Why Are My Periods Late? Causes and Reasons for Delayed Menstruation
Most women have a fair idea of when to expect their periods, even if there isn't a period calendar or tracker being maintained. There is an inherent sixth sense wherein we know approximately when to expect our periods. And as a rule of thumb, it's okay if your period is delayed by a day or two. Especially for girls who have just started getting their periods, or for women who are nearing menopause.
However, when the delay goes beyond three to four days, you know you need to pause and check. You could either have a missed or late period. Under normal circumstances, your period should begin within 35 to 38 days after your last period. If you've passed this timeline by a few days or more, then you have a late period or delayed period. On the other hand, if it's been more than six weeks or more since the start of your last period then you've missed your period.
If you face such irregularities in your menstrual cycle, it is often best to be prepared at all times. Keeping a pack of Always Ultra Thin Pads with you will come in handy when Aunty Flo visits you. Its super absorbent core soaks up discharge quickly, and its flexible wings help keep the pad in place. This enables you to carry on with your daily activities without any hassle.
Although pregnancy is one of the most common and speculated causes of a missed or delayed period, there are several other factors that could affect your menstrual cycle and become reasons for a late period. Here are some causes of delayed periods.
Stress
Stress is known to affect so many areas of your life - both mentally and physically
Stress is known to affect so many areas of your life - both mentally and physically. Being under stress can also affect your hormones and the part of your brain that helps regulate your menstrual cycle. This results in irregular periods or late periods.
Fluctuations in body weight
If you've begun a new diet fad without proper consultation with a dietician, this new diet may be the culprit and the reason why you have a delayed period. In addition, women who have eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia too may have irregularities in their menstrual cycle.
Medical condition
Most women who have PCOS would have experienced delayed periods due to an imbalance of hormones. Other medical conditions such as obesity are also known causes of late periods.
Illness
If someone is going through or has experienced any illness or chronic disease, then that too is a reason why you may have had a late period. Diabetes is one of the most common conditions that plays a huge role in affecting the functioning of your menstrual cycle.
Excessive exercising
Regular exercise is healthy and can also help you regulate your menstrual cycle. However, if you've taken your workout a notch higher and have begun some strenuous exercises, then it is bound to affect your menstrual cycle. You are burning a lot of calories, and this dip in calories means there isn't enough energy in your body for daily functioning, leading to delayed periods.
Change in sleep schedule
A change in schedule thwarts your body clock and can cause either an early or late period
A drastic change in your daily schedule that impacts your routine sleep cycle may be the reason for your late period. A change in schedule thwarts your body clock and can cause either an early or late period. This is also applicable when you experience jet lag.
While these are some of the most common causes of a delayed period, it is not an exhaustive list. Your menstrual cycle is extremely sensitive and many other minute factors could cause irregularities. It's okay if you have a late period every now and then. However, if you notice anything unusual such as fever, extreme pain, or heavy bleeding lasting more than seven days or so, do consult your doctor.
Read more about period symptoms, causes of irregular periods and what causes period pains.
Wondering why your period stopped then started again? Our guide explains common reasons for this cycle pattern and how to manage it.
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