Common Causes
Why Is My Period Late: 8 Possible Reasons
- Stress. Stress can throw off your hormones, change your daily routine, and even affect the part of your brain responsible for regulating your period — your hypothalamus.
- Low body weight. Women with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, may experience missed periods. ...
- Obesity. ...
Related Conditions
There are several possible causes of delayed or missing periods:
- stress
- low or high body weight
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- hormonal contraceptives
- chronic conditions such as diabetes or celiac disease
- thyroid issues
- menopause
- pregnancy
What are the reasons for Missing your period?
- Stress. You already know that stress can trigger a number of unpleasant side effects, like headaches, weight gain and acne, so it should come as no surprise that it can ...
- Illness. ...
- Weight. ...
- Excessive exercise. ...
- Change in schedule. ...
- Breastfeeding. ...
- Medication. ...
- Hormonal imbalance. ...
- Thyroid disorder. ...
- Perimenopause. ...
What could cause a missed period?
What Happens To Your Body When You Purposely Skip Your Period
- Breakthrough bleeding can happen. ...
- Ease your endometriosis. ...
- Put the clamp on cramps. ...
- A better mood. ...
- Beat the bloat. ...
- No more night sweats. ...
- Clearer skin for the win. ...
- Bye-bye menstrual migraines. ...
- No more intimacy anxiety. ...
- Lower risks of cysts. ...
What can make you miss a period?
What happens when you miss your period?
How long can you miss your period?
Why is my period unpredictable?
What is the period of transition between reproductive age and non-reproductive age?
How long does a period last?
What medications cause a period to be delayed?
Why is my period delayed?
Does BMI affect your period?
See 4 more
About this website
Is it normal to miss a period and not be pregnant?
There are many reasons why a woman may miss her period, or why periods might stop altogether. Most women have a period every 28 days or so, but it's common to have a slightly shorter or longer cycle than this (from 21 to 40 days). Some women do not always have a regular menstrual cycle.
Can you just miss a period for no reason?
It is not uncommon to occasionally miss a period, or for periods to become irregular from time to time. Under some circumstances, periods can even stop altogether. Sometimes these irregularities are due to normal changes, and are not cause for concern.
When to worry if you miss a period?
You should consult a doctor if: You have not had a period for three months and your periods were previously regular. You have not had a period for 6-9 months but your periods have always been infrequent. You could be pregnant.
How much delay is normal in period?
Periods can get delayed by any number of days. If next cycle starts from 28 +/- 7 days from the first date of last menstrual cycle then it is considered a normal cycle. A delay of 10 days is not normal and may need evaluation.
Why haven't I got my period in 2 months but Im not pregnant?
Some medical problems (such as hormone imbalances) and lifestyle changes (such as stress, too much exercise, or large amounts of weight loss or gain) can cause girls to miss their periods. Your doctor will be able to look into the cause of any possible problems.
How long can stress delay a period?
Stress can delay your period, but the good news is that stress shouldn't completely stop your period (like, forever). If you've gone more than six weeks (the amount of time it takes to classify a period as fully “missed”) since your last period, it may be time to see a doctor and make sure everything is okay.
What to do if period is not coming?
There are a few measures you can take at home to help regulate your periods:Establish a regular routine.Eat a balanced diet.Get regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.Manage and reduce your stress.Take birth control as prescribed.
What would a late period mean?
But pregnancy isn't the only reason your period could be late. Common reasons you may miss a period when you aren't pregnant include hormonal birth control, hormone-related health conditions, stress, and perimenopause.
What does it mean if I haven't had my period in a month?
The most common cause is pregnancy. However, amenorrhea may also be caused by various lifestyle factors, including body weight and exercise levels. In some cases, hormonal imbalances or problems with the reproductive organs might be the cause. You should see your doctor if you're experiencing amenorrhea.
What kind of infection stops period?
You contracted pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). As the infection spreads to the cells of the uterus, it can lead to problems with menstruation. The Office on Women's Health lists irregular menstrual cycles (like late periods) as one of the symptoms of PID.
Is it OK to miss one period?
It's normal miss a period once in a while. It could just be your body's response to stress or changes in your eating or exercise habits. But sometimes, it can also be a sign of a larger issue.
What to do if period is not coming?
