Why Is My Period Late? Here Is The Reason!

Is your period a nightmare for you? Do you experience frequent irregularities in your menstrual cycle? Periods can be a concern for many women. Apart from the cramps, pain, and difficulties during menstruation, some women may face a delay in their periods adding to their worries.

However, delays in periods are mostly normal. People may experience slight variations in their menstrual cycles. However, if this happens recurrently or if a woman misses their periods continuously, it may be a sign of some other medical conditions.

So, although normal,  a late period can be sometimes alarming. This article will delve into the details of delays in periods. It will discuss whether a late period should be a concern or when should be a late period a concern. The common causes of late periods and treatment options for the same will also be discussed in this article.

How Late Can A Period Be?

A late or missed period can be concerning for most women, especially when they used to have regular cycles. However, in most cases, a late period need not be a cause of concern. It is normal to encounter slight variations in the menstrual cycle and many women experience it at least once. But, how long is a late period normal?

Normally, the menstrual cycle may start within 24 to 38 days of the last cycle. However, if you pass this time frame or your period does not start after a week of your expected day, your period will be considered late.

Several reasons may cause a delay in the menstrual cycle. The most important among them is pregnancy. However, if you miss your period and you are not pregnant, there might be an underlying medical condition that affects your period. Sometimes changes in your lifestyle, stress, and change in weight may affect your menstrual cycle. No matter what the cause is, if your period is late over 7 days, it is ideal to consult a healthcare professional.

Common Causes Of A Late Period

As mentioned, a late period can be caused by various reasons. Some of them can be short-term reasons like change in diet, stress, and intense exercise, while others may be long-term including, polycystic ovary syndrome, perimenopause, and early menopause. The details of each reason are given below. 

• Stress 

Stress largely affects a woman’s menstrual cycle. When you are stressed, your body undergoes multiple hormonal changes to cope with your body’s fight-or-flight mode. These hormones hinder various bodily functions. As it also affects the reproductive system,  stress can cause a late or missed period.

• Changes in weight

Similar to stress, sudden changes in weight can also lead to late or missed periods. When a woman loses or gains significant weight it will affect her body hormones. Underweight or low body-fat ratio will reduce the reproductive hormones, which may restrict ovulation and menstruation. 

• Intense workout

Strenuous workouts are also a common cause of late periods. Whether intentionally or not, while you exercise intensely, you burn more calories, making it difficult for your body to keep up the workings of all the systems. Furthermore, it also increases the production of hormones, affecting the menstrual cycle.

• Birth controls

Some birth controls contain hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These hormones cause changes in the body’s hormones for a specific period, followed by hormone-free days. They may also thin the lining of the uterus which may lead to no period. Any birth control including pills, patches, shots, and implants may cause these changes, resulting in delayed periods.

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder in most women. Under this condition, women may experience abnormal hormone levels causing small cysts in their ovaries. This condition which delays or misses periods will be accompanied by multiple symptoms like acne, pimples, excess facial and body hairs, being overweight, and thinning hair.

• Perimenopause 

Perimenopause is the transitional phase from the reproductive age to menopause. It is normal to experience irregular periods during this time. The menstrual cycle can be early or late during perimenopause. Usually experienced during the 40s or early 50s, perimenopause includes other symptoms like insomnia, mood swings, cramps, and vaginal dryness.

• Pregnancy 

The chances of pregnancy cannot be ruled out if you miss your period. A sexually active woman should take a pregnancy test if they experience a delay in their menstrual cycle. However, it is ideal to take the home test at least a week after the expected period date, because the test may show negative results even if you are pregnant in the early days. 

Treatments for late periods

Depending on the underlying cause for the late or missed period, there may be changes in the treatment. However, medication is the first treatment for almost all causes. The details of treatment options are as follows:

• Medications 

Medications to treat underlying medical conditions like PCOS and thyroid may be prescribed to treat a delay in your periods. These medications reduce the imbalance in the hormonal levels and reinforce the proper workings of bodily functions.

• Hormone therapy

When the cause of your late period is hormonal imbalance, the doctors may prescribe hormonal therapy including birth control pills or progestin.

• Surgery 

In extreme conditions like uterine fibrosis or polyps, doctors may suggest surgical treatments. However, these instances can be rare and depend on the age and physical condition of the patients.

When to consult a doctor?

Late or missed periods do not always require a doctor’s consultation. As mentioned earlier, it can be normal as a period may start within 24-38 days after the last period. However, in some cases, it is advised to consult a doctor if you notice a delay in your period. Some such occasions are:

• If the periods do not arrive by the age of 16
• If you notice repeated delays in your period
• If the period stops for over 3 months
• If you experience symptoms of PCOS or other medical conditions
• If you encounter sudden gain or loss of weight
• If your stress level increases considerably

Conclusion

Although late periods may not be anything to be concerned about, it is important to pay attention to the changes in your body and seek medical care if necessary. Several reasons can lead to a delay in periods including stress, sudden changes in the body, hormonal imbalance, medical conditions like PCOS and thyroid, intense workouts, pregnancy, and perimenopause.

So, identifying these causes will help to explore the best treatment options for each condition such as medications, hormone therapy, and in rare cases surgery. Furthermore, it is essential to consult a doctor or women’s health expert if you miss your periods several times in a row,  notice symptoms of PCOS, experience sudden weight changes, a considerable increase in stress levels, and recurring delays in periods.

So, in conclusion, addressing the changes in your boy and taking proactive steps will maintain your menstrual cycle and overall health.

FAQs