Reasons for a Late Period Besides Pregnancy
We all know how difficult it can be to keep our heads calm and cool when a late period makes us worry and panic.
We immediately jump to the obvious, worst-case scenario – Pregnancy – and believe that we are pregnant. In most cases, we are not, though, and the reason for a late period is connected to many other issues that have nothing to do with it.
Here are some of the common (and not-so-common) reasons for a late period besides pregnancy:
- Extreme Weight Loss or Gain: If your body undergoes any radical changes in weight over a short period, it can interfere with hormones and regularity of the menstrual cycle.
- Stress: High levels of stress can disrupt your regular cycle and make it appear irregular.
- Travel: Changing time zones and adjusting to a new environment can throw your period off track, regardless of your pre-existing hormonal balance.
- Excessive Exercise: Exercising for more than 5 hours a day can make your body stop producing enough of the hormones necessary for ovulation.
- Changes in Birth Control Method:If you recently switched your birth control method, it may have temporarily impacted the menstrual process.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder which involves irregular disruptive menstrual cycles.
What You Can Do to Narrow Down the Cause
If you are worried about other potential causes of a late period, there are several things that you can do to identify the underlying cause:
- Track your diet for a few weeks leading up to your missed period and make any lifestyle related changes necessary.
- Check for signs of stress. Are you taking on too much? Are you sleeping enough?
- Monitor your activity levels and ensure that you’re getting the right amount of exercise.
- Identify anything that may have altered your hormones in any way (i.e. a change in birth control method, new medication, etc).
- Visit your doctor to discuss potential underlying medical conditions.
Having a late period can feel like an eerie situation, but it does not always mean you are pregnant. Keeping track of your body and understanding any lifestyle changes that may be impacting your cycle can help you understand the real cause of a late period.
Welcome to my fertility blog. This is a space where I will be sharing my experiences as I navigate through the world of fertility treatments, as well as provide information and resources about fertility and pregnancy.
