A late period can be highly distressing and you must be thinking that why is my period late? Mainly if a woman is accustomed to regular periods or is worried about unplanned pregnancies. Birth control and stress are just a few reasons why a woman might miss her period. We’ll look at eight causes for the question that why is my period late?
1. Perimenopause
When, a woman, hasn’t had a period for at least 12 months, she enters menopause around the age of 52. Many women start to feel symptoms 10 to 15 years before menopause. Perimenopause indicates that estrogen levels are beginning to fluctuate.
Varying estrogen levels can disrupt a woman’s menstrual cycle, making irregular or missed periods common among perimenopausal women. A woman is said to be in menopause when she has gone a year without having her period.
2. Weight loss
If a woman loses weight or exercises excessively, her period may be missed. Ovulation and menstruation may not occur if you are underweight or have a low body-fat ratio.
After losing a significant amount of weight, a woman who has missed one or more periods should consult her doctor or a dietician about getting the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients her body requires.
3. Stress
Long periods of stress can alter a woman’s menstrual cycle, lengthening or shortening it or even causing a missed period. When women are stressed, they may also experience more painful period cramps.
Stress can be reduced, and a regular menstrual cycle can be maintained by avoiding stressful situations, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. If a woman is suffering from chronic stress, she should speak with a doctor or counselor who can help her identify effective coping mechanisms.
4. Obesity
Being overweight can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle in the same way that losing weight can cause her to miss her period. Missed periods and obesity can indicate a medical condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
As a result, a woman must receive an accurate diagnosis from a doctor. To ensure that no underlying medical conditions are causing missed periods, the doctor may recommend blood tests or an ultrasound.
5. Hormonal conditions
If a woman is dealing with prolactin and thyroid hormones, she may miss her period. A blood test can quickly reveal whether a missed or late period is due to a hormonal imbalance. The cause of these hormonal imbalances should be investigated by a doctor.
She may benefit from speaking with a doctor or counselor who can help her identify effective coping mechanisms if she is dealing with chronic stress. Hormonal imbalances can be caused by something much more severe, such as a brain tumor. In many cases, taking medication can help you get back on track with your period.
6. Birth control
Some birth control pills can cause a missed period. Some birth control methods, primarily hormonal ones, can cause a woman to miss her period. Hormonal birth control usually consists of estrogen and progesterone for a set period, followed by several hormone-free days. A period is triggered when these hormones are removed.
These hormones can cause the uterine lining to thin to the point where there isn’t enough for a period to occur. Pills, patches, shots, implants, and rings are examples of hormonal birth control methods. Most of the time, this isn’t a problem, but women who are concerned about their birth control method should see a doctor.
7. PCOS
PCOS can be an answer for the question that why is my period late? It is a hormonal disorder that affects many women of childbearing age. PCOS is characterized by abnormal hormone levels, resulting in small cysts on the ovaries, acne, excess facial and body hair, male-pattern baldness, and obesity.
This condition is also characterized by irregular or even absent periods. Women who think they might have PCOS should see their doctor for a diagnosis. The absence of periods during childbearing years can lead to endometrial cancer if not treated properly.
8. Pregnancy
Even if they use contraception, women should not rule out pregnancy as a possible cause of late periods. Even if women use birth control correctly, they can still become pregnant. A sexually active woman should use a home pregnancy test with a late period.
It’s important to remember that no method of birth control is 100 percent effective. Anyone pregnant should seek prenatal care as soon as possible. She should see a doctor if a woman’s home pregnancy test comes back negative, but her period still hasn’t started.
The Bottom Line
If a woman is concerned about missing periods, keeping a written record of her periods, including the start and end dates and a list of any other symptoms associated with them, can be beneficial. A doctor can diagnose more quickly if they have a written record to refer to. Please consult them immediately.
Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the top gynecologists in Pakistan through Marham or get appointment by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
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FAQ’s
Why hasn’t my period arrived?
Some medicines, excessive exercise, low or high body weight, or not eating enough calories can all contribute to irregular periods. Hormonal imbalances can also cause period irregularities.
When it comes to periods, how much late is normal?
“These cycles last an average of 24 to 38 days.” That means a 28-day cycle one month and a 26-day cycle the next is unlikely to cause concern. If it’s been more than 38 days since your last period, your period might be considered late.
Is it a problem if your period is late?
It is not normal to go without a period for several months, except missing your period while on some contraceptives, and it can be harmful to your health. If your missed periods continue, see your doctor.