Late Period - 6 Reasons For...

Worried about a missed period but knows you're not pregnant?

There are multiple causes other than pregnancy for missed or delayed periods. Hormonal disorders and severe medical issues can both be common causes. Your cycle may also be erratic at 2 other times: the beginning of your period and the beginning of the menopause transition. Your cycle may become irregular as your body adjusts to the change.

Most women who haven't gone through menopause often have a period every 28 days or so. The menstrual cycle, however, can occur every 21 to 40 days in healthy women. Your period may not fall within one of these ranges for one of the reasons listed below.

1. Stress

Chronic stress can alter your hormones, disrupt your daily pattern, and even have an impact on the hypothalamus, the area of your brain in charge of controlling your period. Stress might eventually result in illnesses or unexpected weight gain or loss, both of which can affect your menstrual cycle.
Chronic stress should be addressed, either on your own or with the assistance of a medical professional, to protect your general health.

2. Obesity

An important reproductive hormone called estrogen can be produced in excess by the body as a result of obesity. Your cycle may become erratic if you have too much estrogen, and it may even cease your periods altogether.
Your doctor might suggest making lifestyle adjustments to help you lose weight, such as putting more emphasis on nutritional foods and working out.

3. Low Body Weight

Cycle abnormalities can occur in those who suffer from eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia nervosa. Uneven periods can result from excessive weight loss. Having insufficient body fat might stop ovulation, which is why you may experience irregular periods.
Your cycle might resume at its original length once you receive therapy for your eating disorder and reach a point where your body fat is once more normal. Extreme exercisers, such as marathon runners, may also encounter anomalies in their menstruation cycle.

4. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

The disorder known as polycystic ovarian syndrome makes your body produce more androgen. This hormonal imbalance leads to the development of cysts on the ovaries. This may cause irregular menstruation or maybe prevent it altogether.
Unbalanced levels of other hormones, including insulin, are also possible. The goal of PCOS treatment is to reduce symptoms. To assist control your period, your doctor might recommend birth control or another drug.

5. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

Menopause often starts between the ages of 45 and 55. Those who experience symptoms around the age of 40 or sooner may be going through early menopause naturally or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Aside from the surgical removal of the ovaries, additional causes of this syndrome include genetic problems and autoimmune diseases.

6. Chronic Diseases

Chronic disorders, such as diabetes and celiac disease, can potentially disrupt your menstrual cycle. Although it's rare, uncontrolled diabetes has been related to hormonal abnormalities, which could result in irregular periods.
Your small intestine may get damaged as a result of the inflammation brought on by celiac disease, which could hinder your body from absorbing important nutrients. This may result in missed or irregular periods. Other chronic diseases that might cause irregular cycles include- Cushing syndrome, Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and Asherman’s syndrome.

When To Visit a Doctor?
Some various causes and conditions could be the problem, so it's a good idea to consult with your doctor as soon as possible if your cycles appear irregular or you've missed a period but know you're not pregnant.
Your physician can correctly determine the root cause of your irregular or skipped menstruation and go over your treatment options. Also, try to keep track of any changes in your normal menstrual cycle as it will aid in the diagnosis.
If you experience any of the following signs, call your doctor right away:
• Exceptionally severe bleeding
• Fever
• Extreme pain
• Vomiting and nauseous.
• Bleeding that persists for more than seven days
• Bleeding after hitting menopause

The Bottom Line
Every menstrual cycle is unique, just as every individual is. Although periods typically last 28 days, they can last anything between 28 to 40 days. Periodic cycle irregularities can occur for several causes, including chronic stress, weight loss or increase, quitting or beginning birth control, and weight fluctuations.
Visit your doctor as soon as possible if you've discovered that your cycle has become irregular recently or if you missed a period but are certain that you are not pregnant. You can focus on regulating your cycle once more as soon as they can make a diagnosis.