Introduction
A healthy menstrual cycle is essential for the reproductive health of women. Most women have regular periods which aids them in keeping track of hormonal changes in the body.
But in some cases, your period can get off track by days which indicates some underlying change in the body. Keep reading to know more about late periods.
What are the causes of a late period?
Although a late period can cause significant anxiety in women, it is most often associated with no serious underlying diseases. The cause of a late period include:
Extremes of reproductive age
With the onset of menarche, the first few menstrual cycles are unpredictable, irregular, and sometimes painful. This should not cause any health concerns in teenagers if their periods are ‘missed’ or late by some days.
As the age advances, the monthly cycle becomes regular as the body adapts to hormonal changes.
In a similar manner, the perimenopausal age is also associated with irregular, ‘missed’, or late periods. As the antral follicle count (ovarian reserve of eggs) decreases, the ovarian production of hormones and the feedback control on menstrual cycle disrupts.
The decreasing estrogen levels in the body cause a myriad of symptoms, hot flushes, vaginal dryness, insomnia, menstrual irregularities, to name but a few.
Pregnancy
In the anticipation of pregnancy, a late period can overwhelm you with happiness or immense anxiety if you’re not expecting one. Pregnancy is one of the most common causes of no bleeding on due dates.
But you’ll have to wait a little longer and get a pregnancy test to confirm it. Urine stick tests become positive as early as the first day of a missed period in women with a regular cycle.
Lifestyle changes
Certain lifestyle modifications can throw off the normal menstrual cycle:
Exercise
Heavy exercise can cause a missed menstrual period or cause them to stop altogether. This can often happen to women who are not physically active for a long period of time and abruptly starting a vigorous exercise or workout.
Menstrual irregularities are common in athletic women and are of no serious concern.
Exercise is not directly linked to the period cessation but is a stimulus of energy misbalance in the body. Heavy exercise leads to an increased gap in energy demand and supply which culminates as less energy available for other bodily processes and can thus delay or completely halt the menstrual cycle.
This, in the long-term, can severely impact the health and reproductive life of women, contributing to infertility.
Stress
Psychological stress can also affect the reproductive cycle of women and can result in delayed or missed periods.
Hypothalamus is the central regulator of almost all bodily functions. Chronic stress can tip the feedback mechanisms of reproductive hormones resulting in menstrual irregularities
Obesity and Weight loss
The excess fat stored in the adipose tissue ramps up the production of estrogen in the body. The increasing circulating levels of estrogen in obese women are mainly responsible for delayed or irregular periods.
Weight reduction is the first piece of advice given to women with abnormal menstrual cycles.
Contrary to this, women who are thin, lean, taking a low-calorie diet, fasting, or are exercising heavily to lose weight also suffer from irregular and delayed periods.
A healthy diet is essential for the normal functioning of the reproductive cycle.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a gynecological condition in which the hormonal imbalance affects the overall health of a woman. The excess estrogen production by the cystic ovaries is the hallmark of PCOS.
This excess estrogen makes it difficult for the ovaries to release eggs, as they would do every month, to keep up with a healthy menstrual cycle. This leads to menstrual irregularities along with a list of other signs and symptoms.
Chronic Diseases
The diseases that run a long course also affect the menstrual cycle. Diabetes, Fibroids, Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), Celiac disease, Von Willebrand disease, and malignancies are a few most notable chronic diseases that can cause menstrual irregularities.
Both type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus can produce hormonal disturbances with disrupted blood sugar levels. Thus, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus can lead to late periods.
Pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID) involves the inflammation of reproductive organs that can also lead to menstrual irregularities.
Celiac disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that is exaggerated with gluten intake and disrupts the villus architecture of the intestine. This leads to impaired intestinal absorption of nutrients which contributes to late or missed periods.
Malignancies can induce a cachexic change in the body. Cachexia is the excessive loss of weight in cancer patients due to high cell turnover consuming a lot of body energy and speeding up the catabolism.
Decreased body energy levels lead to delayed periods or amenorrhea in some cases.
Thyroid Problems
Thyroid hormones drive the body’s metabolic process and maintain homeostasis. Both hyper- and hypothyroidism can cause late or missed periods.
The other symptoms of thyroid diseases are usually present long before the menstrual irregularities and reproductive dysfunction. Most of the cases resolve with treatment.
Birth Control methods
Hormones containing contraceptives downregulate the body production of reproductive hormones and thus changes in the menstrual cycle are observed on starting and stopping such birth control methods.
It may take up to 6 months for women to start bleeding regularly after stopping the hormonal contraception. Changes in the menstrual cycle are also observed with injectable and implanted contraceptive devices.
How to remedy the late period?
The management of late periods depends on the root cause. Nothing needs to be done in teenagers going through the first few reproductive cycles as their monthly cycles would become regular with time.
Avoid stressing your body with heavy workouts if you’re having menstrual problems. Stay hydrated and energetic to keep your body in balance.
Mental stress should also be avoided. Maintaining good sleep and limiting caffeine intake can help overcome insomnia that can help cope with stress.
