Delayed Menstruation Following Craniotomy
At 36 years of age, I am a female standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds. I am white and have been experiencing a delay in my menstrual cycle for the past few days, specifically in the uterine area. I have some pre-existing medical conditions, including epilepsy and mitral valve prolapse, and I recently underwent a craniotomy accompanied by an anterior temporal lobectomy. As for my medications, I was taking 800 mg of Lamictal daily, but my dosage was reduced to 600 mg today. Additionally, I am on a regimen of vitamins, including ADK multivitamin, Vitamin C complex with bioflavonoids, and Vitamin B complex. I've also recently added chlorophyll and selenium supplements to my routine. Exactly one month has passed since my surgery, and my period is running a few days late. After researching online, I discovered that this is a common occurrence, as surgical procedures and the ensuing recovery can impose considerable stress on the body. I'm reaching out for guidance regarding this situation. Prior to my surgery, I had unprotected intercourse approximately a week before my procedure; however, I had a pregnancy test conducted before the operation that yielded a negative result. I have subsequently taken another pregnancy test, and it too has come back negative.
Answers (1)
8/22/2025, 11:10:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about a delayed menstrual cycle, especially after significant medical events like a craniotomy. Here are the main points regarding your situation:
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Menstrual Delay Factors: Post-surgery stress and changes in your medications can impact your menstrual cycle. It’s common for menstrual irregularities to occur after surgery due to factors like physical stress, hormonal fluctuations, and medication adjustments.
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Possible Causes: Since you had a recent surgery, your body is still recovering. Additionally, changes in medication, including reductions in your Lamictal dosage, may contribute to shifts in your menstrual cycle.
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Pregnancy Considerations: Given that you had a negative pregnancy test before your surgery and another negative test afterward, it's unlikely that pregnancy is the cause of your delayed cycle, particularly if the timing of your menstrual cycle aligns with ovulation and your recent intercourse.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Changes: Pay attention to your body. Note any additional symptoms such as cramping, breast tenderness, or changes in your mood. These can provide more context about your menstrual cycle.
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Maintain a Healthy Routine: Ensure you are eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and managing stress through relaxation techniques or gentle exercises suitable for your recovery phase.
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Allow Time: Understand that menstrual cycles can take some time to return to normal after surgery. Give your body a couple of cycles to see if your menstruation stabilizes.
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Consult if Needed: If your period is more than a week late or if you experience severe symptoms such as unexpected pain, heavy bleeding, or other concerning issues, consider reaching out for further evaluation.
It’s always okay to have concerns, especially after a medical procedure. Remember that your body is healing, and it may take some time to settle back into its normal rhythm.
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