Being used to regular cycles or being worried about an unplanned pregnancy, experiencing a late period may be extremely upsetting for a woman.
It is common for periods to differ slightly in duration monthly. If a period is over five days overdue, it is typically regarded as being late. It’s important to keep in mind that if you are not effectively trying to get pregnant, a late period doesn’t necessarily indicate that you need to be concerned. But just how late can a period be without indicating pregnancy? There isn’t a universally applicable response to that question, however, there are a few perfectly logical alternate explanations for a missing time period. So, what exactly are they? Let us look at the real reasons for a late period.
Common reasons for a late period:
Stress
Long-term stress can have a negative impact on a woman’s menstrual cycle, lengthening or shortening it, or even potentially creating a missed period. When under stress, some women also experience more painful period cramps. A person can reduce stress and keep their menstrual cycle consistent by attempting to avoid the circumstances that lead to it, exercising frequently, and getting adequate sleep. In order to find effective coping mechanisms, it may be helpful for a woman who is dealing with chronic stress to talk to a doctor or counsellor.
Weight loss
A woman may miss her period as a result of drastic weight loss or vigorous exercise. A low body-fat percentage or even being underweight can change the stages of reproductive hormones, causing them to drop to levels where ovulation, as well as menstruation, do not take place. In order to ensure that she is getting the right amount of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins for her body, a woman who already has missed one or more periods after a substantial weight loss should speak with a doctor or dietician.
Birth control
Some methods of birth control, especially hormonal ones, can make a woman miss her period. A form of oestrogen and progesterone are typically given as part of hormonal birth control for a predetermined period of time, followed by a series of days without the hormones. Periods are brought on by the hormones’ exit. Occasionally, these hormones maintain the uterine lining at such a thin thickness that there is insufficient lining to initiate a period. This holds true for all hormonal birth control methods, such as pills, patches, injections, implants, as well as rings. Most of the time, this is harmless, but women who have any questions about their birth control technique should speak to a doctor.
Obesity
A woman’s hormonal fluctuation can be impacted by being overweight, just as losing weight can make her miss a period. It is crucial for a woman to receive a proper diagnosis from a doctor because obesity and irregular periods can occasionally be signs that a woman has a health condition like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). To ensure that there are no fundamental medical conditions resulting in missed periods, the doctor may advise blood tests or perhaps an ultrasound to glance at the ovaries.
PCOS
Among the most prevalent hormonal conditions affecting women of childbearing age seems to be PCOS. Although each woman’s symptoms are unique, those with PCOS frequently have unusual hormone levels, which can lead to acne, excessive body and face hair, male-pattern baldness, obesity, as well as small cysts developing on the ovaries. Periods that are irregular or even nonexistent are another common aspect of this condition. Women who believe they may have PCOS should get tested at their doctor’s office. The lack of periods during the reproductive years can lead to endometrial cancer if it is not treated correctly.
Thyroid disease
The thyroid aids in the regulation of the menstrual cycle, and an imbalance in thyroid hormones may cause irregular menstruation. Anovulatory cycles or cycles without ovulation, irregular periods, and lengthy menstrual bleeding can all be the results of thyroid hormone levels that are either too low or too high. Thyroid disease can occasionally result in amenorrhea, which is the interruption of periods for several months. For the treatment of thyroid disease, doctors may recommend thyroid hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroidism as well as thyroid suppression therapy for hyperthyroidism.
Maintaining a detailed record of one’s periods, along with the start and end dates and a catalogue of any other accompanying symptoms, can be beneficial if a woman is worried about missed periods. Doctors can diagnose more quickly if they have access to a written record. There are apps for smartphones in addition to using a clear and simple calendar.
