Late period? 10 reasons why and how to deal with them

Let’s take a closer look at all the possible reasons your period could be late and just how to deal with them.

Aunt Flo chimes in with a digital reminder on your phone, signalling that it might be “that time of the month” very soon. So you check your tampon and chocolate supplies, and wait. And then you wait some more, only to realise that a few weeks have passed and something is starting to feel off. Before going into panic mode and jumping to conclusions, let’s take a closer look at all the possible reasons your period could be late.

10 reasons for late period

1. The elusive criminal: PCOS

You have likely heard about this culprit, and which is known for its sheer unpredictability. Women experience hair loss, weight fluctuations, and acne, but not in a uniformly distributed manner. This means that some women struggle from it, while others do not. Menstrual problems are one such irregular symptom of PCOS. There is only one way out of it — exercise, diet, and medications. Our busy, fast, and obnoxiously competitive lifestyles is a potential trigger for this disorder.

2. The root of all evil: Stress

Do you wake up feeling tired too? If this has turned into your way of life, you might want to take a break because this is a sign that you could be stressed out. Continual stress over a long time can disrupt the menstrual cycle, just like our mental health. Don’t be surprised if you miss your period while dealing with pressure, but do try to resolve the situation by eating some iron-rich foods, meditation and hot yoga.

3. Eat your Beans

Iron deficiencies and anemia are among the top reasons for menstrual delay and absence. Most of us do not have the time or patience to constantly monitor our diets, but it is necessary. Additionally, it’s unfortunate that some people cannot absorb the iron as well as they should, so a doctor’s appointment might be in order. Truth be told, visiting a healthcare professional after missing your period seems perfectly rational.

4. The doctor’s office is scary, but…

A doctor could pinpoint the exact reason for your menstrual issues and give or advise against a medication, like birth control. Common birth control medicines can restore the menstrual cycle or disrupt it further because these pills tend to play with our hormones. Do not take advice from anyone other than a doctor when it comes to your medicines – just because it worked for your bestie doesn’t mean it’ll work for you.

5. Ultimately, eating is necessary

One less discussed reason for the menstrual delay is low body weight, which can also be a result of the societal standards and expectations. It’s a straightforward equation: low appetite = not enough nutrients. It translates to unpleasant alterations in vital bodily functions, like ovulation.

6. Being overweight is no good either

At the opposite end of the spectrum is extreme thinness, can also result in the same menstrual delay. It can trigger inflammation and mental stress, which will ultimately result in a delayed menstrual cycle. Here’s a simple solution – eat when you are hungry, stop a little before you get full, seek professional help if you must, and let go of that toxic beauty ideal. People whose weight issues stem from genetical reasons and other issues outside their control can also benefit from professional help. It will not only help in restoring your menstrual cycle but also help in preventing any chronic illnesses in the future.

7. Perils of persistent illness

Any disease that becomes severe can mess up your menstrual cycle. The ovulation process is more sensitive to ailments like inflammation, diabetes, celiac disorders, and gut problems. Unfortunately, professional help is the only way to combat it.

8. Just a bodily function

The next one is the only natural cause of your menstrual delay, and you shouldn’t worry about it one bit. It is known as Perimenopause, and every woman typically goes through this stage between ages 40-55. However, for some women, this stage hits early and causes confusion.

9. Another elusive criminal – thyroid

A common problem for several women is thyroid gland imbalance. This gland controls hormones, metabolic and reproductive processes, so we can see that it has a clear link with ovulation issues. The activity of this gland has to remain optimum at all costs because an imbalance gives rise to a myriad of problems other than menstrual disruption.

10. Exercise? No? Yes?

Many health-related articles, including this one, emphasise the importance of regular exercise. In the recent years, gym/yoga seems more like an obsession, and the consequences are visible. We have come a full circle, with excessive exercise becoming one of the causes for late menstruation. You’ll be surprised, but this is not new. People have been using this workout tactic as a “natural remedy” to postpone their periods.

The bottom line

Menstrual delay can result from several causes, and you can only do so much to avoid it. How can we avoid stress/appetite fluctuations/self-neglect when our jobs drain the ever-loving life out of us? Short answer: you can’t avoid it, but you can manage it to a pretty good level with the help of professional advice, few lifestyle changes, and a sprinkle of self-love!