How Come My Period Is Late

Youre Using Hormonal Birth Control

Many people love the pill because it makes their periods so regular. However, it can sometimes have the opposite effect, especially during the first few months of use.

Similarly, when you stop taking the pill, it can take a few months for your cycle to get back to normal. As your body returns to its baseline hormone levels, you may miss your period for a few months.

If youre using another hormonal birth control method, such as an intrauterine device , implant, or shot, you might completely stop getting your period.

Your Boobs Are Sore & Heavy

If your boobs are aching and feel a bit fuller, it could be a sign. Breast changes are early signs of pregnancy, says Walters. The moment you conceive, hormones send signals to the breasts to get ready in 40 weeks. However, this may not be as pronounced of a , if this isnt your first, according to the Mayo Clinic â they may not be as tender or experience as much of a change in size, if thats the case.

Changes In Bathroom And Stomach Habits

In addition to nausea and vomiting, you may experience other stomach problems when you first become pregnantlike constipation, frequent urination and bloating, to name a few.

Constipation is normally characterized by fewer than three bowel movements a week, hard stool, dry stool or stool that is difficult to pass. The progesterone that starts to form from the placenta slows the bowels down, says Brown. Constipation can occur early on in pregnancy, but can come back during the third trimester, too.

Frequent urination is common. Symptoms can start even earlier than your missed period, since the fertilized egg implants itself into the uterus and begins making the pregnancy hormone hCG, prompting you to run to the bathroom more often.

Bloating can happen early on in pregnancy, and may continue throughout your nine months. The progesterone hormone causes your muscle tissues to relax, slowing down digestion. That, in addition to an expanding uterus, can put pressure on your rectum and cause it to feel heavy.

Heres how to keep your stomach happy during pregnancy:

• Aim to get at least 25 grams of fiber a day from foods like leafy greens and whole grains.
• Talk to your OBGYN about any iron supplements youre taking.
• Discuss with your OBGYN whether you need to try over-the-counter medications.
• When you feel the urge, do not hold in bowel movements.
• Take it easy on foods that may upset your stomach, like beans, cabbage and fried items.

Also Check: I Have Period Cramps But No Period

Diabetes And Thyroid Disease

Jay M. Berman, M.D., FACOG, chief of gynecological services at Detroit Medical Center’s Harper Hutzel Hospital and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Wayne State University, says other issues such as diabetes and thyroid disease may be to blame for a late period.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health, thyroid disease can cause problems with your period because thyroid hormones help control your menstrual cycle. Unbalanced thyroid hormones can cause your period to be irregular.

In addition, some studies have found a link between type 1 diabetes and early menopause. Researchers believe this occurs because this type of diabetes causes premature vascular aging and, in turn, ovarian aging. As you reach early menopause, your periods may be late and irregular.

Missed Periods And Pregnancy

If youve had unprotected sex, you may have missed your period because youre pregnant. You may want to rule out pregnancy first by taking a pregnancy test, or you can see if you need to take a test with our .

Keep an eye out for any , like:

These symptoms coupled with a missed period could mean you are pregnant

Don’t Miss: Why Do I Keep Missing My Period

What Should I Do If I Have Missed My Period

Dont panic! In most cases there is nothing serious going on. The most important thing to do is to do a pregnancy test if there is any chance at all you could be pregnant. If you otherwise feel well in yourself, and you are not pregnant, then the chances are your periods will start up again in due course.

You should consult a doctor if:

• You have not had a period for three months and your periods were previously regular.
• You have not had a period for 6-9 months but your periods have always been infrequent.
• You could be pregnant.

Recommended Reading: 90 Probationary Period Employment Form

What Is A Period

A period is the time in a woman or girls monthly cycle in which her unfertilized egg leaves her body, along with blood and uterine tissue lining . This normally takes about five days. Periods usually first begin at or around age 12 in the US. They may begin between the ages of 10 and 15, though some may also start sooner or later than this. A period begins Day 1 of the menstrual cycle.

You May Like: 90 Day Probationary Period Policy Examples

Read Also: Can You Have A Full Period And Be Pregnant

Top Things To Know About Why Your Period Might Be Late:

• Menstrual cycles can vary in length by up to 7â9 days

• There are several health-related reasons why your period could be late

• Unpredictable periods are common and expected around menarche and menopause

• If youâve had unprotected sex and your period is 10 or more days late, you should take a pregnancy test and talk to a healthcare provider regardless of the result

• Speak to a healthcare provider if you havenât had a period for more than 90 days

• Tracking with Clue can help you learn when to expert your period

Expecting a period to come that doesnât can cause your stomach to drop. Your mind starts racing. You try to remember everything youâve done in the past month that could have contributed to this. Questions flood your mind: âDid I have sex? When did I? Did we use protection? What if my birth control didnât work? Am I pregnant?â Before you start to spiral, take a deep breath and read this.

