7 Reasons For Delayed Periods (And It’s Not Pregnancy)

Are you worried about your delayed periods? If you’re constantly checking the calendar, wondering when your next cycle will arrive; you’re not alone. Many sexually active women start thinking about being pregnant when they skip their period for the first month. However, delayed periods can be due to several other reasons besides pregnancy. It can affect millions of women worldwide, causing anxiety, uncertainty, and concerns about fertility. It can also impact one’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. 

But what causes delayed periods other than pregnancy? In this blog post, let's first talk about the menstrual cycle and how it is related to pregnancy. Then, we will uncover the reasons behind delayed periods. ¹ 

Understanding Menstrual Cycle

Before we answer this question in yes or no, you need to understand the basics of the menstrual cycle. Also, you need to have a clear understanding of how menstruation is connected with ovulation and pregnancy. A menstrual cycle is the series of events that your body goes through each month as it prepares for the potential conception. Usually, a menstrual cycle is 28 days long. The process of ovulation depends on it. ²

What Happens During This 28-Day Cycle? ²

Day 1 is the first day of your period.

Ovulation starts around day 14.

Once it occurs, conception happens within 24 hours. 

The fertilised egg implants into your uterine lining in about 6 days after fertilisation. 

After 21 days, if conception and implantation have occurred during this menstrual cycle, you're pregnant. However, it may take another week to get a positive pregnancy test.

Is It Normal For Periods To Be Late?

Each woman is different. Though menstruation is a natural process, every woman’s body behaves differently. Therefore, a few women experience their menstrual cycle at periodic intervals whereas some don’t. Dear women, if Mother Nature hasn’t knocked on your door and it’s delayed by 1-2 days, it’s okay. You can relax. Unlike a few, for some women, the menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days.

If it’s more than 35 days, then there could be several reasons for the delayed periods. Before you reach any conclusion, let’s figure out those reasons together. ¹ 

Common Causes of Delayed Periods

Delayed periods can be caused by a combination of factors. They are:

1. STRESS

The first main reason that causes delayed periods is stress. It not only affects your mental well-being but has a significant impact on your physical health too. In women, stress interferes with the body’s delicate hormones. It increases the cortisol levels in the body which disrupts the balance of oestrogen and progesterone (hormones that regulate menstruation), thereby affecting the regular menstrual cycle. ⁴

2. PERIMENOPAUSE

It refers to the transitional phase of menopause (when a woman’s menstruation stops and she no longer can become pregnant). With the onset of perimenopause, a woman’s body experiences a lot of changes, like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, and mood swings with irregular or delayed periods being one of them. ⁵

3. POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

PCOS is a hormonal imbalance which disturbs the woman's ovulation (the process of releasing an egg). If her body doesn't release an egg, it then affects her regular menstrual cycle. Therefore, women with PCOS issues commonly complain about having irregular or delayed periods. ⁶ 

4. BREASTFEEDING

Studies reveal that the levels of prolactin hormone increase while breastfeeding. When the baby suckles for the mother’s milk, the process impacts other pituitary hormones to suppress menstruation and ovulation. Therefore, if you’re breastfeeding your baby extensively, then you can expect a delay in your periods. ⁷

5. THYROID PROBLEMS

This small, butterfly-shaped gland is present in front of your neck. It produces hormones that regulate almost all the body’s functions. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) - both can impact a woman’s menstrual cycle causing a delay in periods. ⁸ 

6. HORMONAL BIRTH CONTROL 

Oral contraceptives, commonly known as birth control pills, are hormone-based medications taken orally to prevent pregnancy. These pills work in two ways: ^{9 10}

1. Ovulation Suppression: Birth control pills prevent the release of an egg from the ovaries, eliminating the chance of fertilisation.

2. Cervical Barrier: The pills thicken cervical mucus, creating a barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg.

In such cases, taking oral contraceptives may cause a delay in periods.

7. YOUTH 

Another cause of delayed periods can be age. When you’re relatively young and new to the process of menstruation, it’s difficult to settle into a 28-day cycle right away. Since periods have just begun, the HPO (hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian) axis is immature. HPO axis refers to the hormonal system which regulates ovulation and menstruation. So, for preteens and teens, it may take some time to regulate your periods. ¹

Conclusion

Delayed periods can be a source of concern and discomfort for many women. Understanding the various factors that contribute to delayed periods is crucial for managing menstrual health. 

A woman’s reproductive system revolves around her hormones, therefore, you should keep track of your fertility status from time to time. To do it right, choose LifeCell’s OvaScore! It’s an at-home self-collection test, which helps in analysing female reproductive health. This test checks for 9 significant hormones that are linked to reproductive conditions like early menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid health and general wellness, etc. So, what are you waiting for? Get your OvaScore test today! 

FAQ

Q1 Does excessive exercise impact menstrual cycles?

Yes, doing prolonged, high-intensity exercise interferes with hormone production, leading to changes in menstrual cycles. 

Q2 Can a change in diet cause delayed periods?

Consuming fewer calories than needed can disrupt hormone production. It can, thus, result in delayed periods. 

Q3 Is it normal to have irregular periods during certain life stages?

Yes, it’s normal to experience irregular periods during certain life stages like adolescence, after childbirth or during perimenopause. Due to changing hormones, your periods take some time to become consistent and regular.