Menstruation - Late Period and Missed Period

Whether you are sexually active or not, it is possible to miss a period or have one show up late. During your childbearing years, pregnancy is going to be the first thought, and it has a good chance of being right. However, there are other reasons.

Perimenopause: The time period leading up to menopause is going to have a strong effect on your menstrual cycle. You will miss periods, the time between them will fluctuate, and there will be times when you wonder if your period is ever going to stop. If you are in your late forties to early fifties, this could be the cause.

Polycystic Ovaries: Small cysts on your ovaries can throw off your hormone balance just enough to affect ovulation. Women with this problem may have as few as nine menstrual cycles per year. Most of the time, this is treated by diet and exercise, though surgery may eventually be required.

Pregnancy: If you’re sexually active and not in menopause, this is most likely the cause. In fact, even if you have no other symptoms, it’s a good idea to treat your body as if you are pregnant until you find out that you are definitely not. Don’t rely on a negative “at home” test, as the pregnancy hormones may not be enough in evidence to trigger those devices in the first few weeks.

Stress: There is not a system in your body that doesn’t have problems when stress levels are high. Stress hormones could negate reproductive levels. Any time there is a failure to ovulate for any reason, the uterus doesn’t know that it’s time to shed the lining.

Weight Issues: Both under and over weight women could have issues missed or late periods. By correcting the weight problem, the reproductive system can reset the cycle.

It’s not necessary to panic if you miss one period. If you aren’t pregnant, chances are pretty good that you will have one during the next cycle. If you miss more than one, or if there are other symptoms, it’s a good idea to see your doctor. This is in part to make sure whether or not you are pregnant. Even if you know you can’t be, the other issues may require medical intervention.

Make sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have, as well as what medications/supplements you take. Some medicines and a few supplements may change your schedule or temporarily stop it. If that is the problem, the doctor will probably change the prescription or advise you to stop taking the supplement.