8 Reasons Why Your Period is Late

There are various reasons why your period might be delayed, ranging from alterations in lifestyle to underlying medical concerns to simple stress. 

Continue reading to learn more about potential cycle disruptors.

It's normal to be anxious if your period doesn't arrive on schedule and you're not trying to get pregnant. However, a late period does not always indicate pregnancy or a major medical issue. For assistance in determining the possible reasons behind your period's tardiness or non-appearance this month, refer to this list of 8 often occurring late menstrual cycle causes. 

1. Anxiety

You are well aware that stress can impact your menstrual cycle and cause a host of unpleasant side effects, including weight gain, acne, and migraines. The stress chemicals cortisol and adrenaline are produced by your body when you are experiencing physical or emotional stress. Until the anxiety-inducing incident has passed, elevated levels require the brain to make decisions about which body functions are necessary and which are not.

2. Intense Exercise

Overdoing the exercise without consuming enough calories can lead to disruptions. Extreme or quick weight loss, diminished physical performance, or forcing oneself to exercise because of an injury, illness, or inclement weather are a few indicators that it's being overstated. Regaining and losing a little weight as needed could help everything get back on track.

3. An Imbalance of Hormones

A disorder known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) causes an imbalance in female sex hormones. Ovarian cysts brought on by PCOS can interfere with normal ovulation. Apart from irregular or menstrual cycles, PCOS can also lead to weight gain, acne, overgrowth of hair, and potentially infertility. If your doctor suspects PCOS is the cause of your menstrual issues, he may order a blood test to measure your hormone levels. Your doctor might suggest birth control to control your cycles if PCOS is the reason.

4. Sufficient or Excessive Weight

Your hypothalamus, a gland in your brain that controls many bodily functions, including your menstrual cycle, may be impacted by your weight. The hypothalamus is strained by drastic weight loss, insufficient calorie consumption, or extremely low body weight, which prevents your body from releasing the estrogen required to form the uterine lining.

5. Medicines

Chemicals, including herbal supplements, can enter your body and set off a chain reaction that affects several systems. Chemotherapy, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and birth control can all result in missing periods. Tell your doctor if you have started taking a new medication and have been missing periods to find out if this is a typical adverse effect. For instance, your menstruation might entirely stop when using some birth control methods, such as IUDs, injections, and specific birth control pills.

6. Breastfeeding

The hormone responsible for producing breast milk, prolactin, also suppresses ovulation, you could not get your period for a while if you are breastfeeding. While nursing, a lot of mothers don't get their period for months at a time or at all.

However, it's not impossible to become pregnant if your cycle is disrupted. Recall that ovulation occurs before to menstruation. Before you get your period, you could ovulate and become pregnant.

7. Perimenopause

Menopause typically occurs around 51 years old. A woman can enter what is known as perimenopause, a stage in which her body gradually produces less estrogen, at any point between two and eight years prior. You may notice variations in your menstrual cycle at this time, such as more or fewer periods, longer or shorter cycles, or lighter or heavier cycles. 

However, you can also have mood swings, difficulty sleeping, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and nocturnal sweats. Your doctor can use a blood test to check your hormone levels if you're worried about your symptoms.

8. Thyroid Disorder

Abnormal menstruation changes might result from dysfunction of the thyroid gland, which controls your body's metabolism. Your periods may become lighter and less regular if you have hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid. Weight loss, an accelerated heartbeat, increased perspiration, and difficulty sleeping are further symptoms.

Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, can also result in fewer but heavier periods. In addition, hypothyroidism can cause weariness, dry skin, hair loss, and weight gain. Your doctor can diagnose a thyroid condition in you with the use of a blood test.

When should I visit a doctor regarding a late period?

If your periods are running late, you may be wondering what to do. It is imperative to consult a healthcare professional if any of the following symptoms are experienced:

Unexpectedly severe bleeding

Extreme agony

Nausea and vomiting

Lightheadedness

Elevated fever 

However, if you are worried about a delayed menstrual cycle, a medical professional can address your worries, provide guidance, and identify and address any underlying problems.