Late to the Party? Reasons Your Period is Delayed & What To Do About It

Most women have suffered the anxiety of late or missed periods at least once in their lifetime. There are plenty of reasons for a late period; some are momentary and resolve with time, while others may need a doctor’s visit. The uncertainty that revolves around questions like ‘Why is my period late?’ or ‘Is it normal to have delayed periods?’ can be troubling, especially if you do not closely track changes in your menstrual cycle every month. Causes for late periods could be anything from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy, extreme stress, or more. Diagnosing and resolving erratic menses is vital to women’s overall health. 

What is an irregular period?

Irregular periods refer to menstrual cycles that vary significantly in length, flow, or timing from month to month. While a typical menstrual cycle lasts between 21 and 35 days, those with irregular periods may experience cycles that are shorter, longer, or missed altogether. A delayed period is one of the most common signs of irregular menstruation and can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, significant weight changes, hormonal imbalances, or underlying medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In some cases, irregular periods may also be linked to the use of certain medications or changes in medications.

Symptoms of irregular periods

Irregular periods can manifest in various ways, depending on the individual and the underlying cause. While some variation in cycle length is normal, noticeable changes in your menstrual pattern may indicate an irregularity. Recognising the symptoms can help in identifying when to seek medical advice.

Common symptoms of irregular periods include:

• Inconsistent cycle lengths; periods that come earlier or later than the typical 21 to 35-day range

• Missed or skipped periods without pregnancy

• A delayed period, occurring days or even weeks after the expected date

• Very heavy or very light bleeding compared to your usual flow

• Spotting or bleeding between periods, unrelated to your menstrual cycle

• Shorter or longer periods than normal, lasting less than two days or more than a week

Some individuals may also experience:

• Painful cramping or discomfort not typical of their usual period

• Changes in mood or increased irritability

• Breast tenderness or bloating occurring at irregular times

When your period procrastinates: Is it normal if your period gets delayed?

It is normal to have delayed periods at times. A menstrual cycle typically spans 28 days, although this is considered the ideal scenario. Under certain physiological conditions, it may range anywhere from 22-35 days. Hence, both early and late periods are normal unless they exceed this timeframe or are accompanied by other signs and symptoms.

Why the pause in your period? Top 10 reasons why your period is late

A significant number of women have irregular periods. A study reported that 14%-25% of women experience irregular menstrual cycles, which can include heavier or lighter periods, cycles longer than 35 days or shorter than 21 days, and issues like abdominal cramps. Here are the top 10 reasons for a late period:

1) Stress and anxiety

Staying anxious and stressed for abnormally long periods affects the hypothalamus (the body’s coordination centre that affects the nervous system and hormone production). This disrupts or overproduces hormones, causing irregular periods. Any emotional upheaval may impact your menses. 

2) Change in body weight

Both weight loss and weight gain (obesity) affect reproductive hormones. The impact is more prominent if the weight change is sudden. Extreme workout sessions, crash diets, marathons, or consolidated sports training reduce weight and often lead to severe fat loss. 

This disrupts hormone production. Obesity or sudden weight gain boosts oestrogen production, leading to overproduction that disrupts the menstrual cycle.

3) Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

The overproduction of androgens or male hormones is a hallmark of PCOS. This directly impacts female reproductive hormones, disrupting the menstrual cycle. It forms small cysts in the ovary, messing up ovulation days and more.

4) Thyroid disorders

Thyroid hormone levels influence subtle changes in menstrual cycle function, especially affecting sex steroid hormone levels in healthy women. Women with underactive or overactive thyroids have more menstrual irregularities. Women with underactive thyroids often have infrequent or heavy periods, while those with overactive thyroids usually have light periods.

5) A recent episode of a chronic illness

Long periods of illnesses like diabetes, coeliac disease, Cushing’s syndrome, liver dysfunction, etc., have been shown to affect female reproductive hormones and disrupt the menstrual cycle.

6) Medication

Medications that affect hormones monitor the production and circulation of female hormones, thus directly orchestrating the menstrual cycle, blood flow, and related symptoms. These medications can cause heavy, light, or missed periods. It’s critical that you speak to your doctor before making any decision to discontinue or switch to another method. 

7) Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding delays the restoration of regular ovarian cycles by interfering with the brain's hormone-release rhythms that control ovulation. This comprises an abnormal pattern of pulsatile GnRH release from the hypothalamus and thus LH from the pituitary.

8) Extreme exercise

Overdoing intense exercises and physical activities can be related to thyroid disorders, sudden weight changes, and stressing the body, indirectly impacting menstrual cycles.

9) Primary ovarian insufficiency

An autoimmune condition, Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), can be a cause for your later period. Approximately 1% of females experience POI, characterised by the cessation of ovarian function before reaching 40 years of age. Symptoms of low oestrogen may include irregular or absent periods, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, frequent urination, painful intercourse, decreased sex drive, and exhaustion. While the specific cause is frequently unknown, 4%-30% of cases are suspected to be autoimmune.

10) Age-related changes

Age-specific changes in menstrual variations include the period cycles soon after menarche or near menopause. These menstrual cycles are often irregular and erratic.

Get your cycle in sync

Diagnosing late and irregular periods involves consulting a gynaecologist. The gold standard for diagnosing disrupted menses is a detailed history of your menstrual cycle for the past six months and an examination of weight changes, medications, lifestyle, and chronic diseases. This usually follows other tests to examine the reproductive organs and hormone levels.

Remedies for delayed periods can be anything from stress-management techniques, a balanced diet, and good sleep to treating functional issues related to reproductive health. It is best to consult a practitioner and a gynaecologist for personalised treatment plans.

Just keep track of things

There are many reasons for a late period. Be it episodes of stress, over-exhaustion, medications, or a bout of chronic illness, delayed periods should not be a cause for added stress. Always monitor or chart your monthly cycle to detect changes in patterns early on. If the delay is consistent or you have accompanying symptoms, reach out to a doctor or gynaecologist at the earliest.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What should I do if my period is late?

Do not panic if your period is late. Menstrual cycles can range anywhere from 22 to 35 days. To begin with, chart your period dates consistently, sleep better, eat healthily, and de-stress. If the problem persists, reach out to a health practitioner or a gynaecologist. 

2) Why is my period late?

There are many reasons for late periods, like extreme stress, sudden weight gain or loss, recent chronic illness, medications, PCOS, thyroid issues, etc. 

3) How common is it to have a late period occasionally?

Menstrual cycles were shown to be irregular for 14%-25% of women. Symptoms include heavier or lighter periods, cycles lasting longer than 35 days or shorter than 21 days, and cramping in the abdomen. 

4) When should I see a doctor about a late period?

See a doctor about a late period if it becomes a consistent pattern for more than 2 to 3 cycles and has no apparent cause that you may have noticed.

5) Is it normal to miss a period occasionally?

It is normal to miss a period occasionally. Menstrual cycles can range anywhere from 22 to 35 days; so that way, you technically don’t miss a period — it is simply delayed. However, missing periods too often may indicate an underlying issue and need for medical help.