6 Reasons Your Period Could Be Late Besides Being Pregnant
Whether you get your period every 28 days like clockwork or have a flow that prefers to come and go as it pleases, having a period go MIA often feels like cause for alarm. Your mind runs wild with thoughts of pregnancy tests and ultrasounds and watching your baby graduate college - an imaginary life that you’ve created and nurtured and helped grow all because that little bit of blood you were hoping to find this morning didn’t make it’s appearance. Whether pregnancy right now is your goal or you’re holding off temporarily or forever, a fetus in utero is certainly not the only cause of a period gone rogue. Here are 6 reasons, besides being pregnant, that your period could be late.
1. Stress
If you’ve been running yourself ragged at work or dealing with other stressors, especially traumatic ones, your period could be late. This is called hypothalamic amenorrhea. “The hypothalamus is the center of the brain and controls reproduction. It produces a hormone that signals the production of other hormones needed for ovulation,” according to Shady Grove Fertility. So, if you’ve been stressed about something - big or small - do your best to find some time for relaxation. If you’ve experienced a traumatic situation, you should call your doctor and seek a professional opinion.
2. Being sick
The amazing things your body does are all intertwined on some level. When one system isn’t working as well as it should, the others are affected, too. It’s like a game of survival - which bodily process is the most important right now? If you have a common cold, the flu, or some other type of illness, your menstrual cycle is likely the first to be shut down in order to get the rest of your body back up to speed.
3. Weight fluctuations
Say hello to your hypothalamus again (the center in the brain that controls reproductive hormones, like estrogen). When you experience extreme fluctuations in your weight, the amount of estrogen released can impact whether you get your period or not. If you lose a lot of weight quickly, your body won’t produce enough estrogen. Too much weight gain and your body will have too much estrogen. Either way, this could be a reason your period is late.
4. Change in your schedule
Minor changes in your schedule aren’t going to have an impact on your menstrual cycle but intense ones, like switching to the night shift or having jet lag from traveling across the world (you jetsetter, you!), can. The good news is that it’s temporary. Once your body acclimates to your new schedule, your periods should resume as normal. If they don’t, it’s worth calling your doctor about.
5. Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones, of course, play a large role in your menstrual cycle. They determine the heaviness, the length, and even whether your period comes at all. If your hormones are out of whack, you may not menstruate. One cause could be PCOS. Another could be endometriosis. If you suspect this is the case, call your doctor. They’ll be able to put you on a path to help regulate symptoms.
6. Your birth control
Yes, even if you don’t skip the sugar pills, your birth control could be editing your menstrual cycle. Whether you have an IUD, get Depo shots, or are on the pill, the hormonal changes caused by birth control can sometimes eliminate or lessen your period. While this can sometimes be a welcome side effect, it’s good to know that it’s actually the cause of a late or nonexistent period.
If you think you’re pregnant, it’s always a good idea to take a test. Otherwise, talk to your doctor about your late period - they can provide valuable insight and ease your mind. If you are looking for sustainable, stress free period then check out our range of period products.
211 comments
Hi! i had sex on august 18 then got a period on august 20 and now in September I think I will not get my period because its September 29 now. Am I pregnant?
I had sex with my bf last month a week before I saw my period last month this month my period is last please what could be the cause
hi! July 14 2021 i got my period also in august 14 but this sept. it already sept. 16 why am still not on periods? i have cramps in my stomach im wondering if im pregnant? or its just sign that my period is coming?
Hi Chidinma! We understand delayed periods can definitely cause stress and insecurity. Unfortunately we cannot provide diagnosis as we are not medical professionals. We recommend contacting a doctor if you are feeling concerned. :)
-Team Lunette
Hi!!! Am having a delay in menstruation , I saw my period last 30th July 2021 . And in the month of August Its was supposed to come out 24th , apparently it’s 27th days today . Am I pregnant or not .
Cause I have done Pt test and it shows Negative ,what is the cause.
And am not having a signs of pregnancy pls help a sister ,
Thanks Chidinma .
Hi Blessing! Being ill is a common reason for your period to get delayed. When you are ill your body is using all of its energy to fight off the illness. Having a period is a high energy task for the body and sometimes your body will prioritize that energy to other things, like making sure you get well. :)
-Team Lunette
Hi Ctris! If you are concerned about pregnancy we recommend taking an at home pregnancy test. :)
-Team Lunette
Hi Favour! Emergency contraceptives contain high amounts of hormones. Your menstrual cycle is also regulated by hormones, so using anything that messes with your hormone balance is likely to cause effects with your period. It is very common for your period to be delayed/heavier/lighter than usual after using any hormone based emergency contraceptive. If you are concerned about the delayed period it is best to consult a doctor. :)
-Team Lunette
I took a clearblue ovulation test last month and it was positive… then i fell very sick now my period is late…. i did a test and im not pregnant…i dont understand
Hi Dechen! If you are still concerned about pregnancy after taking a test it is best to consult a doctor. :) -Team Lunette
Hi Nkem! If you are still concerned about the delayed period after reading this post it is best to consult a doctor. As we are not medical professionals we cannot offer diagnosis.
-Team Lunette
I have missed my period for 15 days now and all home pregnancy test are negative…..
Am i pregnant or i should wait….
My menstruation has been delayed for 16days now, am not having any signs of pregnancy. The last day I had sex was 2days after I missed my period. What cause the delay please.
I had my period 4th of this month and was supposed to see it again by 25th of this same month but it hasn’t come…
I’m sick of fever tho
My last period was on 6 june I hard sex with my boyfriend 18 and 28 of same june my next period is July 4 today is July 10 does it mean am pregnant
Hi U! As we are not medical professionals we unfortunately cannot offer diagnosis. We recommend consulting a doctor if you are feeling concerned. <3
-Team Lunette
I saw my last period on the 27 of April I didn’t see it in the month of May later saw it June 18th till now 26th of June blood is still coming out, what could be the problem.
Hi,I had an unprotected sex on the 19th of May, and he came inside of me and I took postinor2,and I was suppose to see my period at d ending of May but I’ve not seen it till date, though I did a manual pT and is showing negative…..pls what could be the cause.
Hi Emmauella! There are many reasons that can cause your period to be delayed, as mentioned in the above article. If you’re feeling concerned about the delay it’s best to consult a doctor. ☺️
-Team Lunette
My period is late for 18 days.
My period was from 10-14(4 days)
Hi Hilda! Any of the reason in this post could be contributing to a delay in your period. If you’re feeling concern it’s best to consult a doctor. ☺️
-Team Lunette
My period hasn’t started after four days of due date I have been tested negative what could be the cause
Hiya, Aanal Vyas! Your period could be delayed for any of the reasons listed on this post. :) If you’re concerned about the delay it is best to contact a doctor. If you’re concerned you may be pregnant we recommend taking a pregnancy test.
-Team Lunette
I av my depo shot on sep 19 and it three month.and it February I av not see my menstruation.
Hi Pretty! As it has been quite long now without a period we recommend contacting a doctor so they can help determine what could be the cause. 💙
-Team Lunette
