How much of a delay is normal in periods?
Worried about a late period, but know you’re not pregnant? Missed or late periods happen for many reasons other than pregnancy. Common causes can range from hormonal imbalances to serious medical conditions.
There are also two times when it’s typical for your period to be irregular: when it first begins, and when the menopause transition starts. As your body goes through the transition, your cycle can become irregular.
Stress
Chronic stress can throw off your hormones, change your daily routine, and even affect the part of your brain responsible for regulating your period: your hypothalamus. Over time, stress can lead to illness or sudden weight gain or loss, all of which can impact your cycle.
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Low body weight
People who have eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, may experience irregularities in their cycle. Losing too much weight can cause trusted Source irregular periods, and may even stop your cycle altogether. This is because not having enough body fat can pause ovulation.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that causes your body to produce more of the male hormone androgen. Cysts form on the ovaries as a result of this hormone imbalance. This can make ovulation irregular or stop it altogether.
Other hormones, such as insulin, may also become unbalanced. This is due to insulin resistance, which is often associated with PCOS.
Treatment for PCOS focuses on relieving symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe birth control or another medication to help regulate your cycle.
Birth control
You may experience a change in your cycle when you go on or off birth control. Birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, which prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs. It can take up to 3 months for your cycle to become consistent again after you stop taking the pill.
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Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)
Most vagina owners begin menopause between the ages of 45 to 55. Those who develop symptoms around age 40 or earlier may be experiencing premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), or early natural menopause.
About 1 percent of women in the United States experience POI. While this condition can arise from the surgical removal of the ovaries, other causes include genetic disorders and autoimmune conditions.
If you’re experiencing missed periods and you’re 40 years old or younger, contact your doctor to talk about POI testing and treatment.