Why is my period late?

Reasons your period could be late.

Other than pregnancy, there are many reasons why your period could be late.

1. Stress

Chronic stress can throw off your hormones, change your daily routine, and even affect the part of your brain responsible for regulating your period: your hypothalamus. Over time, stress can lead to illness or sudden weight gain or loss, all of which can impact your cycle.

If you think stress might be throwing off your period, try practicing relaxation techniques and making lifestyle changes.

Chronic stress can also affect other health conditions you’re living with, so addressing it yourself or with the help of a medical professional is an important part of taking care of your overall well-being.

2. Low body weight

People who have eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, may experience irregularities in their cycle. Losing too much weight can cause irregular periods and may even stop your cycle altogether. This is because not having enough body fat can pause ovulation.

Getting treatment for your eating disorder and getting to the point where your body fat is optimal again can return your cycle back to its original length.

People who participate in extreme exercises, such as marathons, may also experience cycle irregularities as well.

3. Obesity

In the same way that living with a low body weight can cause hormonal changes, living with a high body weight can also cause irregularities.

Obesity can cause the body to produce an overabundance of estrogen, which is a key reproductive hormone. Too much estrogen can cause irregularities in your cycle and may even stop your periods altogether.

If your doctor has determined that obesity is a factor in your late or missed periods, they may advise you to lose weight through lifestyle changes, such as focusing on nutrient-dense foods and exercising.

4. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a condition that causes your body to produce more of the male hormone androgen. Cysts form on the ovaries as a result of this hormone imbalance. This can make ovulation irregular or stop it altogether.

Other hormones, such as insulin, may also become unbalanced. This is due to insulin resistance, which is often associated with PCOS.

Treatment for PCOS focuses on relieving symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe birth control or another medication to help regulate your cycle.

5. Birth control

You may experience a change in your cycle when you go on or off birth control. Birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, which prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs.

It can take up to 3 months for your cycle to become consistent again after you stop taking the pill.

Other types of contraceptives that are implanted or injected can cause missed periods as well.

6. Chronic diseases

Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and celiac disease, can also affect your menstrual cycle. Changes in blood sugar are linked to hormonal changes, so even though it’s rare, unmanaged diabetes could cause your period to be irregular.

Celiac disease causes inflammation that can lead to damage in your small intestine, which may prevent your body from absorbing key nutrients. This can causeTrusted Source irregular or missed periods.

7. Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)

Most vagina owners begin menopause between the ages of 45-55. Those who develop symptoms around age 40 or earlier may be experiencing primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) or early natural menopause.

About 1% of women before the age of 40 experience POI. While this condition can arise from the surgical removal of the ovaries, other causes include genetic disorders and autoimmune conditions.

If you’re experiencing missed periods and you’re 40 years old or younger, contact your doctor to talk about POI testing and treatment.

8. Thyroid issues

An overactive or underactive thyroid gland could also be the cause of late or missed periods.

The thyroid regulates your body’s metabolism, so hormone levels can be affected as well. Thyroid issues can usually be treated with medication. After treatment, your period will likely return to your normal cycle.