Ah yes. The late period. Perhaps you’re wondering, "excuse me—why is my period late?" Sure, pregnancy is one possible reason for a missed period, but there are many other factors that can cause a delay in your menstrual cycle. Understanding these reasons can help you manage your health better and reduce anxiety when your period doesn't arrive on schedule. Here are ten reasons your period might be late when you're not pregnant.
1. Stress! Duh.
Surprise, surprise. Stress is a major factor that can disrupt your menstrual cycle! When you're stressed, your body produces cortisol, a hormone that can interfere with the hormones responsible for regulating your period. Whether it's work pressure, relationship issues, or major life changes, high stress levels can cause your period to be late, or even skip a cycle altogether.
2. Weight Changes
Yup, significant weight loss and gain can affect your period. Extreme diets, eating disorders, or sudden changes in body weight can disrupt your hormonal balance, leading to a delayed period or impacting ovulation.
3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It can cause irregular periods or even missed periods due to an overproduction of androgens (male hormones) which interfere with ovulation. Women with PCOS may also experience other symptoms like weight gain, acne, and excess hair growth.
4. Thyroid Issues
The thyroid gland regulates your body’s metabolism by controlling hormone production, and any imbalance in thyroid hormones can affect your menstrual cycle, causing your period to be late. Both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can cause irregular periods.
5. Intense Exercise
Excessive exercise, especially without adequate nutrition, can lead to a condition known as amenorrhea, where your periods stop. Athletes or those who engage in strenuous physical activities often experience late or missed periods due to the physical stress on the body and changes in energy balance.
6. Medications
Certain medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, chemotherapy drugs, and even some birth control methods, can cause menstrual irregularities. If you've recently started a new medication and notice changes in your cycle, it's worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
7. Chronic Diseases
Chronic illnesses such as diabetes and celiac disease can affect your menstrual cycle. Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to irregular periods due to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, while celiac disease can cause nutrient deficiencies that impact your cycle.
8. Perimenopause
As you approach menopause, periods can become irregular. Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause when hormone levels fluctuate, leading to changes in your menstrual cycle. This stage can start as early as your late 30s or 40s and can cause periods to be late, lighter, heavier, or skipped altogether.
9. Changes in Routine
Traveling, changes in sleep patterns, and significant alterations in daily routine can affect your period. Your body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, plays a role in regulating your menstrual cycle, and disruptions can definitely lead to delayed periods.
10. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances, other than those caused by thyroid issues or PCOS, can also delay your period. Conditions like hyperprolactinemia, which is the excessive production of prolactin (a hormone responsible for milk production), can disrupt your menstrual cycle.
What to Do When Your Period Is Late
Start by writing things down. If you're frequently asking yourself "why is my period late?", it's important to track your menstrual cycle and note any irregularities. Keeping a record of your cycle can help you and your healthcare provider identify patterns and potential underlying causes. If your period is consistently late or you have other concerning symptoms, consult your healthcare provider to rule out any serious conditions.
Understanding the various reasons for a late period can ease your worries and help you take proactive steps toward maintaining your reproductive health.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jillan Rowbotham, D.O.
Dr. Jillan Rowbotham, D.O. is a primary care physician with nearly a decade of clinical experience in women’s health including gynecological, sexual, and mental health. She is passionate about improving women’s heath and healthcare through education, innovation, and most importantly listening to women and their stories.
- National Institutes of Health. (2022). Stress and its impact on menstrual cycles. Available from: https://www.nih.gov/stress-menstrual-cycles
- Mayo Clinic. (2023). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439
- American Thyroid Association. (2021). Thyroid and Menstrual Cycle. Available from: https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-and-menstrual-cycle
- MedlinePlus. (2022). Amenorrhea. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/amenorrhea.html
- American Diabetes Association. (2022). Diabetes and menstrual irregularities. Available from: https://www.diabetes.org/menstrual-irregularities
- National Institute on Aging. (2023). What is perimenopause? Available from: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/perimenopause