Healthy body weight is essential to homeostasis of hormones in the body. Losing excessive weight gradually can restore the hormonal balance in the body and remedy the abnormal menstrual cycles.
Likewise, nourishing the body with healthy nutrients and fulfilling the daily calorie requirement is essential to avoid the energy-deprived state in the body.
For chronic diseases, such as PCOS, thyroid disorder, malignancies, etc., consult your doctor for prompt diagnosis and initiation of treatment. Menstrual irregularities often resolve after the treatment of underlying pathology.
Women using contraceptive methods often face abnormal uterine bleeding. Consult your OB-GYN if you’re facing menstrual irregularities with your contraception method.
References
- Bae, J., Park, S., & Kwon, J. W. (2018). Factors associated with menstrual cycle irregularity and menopause. BMC women’s health, 18(1), 36. doi:10.1186/s12905-018-0528-x
- Boyle, J. A., & Teede, H. J. (2014). Irregular menstrual cycles in a young woman. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l’Association medicale canadienne, 186(11), 850–852. doi:10.1503/cmaj.130667
- Harlow, S. D., & Paramsothy, P. (2011). Menstruation and the menopausal transition. Obstetrics and gynecology clinics of North America, 38(3), 595–607. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2011.05.010
- Hoyer, J., Burmann, I., Kieseler, M. L., Vollrath, F., Hellrung, L., Arelin, K., … Sacher, J. (2013). Menstrual cycle phase modulates emotional conflict processing in women with and without premenstrual syndrome (PMS)–a pilot study. PloS one, 8(4), e59780. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0059780
- Nagma, S., Kapoor, G., Bharti, R., Batra, A., Batra, A., Aggarwal, A., & Sablok, A. (2015). To evaluate the effect of perceived stress on menstrual function. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research : JCDR, 9(3), QC01–QC3. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2015/6906.5611
- Sher N. (1946). Delayed Menstruation: Causes and Treatment. British medical journal, 1(4444), 347–349.
- Yavangi, M., Amirzargar, M. A., Amirzargar, N., & Dadashpour, M. (2013). Does Ramadan fasting has any effects on menstrual cycles?. Iranian journal of reproductive medicine, 11(2), 145–150.
Ali Anique holds an MBBS degree from the Nishtar Medical University and currently works as a doctor at Nishtar Hospital, the biggest hospital of south Punjab province in Pakistan.
I’ve taken ECP within 2 hours of having unprotected sex the day before my period date but even after 5 days i didn’t get my periods…is it side effect of EcP or my Thyroid problem or am i pregnant? Tell me I’m freaking out 😶
No, ECP don’t have such side-effects. It could be that you’re pregnant. Wait 7-10 days and repeat the pregnancy test.
Hello, I am a 12 year old girl, and on August 26, I got my first period. Today is the 28th of September, that means that today is the 33rd day. And I have never had sex. I am really confused and worried. When do I get my period?
Thanks
Hello Shaima, for young girls like you, your period is just getting regular, and it can be to the hormonal changes. But if it continues to be irregular, or missed for 3 months in a row, you should visit doctor for a little ultrasound. 😀
Hello! I’m a 12 year old girl and last month I got my period a week earlier than what it needed to be. And this month it was supposed to come a week and about 2 days ago and it never came. I though that it was just confused and staid on its old scedual but it didn’t come yesterday when it was supposed. And I have never had sex so I am confused about what is causing this.
Hi there Elizabeth, you are having what is called irregular periods. Click link below to read more about this:
https://womanjunction.com/irregular-menstrual-cycle-occurs/
Hi can you please calculate my cycle length I see my period every 28th of the month what’s my circle length ? My period always last for 3 Days.
My second question is I last saw my period on 28th of December I had sex on the 8th and some other dates I haven’t seen my period am
5 days late.
Hello Ruttyyy, the below link will help you with this:
https://womanjunction.com/
Hello, I had sex June 8 2018, my ovulation date was June 12,2018 and I came on my period that month on June 26-30.. My next period was suppose to be July 22,2018 but I didn’t come on.. About four days later on July 26 I took a test and it was positive.. I’m trying to figure out with date I had got pregnant on…
hi Whitney, it would have been whenever you had sex during your fertile period after June 30th. So it would have been in July between the 6th and the 10th which would have been your fertile period.
Hi..I heard an unprotected sex with my boyfriend on 14th of July, my last period was July 2th..which I suppose to see my period on 30th..28th days cycle..I’m actually feeling same pains I used to feel when I start my period..but I havnt seen any traces of my period..one day late..I have tried HCG pt but its all negative I don’t know maybe I’m pregnant,I’m really scared
Pls help
Hello Annar, take a pregnancy test 7 days after a missed period.
I don’t know what is wrong with me. my period has been irregular since I first had it. in 8th grade, I had it for like 8 days. I didn’t have it after that until that summer I was in the hospital which was about 4 months later. I was in the hospital for some kind of stomach problem, I was throwing up, not eating or drinking, and I still threw up stomach acid and other stuff, I had a bad fever and was always cold and dizzy. after a week and a half, I got better and we never found out what it was. oh, and I got this weird rash idk what it was. anyway, I haven’t had my period since then that was a week before the fourth of July. that was about 10 months ago. and for about 3 weeks now my stomach has been killing be like when I was in the hospital it’s like I’m being stabbed over and over. it really scares me. I’ve asked a lot of people done research made comments on sites like these, I just need help and I’m scared there’s nothing anyone can do for me. and by the way, I’m 15 if that makes any difference. and I haven’t had sex if you were thinking that, that’s what the doctors kept asking me.
