Unless you are trying to get pregnant, it can be nerve-wracking when your period doesn’t arrive on time.

While it’s normal to experience occasional irregularities, any type of regular delay in your period can be concerning.

There are a number of potential explanations for why your period might be late.

Before you start worrying too much, make an appointment to speak with your gynocologist and get answers. 

Why your period might be delayed

Stress

Stress can have a huge impact on all aspects of our wellness, including our menstrual cycles.

When we experience high levels of stress, our bodies produce a hormone called cortisol.

Cortisol can interfere with the production of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that regulate our menstrual cycles.

As a result, stress can cause a delay in your period or even cause it to stop altogether.

If you think stress may could be the reason that your period is late, look for ways to manage your stress levels.

Stress releasing activities you might want to try include:

• Exercise (It can be simple! I like using this weighted hula hoop!)
• Meditation
• Deep breathing
• Talking to a therapist
• Journaling

Taking steps to reduce your stress levels can help regulate your menstrual cycle and improve your overall health and well-being.

Weight changes

Gaining or losing weight can also impact our menstrual cycles.

Rapid weight loss or being underweight can cause a delay in periods, while significant weight gain can cause irregular periods.

Our bodies need a certain level of body fat to produce hormones that regulate our menstrual cycles.

If you’ve experienced significant weight changes recently, let your healthcare provider.

They can help you determine whether your weight is a contributing factor and offer guidance on maintaining a healthy weight.

Birth control

If you’re using hormonal birth control, it’s possible that it could be affecting your menstrual cycle.

Some types of birth control can cause lighter periods or even cause them to stop altogether.

Birth control pills contain synthetic hormones that can affect the production of natural hormones in our bodies.

Your doctor can help you determine whether a different type of birth control may be more suitable for you.

Medical Conditions

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age.

PCOS can cause irregular periods or even cause them to stop altogether.

Other symptoms of PCOS can include acne, weight gain, and excessive hair growth.

A physician can perform tests to diagnose the condition and give you support with managing symptoms.

Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can also impact our menstrual cycles.

They affect the production of thyroid hormones, which help regulate our metabolism and other bodily functions.

Changes in thyroid hormone levels can cause a delay in periods or irregular cycles.

These conditions also need to be diagnosed by a physician in order for you to get guidance on managing symptoms. 

Talk to your doctor

There are a lot of potential reasons why your period may be delayed, but by understanding the causes, you can take steps to manage your menstrual cycle and improve your overall health and well-being.

Whether it’s managing stress levels, maintaining a healthy weight, or seeking medical attention, it’s empowering to know that there are things you can do to promote a healthy menstrual cycle.

Remember, it’s normal to experience occasional irregularities in your period. If things seem out of sorts, definitely get to the doctor. 

By taking a proactive approach to your menstrual health, you can ward off larger issues down the line.