Having periods once a month is a normal cycle, but not everyone experiences it. Due to some conditions, many women or girls may not have a regular menstrual cycle. Some women can have late periods, or it may take a long time to wait. One of the most common questions (when there is a chance) that crosses the mind of women who do not have periods on time is “Am I Pregnant?”
Being a woman, it is important to know about the maximum delay in periods if not pregnant. Experts answer this query as:
“The normal period cycle may start within 21 to 35 days of your last period. It also depends on your period cycle, as it varies from person to person.
But if there is any chance that you may get pregnant, it’s time to take a pregnancy test. Make sure that you take a pregnancy test about one week after your period was expected to start. Because an early pregnancy test (after even one week of having last periods) may not give a positive result even if you are pregnant.”
Some other symptoms of being pregnant can indicate that its the right time to take a pregnancy test, such as:
- Increased urination
- Swollen or tender breast
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
But if you are not pregnant, there may be another reason. Many changes in lifestyle choices or nutrition may lead to late periods.
It’s time to throw light on the potential causes of late periods.
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What Can Cause Delay in Periods?
Several changes in body and nutrition can lead to late periods. The following causes can help you learn what can be the reason:
1. Changes in Body Weight
According to the top reviewed gynecologist in Lahore, Assist. Prof. Dr. Maria Imran “Your weight contributes to your overall health. Sometimes, an increase or decrease in body weight may lead to hormonal imbalance. It may lead to delays in periods or can make it stop.”
During weight loss or gain, the calorie intake may be restricted, which affects the periods. This calorie restriction impacts the brain part that communicates to the endocrine system, which is responsible for reproductive hormone production.
2. PCOS May Be the Cause
An imbalance of reproductive hormones leads to the condition of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This syndrome brings on different symptoms that may also include irregular periods. You may also experience periods of arrival at inconsistent times, may be lighter or heavier periods, etc.
There are some other symptoms too which you may experience along with delay in periods due to PCOS, including:
- Weight gain
- Difficulty in losing weight
- Thinning hair
- Infertility
- Acne Breakout on body or face
- Dark patches on neck creases or groin
- Excess body hair
Read, how to get periods overnight to explore more.
3. Caused by an Early Menopause
Ovaries may stop working before a woman turns 40 in early menopause. In this way, ovaries do not work properly and also stop creating multiple hormones, such as estrogen. A drop in estrogen level may lead to menopause symptoms which can also affect the menstrual cycle. It may bring on other symptoms too, such as trouble sleeping, hot flashes, and night sweats.
4. Having a Chronic Condition
Many chronic health conditions or diseases can also affect your period cycle. For example, people with diabetes may experience abnormal hormone production that can also cause a delay in periods. The same thing can happen with people who have been diagnosed with celiac disease as it is an autoimmune disease that impacts the digestive system.
5. Having a Thyroid Condition
Yes, a thyroid condition can also affect the menstrual cycle. The thyroid is a gland that looks like a butterfly in the neck and is responsible for producing hormones. They aid in many body functions, including periods and regularities, but women with a thyroid condition may experience irregular periods. Thyroid conditions may vary, such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Experts from Doctors Hospital shared that hyperthyroidism may cause late or even missed periods for several months. Having a thyroid problem can make you experience some symptoms, such as fatigue, changes in appetite, unexplained weight changes, hair health changes, trouble sleeping, etc.
6. Being Stressed Out
Stress can cause severe side effects on your overall health, and yes, it can impact your menstrual cycle regularities. When you are stressed out, your brain asks your endocrine system to overflow hormones in your body which turns on your fight-or-flight mode. It can make you temporarily stop ovulating and may delay periods.
7. Increase in Workout Intensity
A sudden increase in high-intensity exercise plans can also delay periods. Women with more hours a day may experience late periods. High intensity or more workout duration means you are burning more calories than intake. Your body needs calories, but burning too much of them can lead to an increase in more hormone release that can affect menstruation.
Once you return to your normal workout routine, the periods may come back to a standard routine.
8. Using Hormonal Birth Control
Sometimes, using pills may bring the opposite effect during early use as it may affect the normal menstrual cycle. But your menstrual cycle may get back to normal when you stop taking these pills, but it may take a few months. During these months, you may experience a delay in periods or even miss entirely.
What Expert’s Opinion about Delay in Periods…..
Women who have any chance to get pregnant should take a pregnancy test if there is a delay in periods. The maximum delay in periods if not pregnant varies from person to person as every woman has a different menstrual cycle. Irregular periods indicate many potential health conditions that may need proper treatment. Make sure that you consult with the best gynecologists and diagnose the cause.
