Having a late period can be very distressing, especially if a woman is used to having regular periods or is concerned about an unexpected pregnancy. However, there are many other reasons why a woman might have a late period, ranging from birth control to stress.
# StressProlonged periods of stress can affect a woman's menstrual cycle, making it longer or shorter, or even causing a missed period. Some women also report more painful period cramps when experiencing stress.
# Perimenopause
The average onset of menopause is around the age of 52 when a woman has not had a period for at least 12 months. Many women experience symptoms as early as 10 to 15 years before menopause. This is known as perimenopause and indicates that estrogen levels are beginning to fluctuate.
# Weight lossSignificant weight loss or intense exercise can cause a woman to miss her period. Being underweight or having a low body-fat ratio can alter reproductive hormone levels, lowering them to levels where ovulation and menstruation do not occur.
# ObesityJust as weight loss can cause a woman to miss her period, being overweight can also affect a woman's menstrual cycle. Obesity and missed periods can sometimes signal that a woman has a medical condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), so it is important for a woman to be correctly diagnosed by a doctor.
# Hormonal conditionsSome hormones, such as prolactin or thyroid hormones, can cause a woman to miss her period. If a hormonal imbalance is responsible for a missed or late period, it can easily be detected with a blood test. The cause of these hormonal imbalances needs to be investigated by a doctor. Some hormonal imbalances are a common problem that runs in families, or they might be caused by something much more serious, such as a brain tumor.