Your body is not a clock. The number of days between your periods may vary, especially if you are a teenager, breastfeeding or nearing menopause. Stress, travel, diet, illness, and medication can also affect your cycle. As an adult, your menstrual cycle can vary in length by up to 7â9 days .

How Many Days Late Can A Period Be Before Worrying About Pregnancy

Everyones cycle is different, but how late can a period be? Healthy cycles can range in length from 21 to 35 days, and how long a cycle lasts can vary from cycle to cycle. Unless you have irregular cycles due to a medical condition, you probably have at least a rough idea of when to expect your next period.

A period is considered late if it hasnt started within seven days of when you expect it. Most pregnancy tests will be able to give you accurate results by the time your period is late. If you get a negative pregnancy test after missing a period, and your period is more than a week late, you may want to see your health care provider to figure out whats going on.

If you get a negative pregnancy test result, still havent gotten your period, and start to experience early pregnancy symptoms, consider taking another test. Sometimes, home pregnancy tests can give a false-negative result if its taken too early in the pregnancy to detect human chorionic gonadotropin in your urine. In these cases, it can take a bit longer to know youre pregnant after a late period. The earliest hCG detection can be done with an hCG serum test performed by a doctor as early as 8 to 10 days after ovulation.

Recommended Reading: When Will I Get My Next Period

Dont Ignore A Missed Period

If you keep track of your periods, youll probably know right away if something is amiss. Keep a period diary in your calendar or get an app designed for that purpose. Your period records can provide valuable information for you and your doctor.

Doctors want to know details about your previous periods so we can determine if theres an issue, Dr. Higgins says. An occasional late period is often the result of something minor, but if you frequently have late or irregular periods, check with your doctor to rule out other health conditions.

When Will A Pregnancy Test Appear Positive

If you are trying to get pregnant and you miss a period, you are naturally excited, yet there is no way to know for sure until you take a pregnancy test. However, there are several symptoms that are suggestive of pregnancy, including breast tenderness, nausea, and bloating. Keep in mind, these can also be premenstrual signs.

Read Also: Is Discharge A Sign Of Period

What Are Regular Periods

Most girls get their first period between the ages of 10 and 15, but some get it earlier and some later. The first period is known as menarche .

A girls monthly cycle is the number of days from the start of her period to the start of the next time she gets her period. You often hear this is a 28-day cycle. But 28 is just an average figure that doctors use. Cycle lengths vary some are 24 days, some are 34 days. And a girl may notice that her cycles are different lengths each month especially for the few years after she first starts getting her period.

Early in a girls cycle, her ovaries start preparing one egg. At the same time, the lining of the uterus becomes thick to prepare a nesting place for a fertilized egg in the event that the girl becomes pregnant.

About 2 weeks before a girl gets her period, the egg is released from the ovary . The egg travels through the fallopian tube into the uterus. If the egg isnt fertilized by sperm, it starts to fall apart. Then the lining and egg leave a girls body as her period and the whole thing starts all over again thats why we use the word cycle. The first day a girls period comes is Day 1 of her cycle.

Its also normal for the number of days a girl has her period to vary. Sometimes a girl may bleed for 2 days, sometimes it may last a week. Thats because the level of hormones the body makes can be different from one cycle to the next, and this affects the amount and length of bleeding.

Can I Miss My Period For Two Months And Not Be Pregnant

Depending on the cause, yes. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian failure, chronic diseases, and malnutrition can make you miss consecutive periods. Some oral contraceptives can also stop your periods. However, its always a good idea to take a pregnancy test in these cases. If the test is negative, make an appointment with your health care provider to determine the cause of your missed periods.

Discuss sensitive topics. Anonymously.

Flo Secret Chats is a safe space where you can discuss and share your experience with other women around the globe.

Recommended Reading: Why Has My Period Not Stopped

Your Periods Could Become Less Frequent

Perimenopause is a time thats characterized by irregular menses, which are usually more spaced out, said Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su, MD, an ob-gyn in Seattle. As your hormones start to fluctuate, it can lead to scanter, lighter periods, added Adeeti Gupta, MD, an ob-gyn and founder of Walk In GYN Care in New York City.

A Change In Your Schedule

Changing schedules can throw off your body clock. If you frequently change work shifts from days to nights, or if your schedule is generally all over the place, your period can be fairly unpredictable.

