Any Reason Life

10 Reasons Your Period Is Late

What is the reason your period late? The body is a complicated thing, there are many factors that play into our natural bodily functions. If you have a uterus then you will likely start having monthly periods during puberty that will continue until menopause. If your period is late it could be due to one of the following reasons:

1. You Are Pregnant

When a woman becomes pregnant she stops having her menstrual cycle. That’s because when you get pregnant your body now needs the thick blood lining for the fetus so it does not shed any more. Some women experience blood spotting during pregnancy but this is not the same as a menstrual cycle. 

2. You Are Underweight

The reason your period is late is because you are underweight. When a person is underweight they may stop having periods. That’s because the body goes into survival mode and starts utilizing all its energy for necessary organs and bodily functions. Since the uterus isn’t necessary to sustain one’s life that is the first organ to stop working during a famine. 

People with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are the most susceptible to being underweight enough to have their period stop. Weighing only 10 % below what’s considered healthy for your height and age can change the way your body functions and stop menstruation.

3. You Are Overweight

Being overweight, especially obese, can cause hormonal distraction to the extent that one stops ovulating. Ovulation (and thus menstruation) requires a specific regulation of hormones such as estrogen. Extreme weight can distrust the natural amount of estrogen in the body. 

4. You Have PCOS

One reason your period is late could be PCOS AKA polycystic ovary syndrome. PCOS is a condition in which cysts form on the ovaries due to hormone imbalance. This also causes the body to over produce the male hormone known as androgen. People with this condition have been known to have very irregular periods if they have them at all. Additionally PCOS is associated with insulin resistance and insulin is another hormone which can cause an irregular period. 

5. You Are Starting Menopause

People with uterus’ are generally fertile from the start of puberty (around age 12) until their late 40s or 50s. During these years they have a monthly period. When our fertility declines we start menopause, indicating we are no longer able to become pregnant. When we are no longer able to become pregnant there is no need for a period to occur. Basically the egg supply is dwindling down resulting in missed periods and the end of menstruation and ovulation. 

6. You Have A Chronic Illness

Chronic illness could be the reason one’s period is late. Some chronic illnesses can affect ovulation that’s because they can cause changes in hormonal balances. For example celiac disease and diabetes change blood sugar levels which in turn affect hormones. That’s why poorly treated diabetes could cause your cycle to be irregular.

Additionally Celiac disease causes inflammation of the small intestine that can lead to damage. This damage can prevent your body from absorbing important nutrients resulting in malnutrition. Malnutrition can lead to an irregular period – similar to reason reason # 2 on why your period is late. 

7. You Have A Thyroid Problem

Your thyroid regulates your body’s metabolism which affects ya hormones. If your thyroid is over or under active it could disrupt your hormones enough to cause a missed period. 

8. Your Birth Control Has Disrupted Your Cycle

Birth control pills are the most common form of contraception because they are easy and affordable. Most bc pills are made up of the hormones progestin and estrogen in order to prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg. Many women experience lighter shorter period while taking bc pills 

Other forms of birth control such as IUDs, the implant, Depo-Provera shots, NuvaRing can also  affect one’s period and have longer lasting contraception effects. 

9. You Are Stressed

Stress could be the reason your period is late. Someone who is constantly stressed can experience real life physical issues. Some symptoms of chronic stress include: headaches, high blood pressure, stomach ache, sexual dysfunction , insomnia, and chest pains. Stress can also cause depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and lead to a shorter life span. 

Furthermore stress can distrust your hormones so much so that it can affect the part of your brain responsible for regulating your period called the hypothalamus. Stress can also impact your weight in either direction, also affecting your cycle. 

10. Drug And Alcohol Abuse

Chronic drug and alcohol abuse will quite literally re-wire how your brain works. In fact addiction affects the brain on many levels. Stimulants and sedatives such as methamphetamines, opioids, alcohol, etc enters the brain and causes people to lose control of their natural impulses.

These chemicals can disrupt the part of the part that controls ovulation. Additionally when the body is working overtime to satisfy the insatiable craving of a given substance other needs are often neglected. Meaning substance abuse can lead to malnutrition which can also affect your period. 

If you think you are pregnant or struggling with any of these issues please contact your doctor as soon as possible.