1. Stress

As we already know stress can cause all kinds of havoc on the body. It messes with our hormones in a big way. I know of several women who have skipped a period or had one delayed by a couple of weeks due to stress. There are times in life when stress is unavoidable, but try to manage stress and find ways to relax. If you are currently under a lot of stress it may be part of the reason your period is late.

2. Exercise

Many athletic women experience amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation). Intense training and quick weight loss can affect your period. If you have recently started working out hard or lost a significant amount of weight in a short period of time you may notice changes in your period, or not have one at all for a little while.

3. Birth Control

Birth control can be another reason your period is late. Some forms of birth control are designed to cause a woman to not have a period or to go three to four months between periods. If you have recently started a new form of birth control check the side effects of your method. If you are still not sure if your birth control is the reason your period is late ask your doctor.

4. Pregnant

Of course one of the main reasons you miss a period is because of pregnancy. If you are trying to get pregnant or are an adult in a stable and committed relationship then being pregnant can be a good thing. However, if you are young, single, or not ready, then being pregnant can be worrisome. Either way, to put your mind at ease take a pregnancy test. You can buy them at a drug store, go to your doctor’s office, or a pregnancy clinic.

5. Thyroid Problems

Thyroid problems can also affect the hormones that control your period. Many women have a thyroid disorder called hypothyroidism. According to A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia,” Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone.” Symptoms include sensitivity to cold, constipation, pale dry skin, weight gain, depression, heavy or missed periods and many more. If you experience any of these symptoms along with amenorrhea have your doctor run a blood test to check your thyroid levels. Hypothyroidism is easily corrected with medication.

6. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of many infertility problems that can affect your period. According to WebMD, “PCOS is a problem in which a woman’s hormones are out of balance. It can cause problems with periods and make it difficult to get pregnant.” The hormone imbalance causes a woman to not ovulate and increases the time between periods.

7. Change in Schedule

Even something as simple as a change in schedule can be a reason your period is late. If you recently switched from working days to working nights, don’t be alarmed if your period is out of whack while your body adjusts to this new schedule. Hormones can be sensitive and little things such as this can throw them off.

I hope these 7 reasons your period is late will help you the next time Aunt Flo doesn’t show up as expected. Missing a period doesn’t always many you are pregnant. Don’t panic until you have considered some of the other reasons your period may be late.

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