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7 reasons why your periods are late and what you can do about it

Is aunty flo nowhere in sight? Wondering what to do when your perdos are late? Well, take a deep breath and relax, because we are here to help.
Don’t worry about that delayed period! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Shreya Gupta Updated: 13 Oct 2023, 17:07 pm IST

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Being a woman is not easy, right? We don’t just have to put up with the horrible period cramps and mood swings but also keep a tab on the dates! The truth is that as much as we hate the pain periods bring along, we also don’t want them to be delayed since that could point out to a much bigger health problem than cramps or moodiness.

So, what happens when your period is running late?

You tend to panic and the first reason that comes to mind is an unplanned pregnancy. Turns out, there’s a whole bunch of other reasons apart from pregnancy that can cause Aunt Flo to get delayed.

Also, read: These 6 habits will help you maintain a healthy menstruation cycle and avoid irregular periods

Here are some of the most probable culprits behind a delay in your period:

1. You have lost or gained weight recently
Any changes in your body weight can affect your cycle. Being overweight or underweight changes how your body functions.

What you can do: If you’re underweight, try consuming the essential vitamins and minerals along with increasing your meal portions. On the other hand, you need to modify your meal plan and be active if you’re overweight.

Your weight is your risk factor. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. You’re too stressed out
Stressing out too much for too long can disturb the hormonal balance in your body which will eventually affect your monthly cycle.

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What you can do: Try breathing exercises or any activity that makes you feel calmer. Stress management is extremely important to keep your cycle on track.

Also, listen:

3. You are breastfeeding
If you’re a new mom and are still breastfeeding your child, chances are that it will disrupt your cycle and your periods may not be punctual. In fact, there are chances that you might miss your periods.

What you can do: This is nothing to be worried bout! After a few months, your periods will become more regular and your cycle will become normal.

Also, read: How safe is breastfeeding as a contraceptive method? Well, hear it from gynaecologists

4. You’re on your birth control pills
When you go on and off birth control pills, your period cycle may fluctuate. These pills are hormonal and prevent ovaries from releasing eggs.

What you can do: If you are worried about your menstrual cycle getting affected, it is best you avoid getting on the pill for contraception because it really messes up with your hormones and your menstrual cycle. Once you’re completely off these pills, it will take months for consistent periods to become a regular part of your health.

Think twice before taking those birth control pills. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

5. You’re suffering from PCOS
About 20% of Indian women suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which causes hormonal imbalance in the body. The body starts producing an excess of male hormones that prevent the release of eggs.

What you can do: If you’re suffering from it, getting medical help at an early stage is necessary since it can have serious health implications. But, you can definitely reduce the symptoms at home by getting on a healthy diet and regular exercise.

6. You’re exercising too much
Who would have thought that working out too much can have negative health consequences, right? Too much exercise can lead to lower levels of estrogen which can cause irregular periods.

What you can do: While exercising is good for your body, don’t overdo it. Remember, moderation is the key.

7. You’re entering perimenopause
Early menopause makes your period infrequent because of a decrease in the levels of oestrogen.

A precursor to menopause, perimenopause is your body’s way of preparing you for the end of fertility. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

What you can do: While you cannot do anything about this, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help. Adding calcium-rich foods can be very beneficial.

If Aunt Flo is running late, there can be multiple reasons behind it but one thing that it points to is that you need to take care of your health.

Shreya Gupta

Finding nirvana in good food, Shreya also loves reading books and is a die-hard Potterhead. Confident and motivated she's fun to be with. Plus food. Always. ...Read More

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