Reasons For Late Period

Although pregnancy is the most common reason for a delayed period, it is not the only cause. There are many other factors that may contribute to a late menstrual cycle. In this article, we will detail the various reasons why a period may be delayed.

Reasons why your period could be late

Several factors can affect the menstrual cycle and cause delays, including a woman's age, health status, and lifestyle choices. Below are some of the main non-medical reasons for delayed period:

• Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the most common cause of late periods among married women. When an egg is fertilized by sperm, it attaches to the uterine lining, which thickens and develops additional blood vessels to nourish the developing fetus, preventing the shedding of the uterine lining, which would typically occur during menstruation.

• Breastfeeding

During breastfeeding, menstrual periods may be delayed, lighter, less frequent, or temporarily absent due to the release of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production.

• Stress and Anxiety

Chronic stress and anxiety can significantly impact overall health and hormonal balance, potentially delaying menstruation. These emotional states affect the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle. Additionally, stress can lead to weight changes, illness, and other factors that affect menstruation.

• Intense Physical Activity

Excessive or strenuous exercise can impact the thyroid and pituitary glands, influencing ovulation and menstrual periods. Significant hormonal changes generally occur with extreme levels of physical activity, not just exercising for one or two hours a day.

• Medications

Taking certain medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, thyroid drugs, epilepsy medications, and some forms of chemotherapy, can cause missed or delayed periods. Additionally, starting or stopping various birth control methods can also affect the menstrual cycle.

• Extreme diet

Strict diets that severely limit calorie intake or eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, can also cause delayed menstrual period.

• Significant Weight Loss

Losing a lot of weight can lead to irregular periods or even cause them to stop altogether, as insufficient body fat can pause ovulation.

• Obesity

Just as significant weight loss can delay menstruation, so can obesity. Excess body fat can lead to an overproduction of estrogen, which may disrupt the menstrual cycle and potentially stop it altogether.

• Menopause

Menopause or perimenopause (the transition to menopause) could be another reason for a delayed period. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate significantly, affecting the menstrual cycle. The average age for menopause is 51, but some women may experience it earlier, between the ages of 40 and 45.

Medical Causes of Late Period

In some cases, a late period can result from an underlying medical condition. Here are some of the most common conditions that can cause delayed menstruation:

1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is one of the most common health conditions affecting women. It causes the body to produce higher levels of androgen hormones, leading to the formation of cysts on the ovaries that can disrupt or pause ovulation.

2. Chronic Diseases

Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, celiac disease, Cushing's syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Asherman's syndrome, pituitary gland tumors, or liver disorders can impact the menstrual cycle and cause delays.

3. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency

This condition occurs when the ovaries stop functioning normally before a woman turns 40. It is sometimes referred to as premature ovarian failure.

4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

This bacterial infection occurs when sexually transmitted infections are left untreated. It typically results in irregular periods, abdominal pain, fever, and painful intercourse.

5. Thyroid Disorders

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause delayed or absent periods, as thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, which can affect other hormones in the body.

When to See a Doctor?

A late period by a day or two, or occasional delays, is typically not a cause for concern. However, it is important to consult a doctor if you miss more than one period or if your period is late and accompanied by symptoms such as:

• Unusually heavy bleeding.
• Fever.
• Severe abdominal pain.
• Hair loss.
• New or worsening headaches.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Nipple discharge.
• Excessive hair growth.

Blazma provides all the tests your doctor may require to determine the cause of your late period, including tests for Pregnancy hormone Beta-hCG, Prolactin, Thyroid tests package, Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH), and Estradiol levels.