Hello Olivia, sorry about what you are experiencing at such a young age. However it is hard to make a diagnosis online about what is happening to you. You need some diagnostic tests ran to determine what is happening.
Hi, i have cycle that ranges between 27 and 35 days for the past few months. On Oct 29th to Nov 2nd, Nov 28th to Dec 2nd, Dec 25th to Dec 29th, Jan 25th to Feb 29th. Period did not come during Feb. My last period was on March 1st to 5th. My boyfriend and i had unprotected sex on March 30th and 31st. He used the pulling out method. Its now April 4th and i haven’t gotten my period yet. May i know when is my expected date? I’m really scared i’m pregnant please help.
Hi Jen, you should have anticipated it around the 6th of April, give or take a few days based on your cycle time frame. If you haven’t gotten it by the middle of next week I would recommend a pregnancy test. But it doesn’t look like even with a longer cycle that you had sex during your fertile period. But if you are irregular, the pullout method might not be the best prevention for you Becuase you don’t really know when you are ovulating.
Hi my last period was on 20th February and I had unprotected sex on 1st March. when am I supposed to see my period? Because I am yet to see it
Hi Wini, depending on the length of your cycle you should have seen it around the 20th. If you haven’t I would give it a few more days and then take a pregnancy test.
Hi, I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend and am yet to see my menstruation.my last cycle was on 3 of February and it lasted for 5 days and today is 4th of March, I don’t know if am late or not.
Hello May, take a pregnancy test to determine fi you might be pregnant given that you had unprotected sex.
Hi.Had my period on 20 jan and was expecting my period on 18/19 feb.Had sex on the 16 and 17 feb. Could i be pregnant. I am 5 days late
Hi Edd, you should be outside of your fertile period as that was closer to the beginning of the month from January 30th to February 3rd. Take a pregnancy test, and consider if you have had any other changes such as increased stress, changes in medications, missed pills, weight gain, etc. They could also affect your period.
Im still late. Have taken 3 tests already all negative. .Planning to visit obygyn by end of the week. Is it ok to still engage in unprotected sex with my boyfriend?
Hello Edd, see your doctor for a pregnancy blood test.
Help my lmp was dec 31 I have a 30 day cycle my period ended on the 5th of January, i had intercourse on the 15th and I ovulated on the 16 th exactly a week lasted I got a spotting for 3 days on and off. My expected next period was due January 30 and it has not shown on the day I had cramping like it was gonna start but nothing, It’s now feb 6th and I am approximately 7 days late. Could I be pregnant ?
Hello T, now is a good time to see if you are pregnant. Take a pregnancy test.
I had my last period on 21st December and my cycles runs from 31-34 days,I had a protected sex on 14th of January and am yet to see my period because 31 days has passed and 34 days is just 2day please I am scared,what’s your take on this?
Hello Nicole, your period should come in a couple of days based on the mentioned cycle and dates.
My husband and I have been trying to conceive for the past 7 years now. In Sept i had my first pap smear and on 1st of Oct i got my period the 1st of Nov i got it again then on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of Dec i was spotting but only in the mornings. I took 2 pregnancy test both are Neg.
I was sick the last week in Nov i was vomiting and really ill. This past month now in Jan i have been getting this really weird sort of clear/white liquid discharge and i have the worst abdominal cramps that comes and goes ( i have been mistaking it for my period every day) but NO PERIOD YET. I have this sharp shooting pains in my breast (Which i have never in my life experienced) My nipples are so sensitive. But i am really scared that there is a possibility i am not pregnant. All the signs are there. I AM PREGNANT?
Hi Anna, you might be pregnant. Take a pregnancy test 7 days after your missed period.
hi i need help. I start my periods on the 7,8,9,10…but now i went on my periods on the 4,5,6,7,8 should i be worried or is it normal?
Hello DNC, this is fine.
Ok I need some help. My last cycle was on 11/25/2017. I haven’t had a cycle in the month of December 2017. I am sexually active with my partner and we don’t use any protection. fyi we are trying to have a baby. We are now into January 2018 and I still didn’t get my cycle but I ended up taking a few test and they were negative. This happened to be before in August 2017 but never before that. I am not sure what to do. I have been checked for anything out of the ordinary but everything is fine. I am nit sure what the next step is. Everyone is stilling me that it’s due to me stressing out all the time, but we have been actively trying for almost 4 years and we still get to a blank end. I am out of options and it does really make me sad that we don’t get the results we are looking for.
***Is there anything I can do to help me with this?*** By the way I have one last ultrasound to do but it has to be done when I am on my cycle
Hi Olivia, both you and your partner need to be checked to ensure everything is fine for conception to take place. All the best.