There are a few measures you can take at home to help regulate your periods:Establish a regular routine.Eat a balanced diet.Get regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.Manage and reduce your stress.Take birth control as prescribed.
Can period be delayed by 10 days?
Can period be delayed by 10 days? Periods can get delayed by any number of days. If next cycle starts from 28 +/- 7 days from the first date of last menstrual cycle then it is considered a normal cycle. A delay of 10 days is not normal and may need evaluation.
15 Unexpected Reasons You May Have Missed Your Period | Buoy
You’ve learned to count on certain things — it’s comforting when you know what to expect and when. Like your period. And when it doesn’t happen when you know it should, the worrisome wait begins.
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).
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.
What age do you start menopause?
If symptoms of menopause start before the age of 40, it’s considered early perimenopause. Early perimenopause means that the supply of your eggs is declining. This can result in a missed period and eventually the end of menstruation.
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.
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.
Why is my period not every 28 days?
If your period doesn’t fall within these ranges, it could be because of one of the following reasons. 1. Stress.
Why does my period feel irregular?
Chronic diseases such as diabetes and celiac disease also can affect your menstrual cycle. Changes in blood sugar are linked to hormonal changes, so even though it’s rare, poorly controlled diabetes could cause your period to be irregular.
What causes a male to produce more androgen?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that causes your body to produce more of the male hormone androgen. Cysts form on the ovaries as a result of this hormone imbalance. This can make ovulation irregular or stop it altogether.
How to know if you have a symtom?
If you have the following symptoms, contact a doctor right away: 1 unusually heavy bleeding 2 fever 3 severe pain 4 nausea and vomiting 5 bleeding that lasts longer than seven days 6 bleeding after you’ve already entered menopause and had not periods for a year
How long does it take for a period to change after taking birth control?
Birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, which prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs. It can take up to six months for your cycle to become consistent again after stopping the pill. Other types of contraceptives that are implanted or injected can cause missed periods as well.
What are the causes of a period?
1. Stress . Stress can throw off your hormones, change your daily routine, and even affect the part of your brain responsible for regulating your period — your hypothalamus. Over time, stress can lead to illness or sudden weight gain or loss, all of which can impact your cycle.
When is it normal for a woman's period to be irregular?
There are also two times in a woman’s life when it’s totally normal for her period to be irregular: when it first begins, and when menopause starts. As your body goes through the transition , your normal cycle can become irregular.
What happens if you miss your period?
Late or missed periods may be an early sign. You may also experience hot flashes, night sweats, and trouble sleeping.
Why does my period come late?
Extreme increases or decreases in body fat can lead to a chaotic hormonal imbalance that causes your period to come late or stop entirely. In addition, severe calorie restriction affects the part of your brain that “talks” to your endocrine system, giving instructions for the production of reproductive hormones.
What happens when your body is stressed?
1. You’re stressed out. Your body’s stress-response system is rooted in a part of your brain called the hypothalamus. While you may no longer be running from predators, your body is still hard-wired to react as if you were. When your stress level peaks, your brain tells your endocrine system to flood your body with hormones ...
How long does it take to get your period back after you missed it?
Missing a period can be alarming, but there’s usually a simple explanation. Still, if your period hasn’t arrived for more than 40 days , it’s best to make an appointment with your healthcare provider to see what’s going on. Last medically reviewed on July 29, 2019.
How soon after your period should you take a pregnancy test?
You’re pregnant. If there’s a chance you may be pregnant and your cycles are typically regular, it may be time to take a pregnancy test. Try to do this about one week after your period was supposed to start. Taking a test too early can result in a false negative.
How long does it take for a pill to stop working?
Similarly, when you stop taking the pill, it can take a few months for your cycle to get back to normal. As your body returns to its baseline hormone levels, you may miss your period for a few months.
What happens if you lose weight and miss your period?
You’ve lost or gained weight. Severe changes in body weight can lead to a condition known as secondary amenorrhea, which means missing your period for three months or more. This is particularly common when your BMI undergoes a rapid change.
What are the health problems associated with irregular menstruation?
Common health problems linked to weight and irregular menstruation include eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, and uncontrolled diabetes.
Why does amenorrhea occur when taking birth control?
A study on the effect of antipsychotics on menstruation found that amenorrhea occurred because prolactin levels were imbalanced. Additionally, some birth control medications, such as an IUD, implant or shot, may cease your periods while on them.
