Pregnancy is one of the main causes of a missed period. However, there are other medical and lifestyle factors that can impact one’s menstrual cycle and delay it.
Many women still wonder, “Why did I miss my period but not pregnant”. In this article, let’s discuss the possible causes of delayed or missed periods in brief.
A normal menstrual cycle (from the day your period starts to the first day of your next period) is about 28 days.
However, a normal cycle could last up to 38 days. If your cycle is longer than this or longer than usual for you, it’s considered late.
Missed periods
A normal woman’s menstrual cycle is around 21 to 38 days on average. If menstruation does not occur even after a week of your usual menstrual cycle, it is called a delay. If menstruation does not occur even after 6 weeks of the cycle, it is called a missed period.
Common cause of missed or delayed periods
Pregnancy is one of the main causes of delayed or missed periods. If you are sexually active or have had intercourse in the past cycle, it is important to take a pregnancy test if you miss your period.
Causes of missed periods other than pregnancy
Why did I miss my period but not pregnant?
Your periods can be late or delayed even when you are not pregnant. There could be a lot of reasons for this such as:
1. Stress: Apart from pregnancy, stress is another common cause of missed periods. When the stress levels are high, the hormonal levels go for a toss, resulting in delayed periods.
2. PCOS: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, is yet another common cause of delayed or missed periods. PCOS is often associated with hormonal imbalances interrupting ovulation.
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that usually affects women in their reproductive years. If you have PCOS, the ovaries begin to produce an excessive amount of androgen hormone, also called the male hormone, which results in irregular or missed periods.
Some women with PCOS might have cysts in the follicles, while others do not. PCOS usually shows other symptoms, including acne and weight gain.
It is important to consult with a gynecologist if you have one or more of these symptoms.
3. Obesity: Obesity or weight gain is yet another common cause of missed or delayed periods.
Obesity causes hormonal imbalance and can even lead to other medical conditions, including PCOS, which again results in missed periods.
4. Sudden weight loss: Sudden weight loss, either due to a medical condition or a strict diet and vigorous exercise, can delay one’s period significantly.
Because of the sudden changes, the hormones take a toll, resulting in hormonal imbalance and delayed or missed periods.
5. Exclusive breastfeeding: It is normal for breastfeeding moms to have irregular or late menstrual cycles.
Breastfeeding increases the hormone called prolactin in the body, which delays the menstrual cycle.
6. Doing too much exercise: Exercising too much regularly or starting to exercise vigorously all of a sudden can delay your periods.
7. Start of menopause: Menopause means the end of menstruation, which typically happens around 45 years. Having irregular and missed periods during perimenopause is normal.
8. Taking the contraceptive pill: Contraceptive or hormone pills with estrogen and progesterone can potentially delay your period.
9. Medication: Apart from contraceptives, other medications, including antidepressants, can potentially delay your periods.
What is the normal duration of a late period?
If you do not have any medical conditions, your period should occur within 21 to 38 days of the cycle, depending on your usual menstrual cycle.
When to consult a gynecologist?
It is important to consult with a gynecologist if your period is delayed for more than 40 days of your cycle or as soon as possible.
If you are not pregnant, the missed or delayed period could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Hence it is important to consult with a gynecologist and get adequate treatment.
Conclusion:
If you are sexually active or had intercourse during the last menstrual cycle, it is important to take a pregnancy test. If the test turns out to be positive, visit your gynecologist.
Even if your test comes out negative, it is important to wait a few days and take another pregnancy test a few days later.
If you are not pregnant and you have a missed or late period, it can be due to any of the mentioned reasons. Contact your gynecologist and get yourself checked.
We hope you found your answer to the question “Reasons why my period is late?” in this article.
Book your appointments with Dr. Deepthi Jammi, the best gynecologist in Chennai. Contact Jammi Scans at 7338771733.
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FAQ:
1. How much delay is normal in periods?
A week of delayed periods is considered normal. Any time after 38 days of your menstrual cycle, you need medical care.
2. Why is my period late if I’m not pregnant?
It can be due to a lot of underlying reasons, including:
- Stress
- PCOS
- Weight gain
- Weight loss
- Too much exercise
3. What are signs of a late period?
The signs of late periods are similar to those of early pregnancy symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, headache, tender breasts and back pain. It is important to contact your healthcare provider if your menstrual cycle is longer than 38 days.
4. Should I be worried if my period is 3 days late?
Not at all. A menstrual cycle is considered normal if it ranges anywhere between 21 and 8 days. Three days of delay in periods isn’t something to worry about. But anything over 7 days needs medical help.
5. Can the period be delayed by 10 days?
Yes. Your periods may be delayed by 10 days if you have any of the underlying reasons, such as:
- PCOS
- Gained weight
- Weight loss
- Stress
- Too much exercise