A change in your schedule shouldn’t cause you to completely miss your period, but it can cause your period to start earlier or later than expected. Your cycle can also change by a few days if you experience jet lag.

Also Check: Early Pregnancy Symptoms Before Missed Period

Why Would I Have A Late Period

Having a late menstrual period is among the first signs and symptoms of pregnancy. Other early pregnancy signs include breast tenderness, nausea, fatigue, and frequent urination.

Just enter the first day of your last menstrual period and the average number of days of your menstrual cycle above to calculate whether your next menstrual period is late or see if you might be pregnant!

Read More:

Why Is My Period Late Common Causes And Reasons

• FAQs about Late Periods

Most women have a 28-day menstrual cycle but this varies from woman to woman. Periods can be as late as a 35-40 day cycle, or its possible to miss periods altogether.

The question is when you should investigate late or absent periods. If this occurs for just one cycle there is rarely a serious cause and it is a minor alteration in your normal state of being. However, if your period is persistently longer than it used to be, especially if it is a week or more longer between cycles or if you have no period at all , it is worthwhile to investigate the cause. A good working rule for women of reproductive age is if your period is late always exclude pregnancy as the first task.

The most common reasons for late periods include:

Don’t Miss: How To Get Periods Immediately If Delayed

Faint Line On Pregnancy Test

Did you see two lines on the pregnancy test, but one of them was faint? Guess what? Thats a positive result. Its possible that your levels of hCG arent strong enough yet to produce a stronger colored line. If youre concerned about it, take a second test in a few days or ask for a blood test to determine pregnancy.

There Are Many Reasons That Periods Can Be Irregular Or Absent Some Require Treatment And Some Do Not

It is not uncommon to occasionally miss a period, or for periods to become irregular from time to time. Under some circumstances, periods can even stop altogether. Sometimes these irregularities are due to normal changes, and are not cause for concern. Other times, they are a sign that something is going on, and a call to your doctor is warranted.

Explore Irregular or Absent Periods:

Also Check: 9 Year Old Starting Period Symptoms

Days Late For Your Period Could You Be Pregnant

If youre trying to conceive, a missed period can be an exciting time. However, its important to remember that a late period doesnt necessarily mean youre pregnant. There are a number of factors that can contribute to a delayed period, including stress, travel, and changes in your exercise routine.

If youre used to having a normal cycle, it can be worrying or exciting when you suddenly find yourself 3 days late with a possible missed period. While there are many potential reasons for a missed period, one possibility is that youre pregnant. But how can you tell for sure?

You May Like: How Long Does A Dogs First Period Last

Could You Be Pregnant

If you missed your period, answer these 4 questions:

If you answered “yes” to all questions, there is a high chance that you are pregnant. But only a positive pregnancy test will confirm your suspicion.

Read Also: How To Tell If Your Getting Your Period

You Might Start Breaking Out Before Your Period

Its also possible to experience whats called adult acne in your 30s, 40s, or 50s. A number of things can be a factor in adult acne, including:

• Hair or skin care products
• Medication side effects
• Undiagnosed medical conditions

However, adult acne can also happen due to hormone fluctuations caused by periods, perimenopause, or birth control. So, once you hit 40, its like going through puberty again, said Dr. Gupta, who warns you might start breaking out again just like in high school.

Dont Miss: How To Skip Period Without Birth Control Pills

If You Continue Your Pregnancy

If you choose to continue your pregnancy to term, then you most likely wont get your period back until about six weeks after you give birth. Factors that impact the return of your period after birth include things like stress, whether youre breastfeeding or not, and if you start using hormonal birth control.

So there you have it how to find your period when it goes missing!

Abortion Information You Can Trust

carafem medical standards and guidelines have been composed and approved by Board-certified Ob/Gyn Physicians as part of the carafem medical committee. Still have questions? Check out our FAQ page, or call us at , or find a location near you.

Dont Miss: How Do You Make Period Cramps Go Away

You May Like: What Does Big Blood Clots In Period Mean

You Took Emergency Contraception

If you had unprotected sexual intercourse and took emergency pills, your period can be delayed for days.

Emergency pills function by preventing ovulation from taking place. If taken as soon as possible and prior to ovulation, your chances of becoming pregnant are slim.

However, you could still get pregnant if pills are not taken properly.

What can you do?

If you are worried about pregnancy, you shouldnt. Pills, when taken within 24 hours of intercourse, have an increased chance of protection. However, if you took your pills very late or have symptoms of pregnancy, you can confirm your pregnancy status by testing.