Why is My Period Late - 5 Possible Causes

Unless you and your partner are actively trying to conceive, a late period may be cause for concern. Your first thought may be an unplanned pregnancy, but the reality is there are dozens of possible reasons for irregular menstruation.

If your period is more than a week late, consider taking a pregnancy test. If the results are negative, wait a few more days and take another test. If the results are still negative and your period has not started, make an appointment with your gynecologist.

Although you may think you know why you have missed your period after performing some basic research, only a doctor can give you a definitive diagnosis.

Dr. Shakiba is a board-certified gynecologist and uro-gynecologist who always puts his patients’ comfort first. Call 201-301-2772 to make an appointment and get to the bottom of your missed period.

Read on to learn about five possible causes of a late or missed period other than pregnancy:

1. Dramatic Change in Weight

According to WebMD, excessive weight loss or gain can affect menstruation. Most people associate low body fat with missed or irregular periods, but obesity can cause menstrual issues, as well.

2. Sudden Increase in Activity

If you recently decided you want to train for a marathon and your activity levels have skyrocketed as a result, that could be the reason for your missed period. Make sure your body is still getting plenty of nutrients and calories despite your new workout plan because malnutrition can affect more than just menstruation.

3. Emotional Stress

If you are especially stressed out about something going on in your personal or professional life, it can manifest itself in physiological ways, like a late or missed period. This is a dangerous cycle because when some women are late, they begin worrying about the potential of being pregnant, which causes more anxiety, which keeps menstruation at bay, which causes them to worry more about being pregnant, until the cycle feeds into itself indefinitely.

4. Drug Use

Both illicit drugs and prescribed medications can affect menstruation. If you recently started a new birth control method, that can also affect your cycle until your period either stops altogether or regulates itself, depending on the method that you chose.

5. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a medical condition characterized by a hormone imbalance. It has dozens of symptoms that can vary in severity from woman to woman, and missed or irregular periods is one of them.

If your period is more than a week late and you are concerned, contact Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey, LLC. After discussing your lifestyle and habits, Dr. Shakiba can perform a thorough exam and determine the cause of your irregular menstruation. Call 201-301-2772 to make an appointment today.