Having cramps,but no period?

At least once in a lifetime every woman has faced similar symptoms of monthly flow, yet, periods seem delayed from the due date. Classic pre-menstrual symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, bloating, cravings, and sickening cramps are some of the indicators that may be present yet bleeding may cease to start, and this can be a result of other medical conditions. Here’s why you may be experiencing symptoms of periods without menstruating.

• Pregnancy: In case you have had intercourse without protection and also skipped taking a contraceptive pill in the next 72 hours, it’s time you tried taking a pregnancy test because some of the early signs of pregnancy like tender breast, cramps, are almost similar to menstruation.

• Thyroid: The thyroid gland oversees many functions of the body, including menstruation cycle. When the hormones released from this gland go unregulated due to malfunctions, they may cause conditions like depression and weight gain.

• Stress: Stress induces an increase in the cortisol level which can alter the body’s hormone balance.

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome: It is a condition characterised by excess androgens affecting ovary function, hair growth, weight gain, and sensitivity to insulin.

• Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a disorder where endometrium, primarily lining the inner walls of the uterus, starts growing outside the uterus wall.

(The author is senior consultant, obstetrics & gynaecology, Fortis la Femme)