What happens if you are stressed?
A little stress in your life is fine, but chronic stress can throw your body out of balance. Stress activates the hormone cortisol and pushes your body into survival mode. If you are experiencing prolonged stress, your body can induce amenorrhea and will prevent menstruation.
How to lower estrogen levels in women?
Increased exercise. Working exercise into your schedule on a daily basis is great, but excessive exercising could lead to lower levels of estrogen, which is the hormone that regulates the female reproductive process.
Is it normal to go without a period?
With the exception of missing your period while on some contraceptives, it is not normal to go without a period for several months and can be harmful to your health.
Is it normal to not have periods after a baby is born?
Your period may not make an appearance after your baby is born, but don’t be alarmed! If you are breastfeeding your little one, a lack of periods is completely normal. Referred to as lactational amenorrhea, this is a phase that disrupts the rhythm of your menstrual cycle.
What are the causes of missed periods?
Medications. A few types of medications can affect the menstrual cycle and cause missed periods. These include antidepressants, antipsychotics and some allergy, chemotherapy, or anti-hypertension drugs. It’s a good idea to alert your doctor if you’re on a new medication and experience a missed period.
How does stress affect your period?
Stress can have a number of impacts on your health. Enough stress can temporarily change how the part of your brain (hypothalamus) that controls the hormones regulating your menstrual cycle works. You can miss one period, then another, and another. Stress reduction techniques, lifestyle changes, and exercise can help reduce stress and the effects it has on your menstrual cycle. When the stress is decreased, your regular cycle resumes. If you are having difficulty managing stress and feel overwhelmed, it’s best to consult your doctor.
Why is diabetes a problem?
Diabetes occurs when your body fails to produce or respond to the hormone insulin. This is a major problem as insulin is essential for the necessary transport of glucose to your body cells, which they use for energy. Excess glucose can damage your blood, increasing your risk for serious complications.
How to stop stress during menstrual cycle?
Stress reduction techniques, lifestyle changes, and exercise can help reduce stress and the effects it has on your menstrual cycle. When the stress is decreased, your regular cycle resumes. If you are having difficulty managing stress and feel overwhelmed, it’s best to consult your doctor.
What causes a malabsorption of essential nutrients?
Celiac disease. If you have celiac disease, consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, triggers an immune response in your small intestine. This causes a malabsorption of essential nutrients.
What is the term for a woman who has an excess of androgen?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal condition common in women of reproductive age, resulting in menstrual abnormalities and an excess of androgen testosterone. Period. Premenstrual Syndrome. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has many different symptoms, like bloating, cramping, and mood/behavioral changes.
How long does a woman's period last?
Initial years of menstruation. Menstrual cycles vary from woman to woman. Flow may occur every 21 to 35 days and last for 2 to 7 days. During the first few years of menstruation, cycles tend to be irregular and long cycles are common. However, within a few years, menstrual cycles tend to even out and become more regular.
Why is my period not showing up?
There are a number of reasons why your period may not show up on time — or at all. Missed-period culprits are often as simple as a shift in your schedule or a bout of illness. However, since an irregular or skipped period can also indicate a more serious underlying medical condition, such as thyroid disease or another hormonal imbalance, ...
When do you stop having your period?
You may also skip a period at the end of your menstrual years as you approach menopause. During this time, it’s not unusual for your period to wax and wane, sometimes disappearing for months, until it stops completely (you’re technically in menopause when you’ve gone over 12 months without a menstrual period).
What is the most common medication that causes menstrual changes?
Probably the most common medication to cause menstrual changes is birth control . Hormonal contraceptives such as the pill or patch work by stopping the body from ovulating — and no ovulation means no period. But what about that monthly bleeding you have while using one of these methods? What you're really experiencing is withdrawal bleeding, a “fake” period caused by the drop in hormones when you take the placebo pills in your pack or go patch-free during the fourth week of your cycle.
How old is the average woman when she goes through menopause?
The average age of menopause is 51. Anywhere from two to eight years before that, a woman experiences what's known as perimenopause, a period when the body gradually produces less estrogen. During this time, it's not uncommon to experiences changes in your menstrual cycle — periods may come more or less frequently, be shorter or longer, or be lighter or heavier. But you'll also likely experience hot flashes and night sweats, sleeping difficulties, vaginal dryness and mood swings. If you're concerned about your symptoms, your doctor can check your hormone levels with a blood test.
