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

I saw my period on 19th of may 2020.. and this month I have not seen it.. note I have not had sex for long… Please should i be worried..or what should I take to make it regular

Annie June 26, 2020

I had sex with my bf on the last day of my period being 27th of May and he ejaculated inside me. Since then I haven’t seen my period

Success June 26, 2020

Hi Tina! If you’re concerned about pregnancy we recommend taking an at-home pregnancy test. :)
-Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor June 18, 2020

Hello Lunette
I have a problem, I’m supposed to see my period on May 25th or 26th and on the 6 of June, I have sex with my boyfriend and him cum inside me and still yet I haven’t see it, I’m a little bit worried if I’m not pregnant

Tina June 18, 2020

Hi Bree! Sorry to hear the period is late! If you’re concerned about pregnancy we recommend taking an at-home pregnancy test. You can also consult a physician about any possible underlying reasons for the irregular cycle. :) As we are not medical professionals we unfortunately can’t offer diagnosis.
-Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor June 05, 2020

Hi Tiwa! If you’re concerned about pregnancy we recommend taking an at-home pregnancy test. :)
-Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor June 05, 2020

My boyfriend and i had sex and he didn’t ejaculate at all but my period is late. It’s supposed to come around the 26th March but it is irregular but now it’s the 2nd of June and it still hasn’t come yet. I’ve been getting more and more stressed over it and my boyfriend tells me I’m not pregnant but I’m still a bit worried

Bree June 05, 2020

I and boyfriend had sex twice,we didn’t use a CD once but he didn’t cum in me,we had it at the beginning of March, I saw my period in march ending and April ending,I’m supposed to see it now and I havnt,so I’m thinking, can I be pregnant after two months of regular period?

Tiwa June 05, 2020

Hi Omosheke! The factors in this post could be the reason for the delay period. :) If you’re feeling concerned it’s best to contact a physician. As we are not medical professionals we cannot offer diagnosis.
-Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor May 22, 2020

HI,am suppose to see my period April 20 but this is may 9..So i went for a pregnancy test which indicate negative..Am scared what got it delayed

Omosheke May 22, 2020

Hi Sadean! There are some common reasons for delayed periods in the above post, if you’re still feeling concerned we recommend contacting a doctor. :)
-Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor May 07, 2020

Hi Mantwa! The above post mentions some common reasons why your period can get delayed. :) If you’re still feeling concerned we recommend contacting a doctor or taking an at-home pregnancy test if you’re concerned about pregnancy.
-Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor May 07, 2020

I have my period on march 6-10 and I haven’t seen it for april I took a pregnancy test and it was negative and know my nipples feel tender what’s happening

Sadean May 07, 2020

M on 34 days nd haven’t seen my period nd not feeling it.Cz when making date nearer I have tenderby breast nd headache bt nw nothing

Mantwa May 07, 2020

Hi, Shay! We recommend consulting a doctor as it’s been several months since your last period. As we are not medical professionals we can’t provide diagnosis unfortunately.
-Team Lunette