what can cause a late period besides pregnancy

Some of the causes of missed periods, besides pregnancy, are as follows:

• Stress: it is one of the most common reasons for a missed period. ...
• Low body weight: low body weight is also a potential reason for a missed period. ...
• Obesity: similarly to low body weight, obesity can also result in hormonal changes leading to an absence of menstruation.

More items...

Full Answer

What reasons would cause my period to be 5 days late?

If your period is 5 days late without any symptoms of pregnancy, then it may be due stress, weight loss, strenuous exercise, polycystic ovaries or emergency contraception ingested weeks ago. It's always a good idea to rule out pregnancy by testing.

Does having a late period always mean pregnancy?

You might be pregnant if you're sexually active and your period is late. Pregnancy is a common reason why periods unexpectedly stop. It can sometimes happen if the contraception you're using fails. It might be that your period is simply late, so you could wait a few days to see if it arrives.

What causes delayed menstruation apart from pregnancy?

Some of the causes of missed periods, besides pregnancy, are as follows:

• Stress: This is one of the most common reasons for a missed period. ...
• Low body weight: Low body weight is another potential reason for a missed period. ...
• Obesity: Similarly to low body weight, obesity can also result in hormonal changes, leading to an absence of menstruation.

More items...

Can late ovulation affect your chances of pregnancy?

Late ovulation does not make getting pregnant impossible, and many women with irregular cycles have been successful. Can being sick delay ovulation? Being sick during ovulation will not affect your chances of conception, but being sick before ovulation has been known to delay or pause ovulation.

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Possible Causes For A Late Period

MISSED PERIOD? Causes other than pregnancy that can lead to amenorrhea or irregular periods.

A Change In Your Schedule

Changing schedules can throw off your body clock. If you frequently change work shifts from days to nights, or if your schedule is generally all over the place, your period can be fairly unpredictable.

Discontinuing Birth Control Pills May Delay Periods By Months

If you have discontinued birth control pills, it is normal to miss your period.This is because birth control pills prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs and when you stop taking them, your body requires a certain time to rebalance its functioning.It may take a few weeks or even months for your period to resume.

What To Do If Your Period Is Delayed

If your period is late, the first step is to complete out a pregnancy test from the pharmacy. If you havent had a period for more than 3 months and you cannot identify the cause, you should go to a gynecologist so that he or she can identify the cause and treat the problem.

Youve Just Started Menstruating

Young women who have only had a few periods may not have regular cycles at first. It can take a few months for cycles to become regular. This is also true if you have just come off of birth control medication that stopped menstrual periods. It makes take a little while for you to get a period every month again.

When To Visit The Doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you can’t pinpoint the reasons for a late period they may want to check for various conditions. It’s also important to note that vaginal bleeding after a late period may not be the monthly visitor you were expecting.

Other Reasons For A Missed Period Besides Pregnancy

If you are not trying for a pregnancy and still end up getting a delayed period, chances are that it could point to an underlying health condition or something as simple as stress

What happens if you stop your period?

Plenty of women who work out may experience somewhat irregular cycles, but if you stop getting your period altogether for three months or more — a condition called amenorrhea — it's important to see a doctor. Amenorrhea is linked with increased risk for osteoporosis.

What happens if you exercise too much during your period?

If you've really ramped up your workout routine, you could see the effects in the timing of your period: Expending a lot of energy may signal to your body that it's time to ramp down the production of fertility-related hormones.

Can illness affect your cycle?

Illness can certainly influence the timing of your cycle, Styer says. The common cold may not be enough to shift your cycle, but both temporary sickness (for example a severe flu) and chronic conditions (such as polycystic ovary syndrome) can throw it out of whack.

Is irregular cycle a symptom of hormonal imbalance?

An irregular cycle may be the first noticeable symptom of a treatable hormonal condition.". Because hormones are important for your long-term health, including your heart health and bone density, the earlier you take care of any problems, the better.

Is it worth it to get checked out for a menstrual cycle?

Even if it does end up being nothing (or nothing serious), it’ s worth it to get checked out. “Having a menstrual cycle is like having a fifth vital sign — like your blood pressure or pulse,” Druet says. “It can let you know when everything is working as usual, or if something else might be going on.

Does birth control affect your period?

Did you start taking a new birth control or other medication that affects your reproductive hormones? If so, that could be affecting your period. “Some hormonal medications, such as birth control pills, may make the lining of uterus very thin and can also affect the release of reproductive hormones, [delaying] menses in some cases,” Aaron Styer, a reproductive endocrinologist and co-medical director of Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine (CCRM) Boston, tells Allure.

Do women in their 40s have periods?

But don’t rule it out if you’re not yet in your 40s. Some women do experience ovary function loss before then.

What causes a period to be missed?