What does it mean when you have a late period?
Sometimes a late period means exactly what you think: You're pregnant! Because many of the earliest pregnancy symptoms — including cramps, bloating, nausea, spotting, fatigue, breast tenderness and even food aversions — can be similar to what you may experience in the days before menstruation, it can be difficult to tell if your cycle is simply off by a few days or if you're pregnant .
How long before your period can you test for pregnancy?
Pregnancy tests are most reliable the day after your missed period, but some brands claim to be able to detect a pregnancy up to five days before your period is due.
What medications cause irregular periods?
Some other medications that can cause your period to be irregular include antidepressants, some antipsychotics, corticosteroids and chemotherapy drugs.
How to stop your period?
2. Dietary changes. Changing your eating habits and losing weight too quickly can interrupt your menstrual cycles. Low body weight, especially if you’re 10 percent underweight or more , may also stop your body from ovulating and keeping regular cycles.
Why does my period start back up?
1. Stress. Excessive stress can affect your mind and body. Too much stress can impair the function of your hypothalamus. This is the part of your brain that controls hormone regulation. Discovering the source of your stress and managing your stress levels may help your period start back up again.
How does birth control affect menstrual cycle?
Since the pill works by introducing different hormones into your system , it can affect your menstrual cycle. Some women may have lighter bleeding, and others may skip their periods entirely.
Why do you take birth control every day?
Taking your pill at the same time each day helps maintain stable hormone levels in your body. The placebos help you remember to take a pill every day, regardless of the time of the month. The effectiveness of birth control pills is greatly increased with consistent use.
What happens if you skip birth control?
When you miss or skip doses, you may have spotting or irregular bleeding. Since many women end up missing or skipping doses of birth control pills, the overall effectiveness is about 91 to 99 percent.
How to get your period back?
Your doctor can help you address any other factors that may be at play. After you’ve pinpointed the cause, you should be able to get your period back on a regular cycle. You may be able to do this in a number of ways: 1 Make sure you take time to relieve stress. Try breathing techniques, yoga, restorative walks, and even journaling to get at the root of your stress. 2 Eat a healthy diet and work to keep your weight in a normal range. If you suspect you have an eating disorder, tell a friend or your doctor so they can point you to the resources you need to get help. 3 Keep up with regular exercise. Your activity level may seem manageable to you, but see if stepping back a bit helps your regular bleeding resume.
Can birth control fail?
Most birth control failures happen when you have missed two or more doses of pills in a row. Pregnancy can also happen if you are late by even a day or two for your injectable birth control.
Why is there no menstruation during pregnancy?
Pregnancy: During pregnancy,hormone levels change, and the endometrium is not shed; therefore, there is a natural absence of menstruation. Stress: This may affect the function of the hypothalamus in regulating the menstrual cycle.
What is it called when you don't have a period?
The absence of menstrual periods is called amenorrhea. There are two types of amenorrhea (2):
How old is a girl when she has her first period?
Menarche or the first menstrual cycle, begins at an average age of 12-13 years in most girls. By the age of 15, 98% of girls would have had menarche (1). If your teen girl does not have menstruation by this age or has missed periods for more than three months, you may seek medical attention. Read this post to know about ...
What is the absence of menstrual periods called?
The absence of menstrual periods is called amenorrhea. There are two types of amenorrhea (2): Primary amenorrhea: This refers to the absence of menarche by the age of 15 years. Secondary amenorrhea: This refers to the absence of menstrual periods for three months or more in otherwise healthy menstruating teens.
What are the symptoms of polycystic ovarian disease?
Facial hair, hair loss, acne: These symptoms can be associated with polycystic ovarian disease and other hormonal imbalances. Morning sickness: Nausea and vomiting can often be seen in the case of pregnancy. These are signs and symptoms of conditions that may contribute to amenorrhea.
Why is it so hard to get pregnant?
Infertility: Pregnancy can become difficult or not possible if missed periods are due to a lack of ovulation or specific structural abnormalities.
When does menarche start?
Menarche or the first menstrual cycle, begins at an average age of 12-13 years in most girls. By the age of 15, 98% of girls would have had menarche (1). If your teen girl does not have menstruation by this age or has missed periods for more than three months, you may seek medical attention.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
