If your period is a little late this month, don’t stress! There could be plenty of reasons of why you haven’t gotten your period yet, none of which have to do with pregnant. However, if Mother Nature’s delay is making you feel worried or anxious, call your doctor to discuss your options.
In the meantime, take a deep breath, because we’ve racked up a few possibilities of why your period is running late.
1. Irregular Periods
Menstrual periods are often irregular the first couple of years after you begin menstruation. It takes several years for hormones settle a pattern in a timely ovulation. Periods may also be irregular at the end of menstrual years, which is during the beginning of menopause, according to Net Doctor.
2. Body Weight
It’s possible to experience irregular or missed periods because of excessive weight loss or gain, according to the News Health website. Body fat is an important factor during the menstruation cycle, and when your body mass index (BMI) falls below 18, it can cause thinning of the uterine lining and decrease ovulation.
Missed periods are extremely common in anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders. If you think you may have an eating disorder, please reach out to your doctor for further treatment.
3. Stress
If you’ve been going through a stressful time, it’s possible that has contributed to a missed period. According to Everyday Health, stress takes part in managing the hypothalamus, which controls your body’s major glands that help run your hormones. Because hormones, like estrogen, play a huge role in menstruation, it is possible for stress to affect your monthly cycle.
4. Birth Control or Medications
You may experience an irregular periods when adjusting to birth control or new medications. The birth control pill contains hormones, including estrogen and progestin, which stop your ovaries from releasing eggs. According to Healthline, it can take about six months for your cycle to form a regular schedule. The same rule applies to other prescribed medications that may contain hormones.
5. PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Symptom is a malfunction when the female body produces more androgen, a male hormone. This can cause a hormone imbalance, which leads to an irregular or stop the menstruation cycle all together.
Irregular periods happen sometimes, so explore all of the possibilities before jumping to conclusions. Call your doctor if you have any other pressing concerns.
Cover image courtesy of Shutterstock.
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