Pregnancy is i cause of a late period, but there can be many other factors to consider.

The average menstrual cycle lasts almost 28 days, only it can vary from person to person.

Keeping track of periods can assistance a person determine the length of their cycle and recognize any irregularities.

Keep reading to learn more than near the causes of late periods and when to seek medical attending.

When someone starts getting their menstruation for the offset time, it tin take a few months or years earlier their bicycle becomes regular.

According to The American Higher of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a typical menstrual bicycle lasts 28 days. However, depending on the person, a healthy cycle may concluding 21–45 days.

Many people runway their periods to check for any changes in their cycle. Some smartphone apps make tracking easier.

Anyone who notices changes in their cycle should consult a doctor.

Amenorrhea is the medical proper name for an absence of periods. If a female does non starting time menstruating by

16 years of age

, a doctor may diagnose "primary" amenorrhea.

If a person who was having periods of a sudden stops menstruating, the doctor may refer to this every bit "secondary" amenorrhea.

It is important for a person to run into a doctor if they have missed more than than three periods in a row.

A variety of factors tin can disrupt a person'south menstrual cycle. Periods may come up back on their own, but if delays are persistent, a doctor — such as a gynecologist — should explore the possible causes.

A late period can indicate pregnancy. Still, other circumstances and medical conditions can also lead to tardily or missed periods. The following can have this issue:

Birth control medications

These medications prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, and they can also disrupt the menstrual wheel.

For example, regular haemorrhage is a mutual side effect of some hormone-based types of birth control, such as the progesterone-but injection.

Also, stopping and starting nascence control medication can cause irregularities in the menstrual wheel.

However, once a person starts taking the medication regularly, their periods may regulate likewise. If periods go along to exist irregular, speak with a doctor.

Menopause

People approaching menopause may notice delays in their periods.

Early on in the transition toward menopause, the bike length can differ by

seven or more days

each time. As the transition progresses, the time between periods increases.

Eventually, menstruation stops. Menopause begins when an private has not had a menses for 12 months in a row.

Menopause typically occurs around the age of 51 years. Just it can vary and may first betwixt 45 and 58 years of age.

Obesity and anorexia

Research

indicates that people with obesity tend to experience more menstrual irregularities than people with moderate weight.

When relevant, doctors often recommend working toward a healthy weight to people who have irregular cycles. However, if a person has obesity, losing weight may not always reverse the irregularity.

Anorexia is an eating disorder that causes weight loss or, in children, a lack of weight gain. Anorexia oftentimes develops in adolescence, only information technology can occur at any age.

A person with anorexia may have imbalances of two essential hormones that support the menstrual wheel and fertility: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

According to the National Eating Disorders Clan, one sign of anorexia is a loss of periods after puberty.

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea is

one of the most common

causes of secondary amenorrhea — periods that stop.

In people with this condition, weight loss, stress, and high levels of exercise contribute to amenorrhea. These factors crusade irregularities in the release of a specific hormone that causes impairment of FSH and LH.

People with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea may also have depression levels of estrogen in their blood.

Doctors may also find that these people have:

  • mildly high cortisol levels
  • low insulin levels
  • depression insulin-like growth cistron-ane levels
  • depression triiodothyronine levels

These imbalances tin can cause:

  • menstrual irregularities
  • infertility
  • decreased bone mass
  • cardiovascular complications
  • glucose metabolism irregularities

Other hormonal imbalances

Sex activity hormones help regulate periods, but other hormones can also affect menstrual cycles. For instance, imbalances in levels of thyroid hormone or prolactin tin can alter the length of a bicycle.

According to an older study, more than half of females with high levels of thyroid hormone — a condition called hyperthyroidism — may experience disrupted menstrual cycles, including amenorrhea.

Others with low levels of thyroid hormone — or hypothyroidism — tend to experience more frequent bleeding.

A person may have high levels of the hormone prolactin in their blood — a condition chosen

hyperprolactinemia

.

Levels of this hormone tend to rise during pregnancy and breastfeeding, just they can also spike in people who have certain medications or who accept diseases of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.

People with hyperprolactinemia may experience amenorrhea, belch from the nipples, and low os mass.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in people of reproductive age, globally. Individuals with PCOS may have:

  • acne
  • menstrual irregularities
  • high insulin levels

Doctors may recommend lifestyle modifications, hormonal treatments, and the drug metformin to assist regulate the menstrual cycle.

Some people with PCOS likewise experience infertility.

People take Program B to prevent pregnancy following sex without contraception.

A person should take the medication inside 72 hours of sex, as the efficacy of the drug decreases over fourth dimension. Information technology contains but levonorgestrel, a synthetic version of the hormone progestin.

After taking Plan B, a person can await to get their period at the usual time, but in that location may be a delay of up to ane week.

Also, some people experience spotting or bleeding betwixt taking Plan B and getting their menstruum.

It is important to note that Program B is not 100% constructive. If a person does non go their period within a calendar week of taking the drug, it is probably a good idea to take a pregnancy test.

Missing a period does not always indicate pregnancy or a health issue.

Speak with a doctor if periods do not arrive by age sixteen or if they finish for more than 3 months in a row.

Tracking periods can assist a person recognize whatever irregularity. Anyone who notices a change in the length of time between periods should speak with a doctor.

Also, information technology is a good thought to consult a physician if periods come more ofttimes than every 21 days or less often than every 45 days.

Amenorrhea is

not life-threatening

. Still, the hormonal imbalances that can crusade it can too atomic number 82 to harmful complications, such as hip and wrist fractures.

A doctor can help identify the crusade of menstrual irregularity and recommend an effective treatment or management plan.

Also, anyone who suspects that they are pregnant, fifty-fifty after taking Plan B, should speak with a doctor.

Menstrual irregularities are common.

Some people worry that they are meaning or have a medical condition if they miss their menstruation, but many other factors can contribute to a delay. Hormonal imbalances, stress, and weight loss, for case, can all play a role.

Anyone who believes that they may exist meaning or who misses more three sequent periods should speak with a doctor.

Tracking periods helps a person detect any changes.

A doctor can identify the cause of missed periods and recommend an appropriate course of action, if whatsoever is necessary.