A missed or late period can signal an underlying condition, which is why it's important to touch base with an MD to determine what's exactly going on. Some illnesses can make your period late or disappear altogether, such as: 1 polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) 2 thyroid and other hormonal disorders 3 sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Can a divorce cause irregular periods?

Similarly, going through tough times — such a divorce or death of a loved one — takes a physical toll on our bodies, too. Such an abrupt and impactful change can disrupt your hormonal balance, creating delayed and irregular periods. Your doctor will likely conduct a few tests to rule out other causes, but as long as your body can get back on track in a reasonable amount of time (probably a few months), there's no reason to feel even more stressed about your period in addition to what else you've got going on.

Does eating a lot of calories affect your period?

"Specific foods don’t tend to affect your period but not eating a healthy diet or the right amount of calories for extended periods of time will make your late and less frequent," says Dr. Ross.

Does wine affect your period?

The occasional glass of wine won't affect your period, but excessive, heavy alcohol use can increase the levels of estrogen-disrupting hormones enough so to cause late and irregular periods. See a healthcare provider if you feel that you sometimes drink too much alcohol, your drinking is causing problems, or your family is concerned about your drinking, advises the Mayo Clinic.

What causes periods to be late?

One of the most common reproductive health conditions that can cause late or irregular periods is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder. Individuals with PCOS often have higher androgen (i.e. testosterone) levels which disrupt ovulation and may lead to other symptoms like irregular periods, hair on the face, chin, or breasts, and hormonal acne .

Why do I have a late period?

It could be that those sleepless nights are hijacking your menstrual cycle. Disruption of the normal circadian rhythm has been found to cause changes in menstruation cycle length – and a longer-than-usual cycle = a late period. 10 All the more motivation to unplug and practice good sleep hygiene (i.e. maybe try to cut back on that late-night doomscrolling).

What counts as a late period?

Despite what you may have thought, a one- or two-day delay in menstruation doesn’t actually count as a late period.

What to do if you have a missing period?

Talk to your healthcare provider or ObGyn if you’re concerned about a missing period and you’re on hormonal BC. In the meantime, check out our recent article about birth control bleeding (called breakthrough bleeding) and how it’s different from your “typical” menstrual period.

What happens to your ovaries during perimenopause?

During perimenopause, your ovaries start to produce less estrogen – and this can impact your menstrual cycle. This is also true for individuals who undergo surgical procedures to remove the ovaries or uterus. If you are younger than age 40, see your ObGyn or PCP as early menopause can lead to bone loss and heart problems. 9

Why do I have a period when I run ragged?

You know that old saying about the connection between mind and body? It turns out that running yourself ragged is a very legitimate cause for an irregular menstrual cycle and/or missing period. Sort of like the physical stress created by over-exercising, severe emotional stress can also trigger your body to direct energy away from “unnecessary” bodily systems, i.e. your reproductive system. This, in turn, halts ovulation and messes with your menstrual cycle.

What does it mean when you miss your period?

If you’re definitely not pregnant and you’re in your late thirties to forties, a missing or late period could be a sign that your body is entering perimenopause: the phase leading up to menopause (the cessation of menstruation).

How long after your period should you take a pregnancy test?

The Cleveland Clinic says you should wait five to 10 days after your period is late to take a test. "If your pregnancy test is negative, I always suggest reviewing your symptoms and missed period with your primary care ...

Can stress cause a late period?

But there are actually a lot of other reasons for a late or missed period besides pregnancy. Yes, your body works in mysterious ways sometimes. Photo: Sally Anscombe/Getty Images.

Can medication cause irregular periods?

Irregular periods can be a side effect of some medications, Texas A&M Health says. Before you start a new medication, make sure to discuss with your doctor the side effects. And if you are on a medication that may cause irregular periods, you should also discuss the potential effects on your cycle.

Can you miss your period if you exercise too much?

Yes, sometimes there is such a thing as exercising too much. If you're hitting the gym too hard, you could have low body weight, which we already mentioned can contribute to a missed period. Texas A&M Health also says that excessive exercising could lead to lower estrogen and that some athletes might experience secondary amenorrhea (no period for six months or longer).

Can you get your period back after you stop breastfeeding?

According to the Office on Women's Health (part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), some women might not get their periods back until after they stop breastfeeding. Some might ovulate without realizing it while their baby transitions from breastfeeding. The office suggests that women who are nursing discuss their birth control options with their doctor if they don't want to get pregnant right now.

Does stress affect your period?

Stress REALLY messes with your whole body. "Stress can cause a hormonal imbalance and throw off the regulation of your hypothalamus, a part of your brain that is in charge of regulating your period," Mysore says.

Does Texas A&M have a menstrual cycle?

