Irregular Periods
Irregular periods, also known as late periods or missed periods, can be stressful and confusing. A normal period cycle is generally 28 days long but may vary slightly between individuals. If your period has been delayed by more than 7 days, it could be an indication of something out of the ordinary that needs to be investigated further.
Moreover, if your period is delayed for more than a few weeks and you have not had any form of sexual intercourse, it is highly unlikely you are pregnant. In this article, we will explore 8 possible causes of late periods that may help explain why your period has been delayed.
8 reasons why your period is late or irregular
1. Pregnancy
The most common cause of a missed period is pregnancy. If you have had unprotected sex and your period is late, taking a pregnancy test as soon as possible is important. It’s possible to get accurate results from a home pregnancy test kit even before your period was supposed to start, or you can visit a medical expert for an in-house test or blood work to confirm the result.
Keep in mind that a false negative result could occur if the test is taken too early. A positive result would be an indication of why your period has been delayed.
2. Stress
Stress can also affect your menstrual cycle, resulting in irregular or late periods. When stressed, our bodies produce cortisol, disrupting the hormones required for ovulation and menstruation.
Excessive stress or anxiety can lead to missed periods or even a complete cessation of periods, known as amenorrhea. If you think your period is late due to stress, it’s important to try and reduce your stress levels through healthy coping strategies like exercise, positive thinking, and relaxation techniques.
3. Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalances such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can also be responsible for irregular periods. Hypothyroidism hampers the release of eggs from the ovary, resulting in missed and/or late menstrual cycles.
Similarly, hyperthyroidism accelerates the menstrual cycle, resulting in periods that come too often or too late. If you suspect the cause of your period delay is due to a hormonal imbalance, it’s important to get professional help for further tests and treatment.
4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects 5-10% of women worldwide and can be one of the causes of irregular periods. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or absent periods and other symptoms such as acne and excessive body hair growth.
If you think PCOS might be the reason for your late period, seek help from a medical professional.
5. Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills are a common form of contraception that can also affect your menstrual cycle. If you have recently changed or stopped taking birth control pills, this could be why your period has been delayed.
Contact your medical professional if this is the case, as they may recommend other forms of contraception and ways to help regulate your period again.
6. Excessive Exercise
Excessive exercise can also cause irregular periods in women and even result in amenorrhea – when a woman stops having her period altogether. Women training for an endurance sport involving long-term vigorous activity, such as running marathons, may find that their period is late or doesn’t come at all.
If you think your late period is a result of excessive exercise, it’s important to take some time off and focus on getting enough rest and nutrition.
7. Perimenopause
If you are approaching menopause, the transition from reproductive years to non-reproductive years, it could explain why your period has been delayed or irregular. During this time, hormones fluctuate, and ovulation becomes less regular, which can lead to missed periods or longer cycles than normal.
It’s important to remember that it is a natural change in your body; for most women, it is not cause for concern.
8. Illness
Illnesses such as infections or chronic diseases can also be the reason behind late periods. When you are ill, your body works hard to fight infection or disease, taking energy away from other functions like menstruation.
If an illness has caused your period delay, rest assured that when the illness passes, and your body balances out again, your period should return to normal.
How long is the maximum delay in periods if you’re not pregnant?
The maximum delay in periods if not pregnant is typically up to 45 days, though this varies from person to person. If your period has been delayed for more than two months, it’s important to take a pregnancy test and consult a medical professional. They will be able to provide further information on why your cycle is off and how you can get back on track.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.