8 Possible Reasons For Your Late Period
Are you concerned about a late period but knowing you’re not pregnant?
Other than pregnancy, there are a number of possible causes for missed or late periods to happen.
Know your cycle
It's also perfectly common for a woman's cycle to be irregular at two points in her life: when it first starts and when menopause begins. Your normal cycle can become irregular as your body goes through the transition.
A period occurs every 28 days for most women who haven't entered menopause. However, a period that happens every 21 to 35 days is considered a healthy menstrual cycle. If your period does not fall within these ranges, one of the following factors might be at play.
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Stress
Stress may mess up your hormones, disrupt your daily routine, and even affect the hypothalamus - which is a part of your brain that works to regulate your period. In the long run, stress can cause sickness and unexpected weight gain and loss, both of which can affect your cycle.
If you suspect stress is the reason causing your late period, try making changes to your lifestyle and practicing relaxation techniques. Adding exercise in your routine may help you get back your track.
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Underweight
Missed cycles are common in women suffering from eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia. Having a body weight of 10% below your normal or healthy weight range for your height can change the way your body works and cause ovulation to stop. To get your cycle back to normal, you should get treatment for your eating disorder and gaining weight in a healthy manner.
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Obesity
Just like how being underweight can cause hormonal changes, so do being overweight. For women experiencing late or missed periods due to obesity, doctors will recommend a diet and exercise schedule to help regulate your cycle.
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PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in women that causes your body to produce more of the male hormone androgen. PCOS may affect a woman's menstrual cycle, fertility and in some cases physical appearance. Other than irregular periods, symptoms of PCOS include weight gain, infertility, sleep apnea, depression and anxiety, and so on.
While there is no cure for PCOS, the treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. If you think you might have PCOS, you should talk to your healthcare provider, you may be prescribed birth control or other medication to help regulate your cycle.
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Birth control
The hormones estrogen and progestin are used in birth control pills, and they prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs. It can take up to 6 months for your cycle to return to normal again after stopping taking the pill. Besides birth control pills, other types of contraceptives that are implanted or injected can also lead to late or missed periods as well.
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Chronic disease
Diabetes and celiac disease are two chronic diseases that may affect your menstrual cycle.
This is because changes in blood sugar are linked to hormonal changes, even though it is rare, there is a possibility where poorly controlled diabetes could cause your cycle to be irregular.
Celiac disease leads to inflammation that may cause damage to your small intestine. It may prevent your body to absorb certain key nutrients, by this causing your period late or missed.
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Early peri-menopause
The common age for women to go through menopause is between ages 45 to 55. Early peri-menopause is considered if symptoms are developed at around the age of 40 or earlier. This indicates that your egg supply is coming to an end, which will result in missed periods and finally reach the end of your menstruation.
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Thyroid issues
Late or missed periods can also be caused by an overactive or underactive thyroid gland. Since the thyroid controls the body's metabolism, hormone levels can be affected. Thyroid problems are usually treated with medicine. Your period will most likely return back to normal after treatment.
When to see a doctor
If you are going through the following symptoms, it’s time for you to consult your doctor.
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Unusual heavy bleeding
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Fever
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Severe pain
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Nausea and vomiting
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Bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days
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Bleeding after entered menopause and had no periods for 12 months
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