 16-day delay in menstruation may be related to factors such as pregnancy, endocrine disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, excessive mental stress, abnormal thyroid function, etc. The diagnosis can be confirmed through pregnancy tests, hormone level tests, ultrasound examinations, etc.

1. Pregnancy

When women of childbearing age have a history of sexual intercourse and do not take contraceptive measures, pregnancy must be ruled out first if menstruation is delayed. Early pregnancy reactions such as breast tenderness, nausea and vomiting may occur in early pregnancy, which can be confirmed by urine pregnancy test strips or blood HCG testing. If you are diagnosed with pregnancy, you should follow your doctor's advice for regular prenatal check-ups and avoid strenuous exercise and contraindications.

2. Endocrine disorders

Staying up late for a long time, excessive dieting or obesity may lead to hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis dysfunction, which is manifested as prolonged menstrual cycle and abnormal menstrual flow. It is recommended to adjust your work and rest schedule to fall asleep before 23:00 every day, keep your BMI in the range of 18.5-23.9, and use progesterone capsules, estradiol valerate tablets and other drugs under the guidance of a doctor to adjust the cycle if necessary.

3. Polycystic ovary syndrome

The disease is often accompanied by symptoms such as hirsutism, acne, and insulin resistance. Polycystic changes in the ovaries can be seen on ultrasound. Treatment needs to be combined with lifestyle intervention, such as limiting high GI food intake, and using metformin tablets, ethinyl estradiol cyproterone tablets and other drugs to improve metabolic abnormalities and hormone levels.

4. Excessive mental pressure

Emotional stress such as anxiety and depression can inhibit the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, causing temporary amenorrhea. Stress can be relieved through mindfulness meditation and aerobic exercise. If there is no menstrual cramps for more than 3 months, you need to consider using Chinese patent medicines such as Wuji Baifeng Pills and Xiaoyao Pills for auxiliary conditioning.

5. Abnormal thyroid function

Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can interfere with the menstrual cycle, and patients may experience symptoms such as palpitations, sensitivity to cold, and weight fluctuations. Thyroid hormone levels need to be tested. After diagnosis, levothyroxine sodium tablets or methimazole tablets are used for treatment. During this period, TSH indicators are reviewed monthly to adjust the dosage.

It is recommended to record the past three menstrual cycles, avoid excessive dieting or overeating, and ensure 7-8 hours of sleep every day. If it is ruled out that menstruation is still absent after pregnancy, or is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, abnormal bleeding and other symptoms, it is necessary to go to a gynecologist in time to complete six sex hormones, pelvic ultrasound and other examinations. Phytoestrogen foods such as soy milk and flaxseed can be consumed in moderation in daily life, but they cannot replace drug treatment.