I’m Not Pregnant – So Why is my Period Late?

If your period is late – and you know you aren’t pregnant – it can be a little alarming.

For many women, their menstrual cycle settles into a regular pattern over time. While it may fluctuate a little, most find their period comes around the same time in every cycle (give or take a few days).

So, if your period is later than expected, there may be a reason.

Causes and symptoms of delayed menstruation without pregnancy

The medical term for an absent menstrual period is amenorrhea. It isn’t a disease, and is usually a sign of another, treatable condition. Amenorrhea is when you miss your period for three or more months, after previously having a normal cycle. A late period describes a missed or delayed cycle.

Whether you have amenorrhea or delayed menstruation, knowing the cause is important.

Reasons your period may be delayed include:

Your age

When your menstrual cycle first starts, it is normal for your cycle to be irregular for a couple of years until it settles into a regular pattern. As you age and approach perimenopause and menopause, many women find that their periods begin to become irregular, leading to missed or late periods.

Weight

Being underweight can affect your menstrual cycle. Low body weight can stop ovulation and delay your period, and not getting enough nutrients can impact hormones, which control your cycle. If you lose a drastic amount of weight in a short space of time, your periods may stop altogether.

Being overweight can also affect menstruation. A high body mass can interrupt hormone levels and cause irregularities in your cycle.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a common condition that affects the ovaries. The main features of PCOS are the development of fluid-filled cysts on the ovaries, high levels of male hormones and irregular periods. Because the ovaries aren’t regularly releasing eggs, your cycle is interrupted and your period is delayed. Other symptoms of PCOS include acne on the face, excessive hair growth on the face, chest and chin, and weight gain.

Stress

Stress has many negative effects on our bodies. It can affect the menstrual cycle and if it becomes chronic, can cause your periods to stop altogether.

Hormonal birth control

Many types of birth control, such as contraceptive pills, implants and hormonal IUDs rely on hormones to influence ovulation. When you start taking hormonal birth control, and when you stop, it can take a while for your cycle to become regular again, leading to delayed menstruation.

Chronic conditions

several chronic conditions, such as diabetes and celiac disease, can affect your menstrual cycle. The medication prescribed for a number of these conditions may also cause delayed periods, including antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs and antiepileptics.

Thyroid problems

Your thyroid is the gland responsible for making the hormones that influence our metabolic rate, controlling things like heart rate, growth, metabolism, and body temperature. It also affects the reproductive system and if there is a problem with your thyroid, it can cause irregular menstrual periods.

When should I see a doctor about delayed menstruation?

If your period is more than a few days late, and you know you aren’t pregnant, talk to your doctor. They can find the underlying cause, which is most likely something that can be treated swiftly.

Don’t suffer in silence

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