A modest delay of a few days is usually not alarming, but a delay of a few weeks could signal pregnancy or a concealed health condition.
If there is no known condition that influences the menstrual cycle, a period is expected to happen within 24 to 38 days from the last one, depending on each one's typical cycle.
Women's Concern for When Periods Are Delayed
Consideration of a period as late starts around 7 days past the expected due date, and after 6 weeks, it is regarded as a missed period.
Minor differences in menstrual timing are generally not a source of instant bother and can result from several elements.
Various elements, ranging from lifestyle changes to persistent health conditions, can cause a delayed period.
These include stress, remarkable weight changes, enormous exercise, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hormonal birth control usage, perimenopause, early menopause, thyroid conditions, persistent health problems like celiac disease and diabetes, and amenorrhea.
If a period is consistently late, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause.
Additionally, other factors such as pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, and individual variations can contribute to the absence or lateness of a period.
It's crucial to seek medical advice if there are concerns about late or missed periods, especially if accompanied by other symptoms or changes in menstrual patterns.
A usual worry is the incident of a late or absent menstrual period, particularly when pregnancy is excluded.
Normally, menstrual cycles follow a 28-day pattern, with asymmetry being commonplace.
Dr. Karen Carlson, an OB-GYN, highlighted that cycles generally occur every 28 days, plus or minus a week.
If a period extends beyond 35 days, it is considered delayed, with considerable concern appearing if someone goes without a period for some months.
What Affects Delayed Menstrual Cycle
Hormone imbalances and health conditions are crucial contributors to asymmetrical or late periods, according to Dr. Carlson.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause can also affect menstrual regularity.
Several elements, such as medications (including birth control pills), low or high body weight, stress, and hormonal imbalances (e.g., PCOS, thyroid issues, premature menopause), can disrupt or stop menstrual cycles.
Dr. Carlson notes that certain activities, like rigorous training in cross-country running or ballet, may lead to deficient body fat, causing menstrual cessation.
Persistent or long-term tension can also include the hypothalamus, disturbing the rule of menstrual cycles.
Also, uterine scarring, which often ensues from procedures like dilation and curettage (D and C), can hinder the normal buildup and shedding of the uterine lining, bringing irregularities in menstrual cycles.
Guidelines for Seeking Medical Advice
If a woman is unsettled by missed periods, keeping a documented history of menstrual cycles, observing start and end dates along with associated symptoms, can be favorable. A doctor can accelerate the diagnosis process with access to this written record.
It's important to note that an occasional late period might not be alarming. However, certain situations necessitate medical attention, such as:
- Missing several consecutive periods.
- A positive pregnancy test.
- Experiencing symptoms indicative of PCOS, as previously described.
- Undergoing significant weight gain or loss.
- Coping with excessive stress.
While a traditional calendar suffices, smartphone apps are also accessible. Consistent check-ups with a gynecologist or women's health specialist can address troubles regarding menstrual cycles.
