Do Chia Seeds Delay Periods?

Chia Seeds and Hormonal Balance: Do They Delay Periods?

Until now, there have been no scientific reasons to prove that chia seeds cause a period delay. Chia seeds are considered a highly nutritious food, containing protein, fibre, and healthy fats, which offer various health benefits.

Read on to find out the various health benefits that chia seeds offer!

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Listed below are some of the amazing health benefits of chia seeds:

• Rich in antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals and minimizing cell damages
• High fibre and protein content, helping in weight loss
• Contains all the necessary nutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, niacin, thiamine, etc., in the right proportion
• High omega-3s and fibre content reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Consists of essential bone nutrients such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium
• Retains water and produces a cooling effect in the body
• Helps in the regulation of blood sugar levels

However, if your periods are delayed, it is crucial to understand the cause. Read ahead to learn about some of the possible reasons for period delay.

Possible Reasons for Delay in Menstrual Periods

There can be various factors that delay the menstrual periods. Listed below are some of the prominent causes:

1. Medical Conditions Associated with Delay in Menstrual Periods

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): This is a bacterial infection wherein the female reproductive system is primarily affected. The bacteria usually enter through the vagina and get quickly spread in the upper genital tract and the uterus.
• Endometriosis: Here, the endometrial tissue grows outside of your uterus, attaching to your fallopian tubes or ovaries. It can cause cramps, abnormal bleeding, or excessive pain during periods.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): When you suffer from PCOS, your ovaries generate a large amount of androgen. This hormone can delay or prevent ovulation, leading to irregular or complete stopping of periods.
• Thyroid or Pituitary Gland Disorders: Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and other pituitary and thyroid gland disorders can result in hormonal imbalances in the body, causing irregular periods.
• Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Women under the age of 40 primarily develop this condition, in which the ovaries do not function properly. This can lead to irregular periods.
• Cancer: Ovarian cancer or uterine cancer can be a prominent cause behind irregularity in periods. Women suffering from this condition usually experience missed periods or heavier than usual periods.

2. Lifestyle Factors that Result in Delay in Menstrual Periods

• Changes in Body Weight: Gaining or losing significant body weight within a shorter duration of time can lead to a delay in periods.
• Stress: Prolonged stress is another common factor contributing to an irregular menstrual cycle.
• Heavy Exercise: Dancers, long-distance runners, and gymnasts' exercise routines can result in very low body fat, leading to delayed periods.
• Infections: The development of viral infections and other illnesses can also lead to period delays.

3. Other Factors Associated with Delay in Menstrual Periods

• Various Medicines: The consumption of steroids and anticoagulant drugs, commonly called blood thinners, can delay periods.
• Birth Control Pills: These medications mostly contain a combination of hormones to prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. Irregular periods can be a normal consequence of using them that can last even up to six months after discontinuing the pills.
•  Miscarriage: Miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies are also a prominent cause towards delay in the onset of the menstrual cycle.
• Surgery: Scarring, surgery, or blockages in the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries can also cause period delay.

Management and Treatment for Delay in Menstrual Periods

The first choice of treatment for managing delay in periods is medication. If it does not give the desired result, surgery is the only remaining option. The treatment options include:

• Combined Contraceptive Pill: It helps in regularizing your periods if the delay is caused due to polycystic ovary syndrome.
•  Antibiotics: If the period delays result from bacterial infection, antibiotics can be a recommended medication option.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): If you are on the verge of starting menopause, doctors can recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat period delays.
• Other Management Procedures: Doctors can also recommend therapy sessions to reduce stress or connect with a dietician to help you maintain a healthy body weight, which can help you regularize your periods.

The treatment and medication expenses can be substantial and might lead to a depletion of your savings. At Star Health, we provide a wide range of health insurance plans encompassing various health conditions specially tailored to your requirements. With our hassle-free claim settlements, stay financially protected during any healthcare emergency.

Prevention Options for Delay in Menstrual Periods

Here are a few preventive options you can incorporate to avoid any delay in the onset of your menstrual cycle:

• Eat nutritious food and maintain an optimum body weight
• Practice various relaxation and stress reduction techniques
• Get enough rest and sleep
• Refrain from intense and prolonged exercise routines
•  Intake of contraceptive methods and birth control pills only as directed
• Consult a gynaecologist for periodic check-ups
• Change sanitary pads or tampons every four to six hours to avoid infection

Ultimately, as per scientific studies, chia seeds do not cause hormonal imbalance to delay periods. So, you can include them in your everyday diet and experience the associated health benefits. However, if you suffer from any pre-existing medical condition, make sure to consult with your physician before consuming them.