Texas A&M Health also says that extreme changes in sleep patterns or your circadian rhythm (like coming off night shifts at work or dealing with jet lag) can confuse your menstrual cycle.

What are the conditions that can cause late periods?

There are other conditions that can cause late or missed periods other than pregnancy. These conditions include: Perimenopause. Thyroid disease.

How long is a period considered late?

A period is considered late if it hasn’t started within seven days of when you expect it. Most pregnancy tests will be able to give you accurate results by the time your period is late.

How does birth control prevent pregnancy?

One of the ways that hormonal birth control prevents pregnancy is by thinning the uterine lining. This lining, or endometrium, is where an embryo would implant itself if you got pregnant. It’s also the layer that sheds from your uterus during menstruation each month.

What to do if you have a negative pregnancy test?

If you get a negative pregnancy test result, still haven’t gotten your period, and start to experience early pregnancy symptoms, consider taking another test. Sometimes, home pregnancy tests can give a false-negative result if it’s taken too early in the pregnancy to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine.

How long does it take to know if you're pregnant after a period?

The earliest hCG detection can be done with an hCG serum test performed by a doctor as early as 8 to 10 days after ovulation.

How long is a healthy period?

Everyone’s cycle is different. Healthy cycles can range in length from 21 to 35 days, and how long a cycle lasts can vary from cycle to cycle. Unless you have irregular cycles due to a medical condition, you probably have at least a rough idea of when to expect your next period.

Why do my cycles get irregular?

If you have an underlying health condition, stress could be an added factor that makes your cycles even more irregular.

Why is my period delayed?

Both physical and psychological stress can cause a delayed period. But the level of stress capable of causing this effect is usually more severe than having a bad hair day.

What medications cause a period to be delayed?

Some medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, thyroid medications, anticonvulsants, and some chemotherapy medications, may cause your period to be absent or delayed. 4. Hormonal contraceptives like Depo-Provera, progesterone-only MiniPill, Mirena IUD, and Nexplanon can also influence your cycle.

What is the period of transition between reproductive age and non-reproductive age?

Perimenopause is the period of transition between reproductive age to non-reproductive age. Your periods may be lighter, heavier, more frequent, or less frequent during this time. 10 In most cases, they'll just be different than what you're used to.

How long can you miss your period?

You may miss a period for one or two months, or you may experience complete amenorrhea —that is, no period for three or more months in a row. This article explores 10 common reasons your period may be delayed. Verywell / Cindy Chung.

How long does a period last?

Recently Started Periods. A normal menstrual cycle lasts from 21 to 35 days in healthy women, but it can vary. This is especially true for young women who are just starting to get their periods, or for women who have not had periods for several years and are starting again.

Why is my period unpredictable?

Changing schedules can throw off your body clock. If you frequently change work shifts from days to nights, or if your schedule is generally all over the place, your period can be fairly unpredictable. 6.

Does BMI affect your period?

Very high body mass index (BMI) is associated with missed periods, and weight loss can help regulate the menstrual cycle for women who are obese.

How long does it take for a period to be delayed?

How much of a delay in periods is normal? You can calculate the length of your menstrual cycle by counting from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. Typically, menstrual cycles range from 21 to 35 days. If your periods are within this range, then there’s probably no cause for concern.

What to do if you have a change in your period?

If you’re experiencing a change in the pattern of your regular periods, make sure to contact your health care provider.

How to know if you have a period?

Visit your doctor if you notice the following symptoms: 1 You’ve missed your period three or more times in a year. 2 You get a period more frequently than every 21 days. 3 You get a period less frequently than every 35 days. 4 Bleeding lasts for more than seven days. 5 Bleeding is heavier than normal. 6 You have severe pain during your period. 7 You have a fever. 8 You have postmenopausal bleeding (bleeding after you have entered menopause and not had a period for one year).

How long does a woman's period last?

On average, most people get their periods every 28 days . But a healthy person’s menstrual cycle can last from 21 to 35 days. Apart from puberty, menopause, and pregnancy, a missed period may indicate a health issue.

Can a hormonal pill cause a missed period?

Other kinds of hormonal contraceptives that are injected or implanted can also cause missed periods. Chronic diseases: Certain chronic illnesses such as celiac disease and diabetes can also affect your period. Blood sugar changes can affect hormones, and poorly controlled diabetes can lead to irregular periods.

Does obesity cause menstrual cycle?

Obesity: Similarly to low body weight, obesity can also result in hormonal changes, leading to an absence of menstruation.

Can diabetes cause irregular periods?

Chronic diseases: Certain chronic illnesses such as celiac disease and diabetes can also affect your period. Blood sugar changes can affect hormones, and poorly controlled diabetes can lead to irregular periods. Celiac disease causes inflammation in the small intestine and prevents the body from absorbing vital nutrients, contributing to missed or late periods.