What causes late periods?
Short answer: A late period means your menstrual bleeding starts later than your usual cycle. Common causes include pregnancy, hormonal imbalances (thyroid problems, polycystic ovary syndrome), stress, significant weight change or excessive exercise, certain medications, and approaching perimenopause.
Explanation
Menstrual timing is regulated by hormones (GnRH, LH, FSH, estrogen, progesterone) produced by the brain, ovaries and thyroid. Anything that disrupts that hormonal balance can delay ovulation or stop bleeding. Pregnancy is the most common reason for a missed period in sexually active people. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often causes irregular or absent periods due to chronic anovulation. Thyroid disorders and high prolactin levels alter menstrual cycles. Rapid weight loss, very low body fat, or intensive endurance exercise can suppress the hypothalamic signals that trigger periods. Certain medications (including hormonal contraception, antipsychotics, and some chemotherapy drugs) and acute illnesses or major stressors can also delay periods. Perimenopause causes progressively irregular cycles as ovarian function declines. Occasional variability (a few days to a week) is normal; persistent or repeated delays merit evaluation.
Tips
- Take a pregnancy test if sexually active and period is late.
- Track cycles (calendar or app) to detect patterns and variability.
- See a healthcare provider if you miss two or more periods, have very heavy bleeding, severe pain, or abnormal hair growth/acne.
- Address lifestyle factors: manage stress, avoid extreme dieting, and moderate intense exercise.
- Review medications with your provider to identify possible causes.
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