What to do when periods are late? Every woman comes across this situation in their life. Getting regular periods is a sign that you have good reproductive health. However, you might get surprise sometimes, that’s getting late periods. And especially, when you are not planning to get pregnant. It’s always recommended to get a pregnancy test if you do not get your periods timely. However, there are many reasons other than being pregnant for getting your periods late.

There are times when your periods do not arrive on your scheduled time, leaving you wondering. There can be many other factors for the same. Thus, hold your horses ladies, you are not pregnant to stop worrying and just explore this article to know various factors that can cause a late period, from physiological to medical reasons, and discuss what you can do in such situations.

When is a Period Late?

If you see technically, the menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but it can vary from 21 to 35 days for most women. Well, if they do not arrive within the week of your last menstrual date then in this case they are considered as late periods. And other than pregnancy there are several other factors that are responsible for late periods that every woman needs to understand instead of stressing over it. Let us understand which are the cases.

Main Causes for Late Periods

Late periods can be attributed to a range of factors, including physiological, medical, and pathological reasons. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common causes:

Pregnancy

Most common, expected and well-known reason for getting late periods can be pregnancy. If you are sexually active and in case you find that your menses are not on time then it is recommended to firstly get a pregnancy test. Get a pregnancy kit and check first and if you still get in any sort of dilemma then it is recommended to visit your gynecologist for a pregnancy test.

Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea

Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea is one of the most common factors for getting late periods if you are not pregnant and sexually not active. There are three main factors that can contribute to FHA: excessive weight loss, stress, and exercise related amenorrhea.
People facing these situations are also found with less amount of estrogen levels. This imbalance can not only cause menstrual irregularities, but also cause infertility, less metabolism, and a decrease in bone mass. They should be carefully diagnosed to prevent a woman from consequences in the short term or long term.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can lead to irregular periods or extended period cycles. Women with PCOS also come across acne issues, weight-related issues and high levels of insulin in their body. Some people also experience infertility due to this condition.

It’s often characterized by multiple small cysts on the ovaries.

Taking Birth Control Pills

If you are sexually active and consume birth control pills then it can regulate menstrual cycles. However, missing pills or changes in your contraceptive method can disrupt your periods like irregular bleeding, and getting blood clots while you are in your periods.

Stress

Overthinking and stress. It’s the most common cause for irregular periods. Not only irregular periods but also painful periods. High levels of stress can disrupt your hormonal balance, potentially causing your period to be delayed and causes excessive pain in your abdomen during your periods.

Nowadays, women find it difficult to keep themselves away from stress that causes this situation. However, they can approach to do a few things like deep breathing, yoga, maintaining diet and in case they feel pain during periods they may also consider using a period pain relief device that can help them to eliminate the pain.

Work stress, having stress for studying or anything this wearable device is especially designed to wear anywhere you go and anything you do.

Excessive Workout

As mentioned above, intense workout and prolonged exercise can lead to amenorrhea (absence of periods) due to hormonal imbalances. If you’re still engaged in it, then you must follow a proper diet under the guidance of any dietician in order to not be the victim of this condition.

Obesity and Anorexia

According to NCBI, women with a dramatic increase in their weight can be a target of obesity. However, extreme weight fluctuations, whether due to obesity or anorexia, can impact your menstrual cycle. Women with obesity experience more irregularities in periods than that of non-obese women and that is because obesity causes ovulatory dysfunction due to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.

Other Hormonal Changes

Other hormonal imbalances that are caused due to hormonal changes, consuming birth control pills, and irregularity in the sleep cycle may affect your menstruation.

What to do When Periods are Late?

If your period is late, it’s essential to consider both medical guidance and home remedies for late periods. As both can help you to regularize your periods and make them systematic.

Home Remedies for Late Periods

Papaya

Eating papaya can help induce menstruation due to the enzyme papain. Papaya can stimulate contractions in the uterus and promotes estrogen production.

Fennel

Fennel seeds can help regulate menstrual cycles by promoting hormonal balance.

Ginger

Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties can help stimulate menstruation.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon can help increase uterine contractions, potentially triggering your period.

Jaggery

Jaggery contains essential nutrients that can help regulate your menstrual cycle.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants and can help maintain hormonal balance.

Carrot

Carrots are a great source of iron and rich in beta-carotene which is essential for a healthy menstrual cycle. Carrots promote shredding of the uterine lining which induces periods.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera can help with hormonal balance and regularize your period.

Pineapple

Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that may help induce menstruation.

In Which Scenario You Must Consult A Doctor

While home remedies can be effective for minor irregularities, there are situations where medical attention is necessary:

• In case if you miss more than three periods in a row then it is recommended to consult your gynecologist immediately.
• If you experience severe pain in your lower abdomen, experience abnormal bleeding, or other concerning symptoms.
• If you suspect pregnancy, especially if you have a history of conditions like ectopic pregnancy then you should immediately consult your gynec.
• If you have PCOS or other underlying medical conditions that may affect your reproductive health.
• Consulting a doctor is crucial to rule out any serious underlying issues that may be causing your late periods.

Along with consulting a doctor and taking your medications, follow the home remedies too for effective results.

Conclusion

A late period can be a cause for concern, but it’s essential to understand occasional irregularities. Common factors like stress or lifestyle changes can be the root cause. By identifying the cause and considering appropriate remedies, you can manage irregular periods effectively. However, if you have persistent irregularities or experience alarming symptoms, seeking medical advice is the best course of action to ensure your reproductive health remains in check.

FAQs regarding Late Periods or Delayed Periods

1. What to do if periods are not coming?

If periods are consistently absent or irregular, consult a healthcare professional to rule out underlying issues and receive appropriate guidance.

2. Can period be delayed by 10 days?

Yes, periods can be delayed by up to 10 days due to factors like stress, hormonal fluctuations, travel, illness, or certain medications.

3. How much delay is normal in period?

Menstrual cycles can vary widely among women. A typical cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days, with occasional variations of up to 7 days being considered within the normal range.

4. Why is my period 10 days late but not pregnant?

A period can be 10 days late due to factors like stress, hormonal changes, illness, or lifestyle. Pregnancy tests can sometimes yield false negatives early on. If concerns persist, consult a healthcare professional for a more comprehensive evaluation.