My Period Is Late..! What does that mean?

No doubt, periods might be one of the most hated things that happen to you every month. Yet their absence or delay is even more bothersome since you need regular periods to enjoy a perfectly healthy gynecologic health. Are you watchful of your periods occurring regularly? Does your period date move back and forth from the expected date every month? Late menses is surely an indicator of some issue grounding roots in your body. Now let us try and get down to that root.

Below are some factors that can potentially cause late periods:

• Stress: Increased stress affects your entire well-being and causes decrease in GnRH hormone levels that is responsible for ovulation. This delays periods.
• Pregnancy: If delayed period is followed by unprotected sex, it is high time you undergo a self-pregnancy test.
• Breastfeeding: While breastfeeding, your irregular menstrual cycles will take a small cycle of time to return to regular menses.
• Anorexia or Weight Loss: Some eating disorders such as anorexia or unintentional weight loss can cause delay in your periods.

When to Consult a Doctor!

• If you are missing your periods for more than 3 months in a row.
• When your periods become irregular or erratic.
• Your period lasts more than 7 days.
• You have unusually heavy flow, wetting more than 12-15 pads or tampons in a day.
• The time gap between two periods is either less than 21 days or is more than 35 days.
• If you notice spotting on the days in between two periods.
• Unbearable pain during periods.
• Feeling feverish or sick during periods.

Are you a victim of late periods? What is the probable cause in your case? Consult a doctor for answers. After all, what is the point of harboring that fear in your heart?