Irregular Periods: Why Is My Period Late?
Perhaps you find yourself in your mid-to-late twenties, experiencing a sudden shift in your menstrual cycle behavior. After a decade of regular periods, your cycle is no longer as predictable. It's not due to pregnancy, and menopause is still a distant concern, leaving you wondering about the cause.
Irregular periods don't necessarily indicate a problem. In this breakdown, we provide insights into recognizing irregular periods, explore potential causes, and discuss when it might be advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.
What is My Period Late?
In a typical menstrual cycle, ovulation prompts the release of an egg from one of your ovaries. If the egg remains unfertilized, fluctuating hormone levels signal your body to expel the blood and tissues lining your uterus.
This menstrual bleeding usually persists for about five days, and the cycle then repeats itself monthly. However, certain women experience what is referred to as abnormal uterine bleeding, synonymous with irregular periods. This irregularity can stem from various factors, including stress, lifestyle choices, or more profound underlying medical conditions.
What is an Irregular Period?
An irregular period is when the length of your menstrual cycle unexpectedly falls outside of your regular range. Irregular periods can include abnormal uterine bleeding, such as:
Bleeding or spotting between periods
Bleeding after sexual intercourse
Heavy bleeding during your period
Menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than normal
Bleeding after you’ve reached menopause
After puberty, many women have a regular menstrual cycle. However, it's normal for the cycle to vary by a few days each time. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), between nine and 14 percent of women have irregular periods between their first period and menopause.
Reasons for a Late Period, Missed Period or Irregular Period
Various factors can contribute to irregular, missed, or late periods, ranging from stress to more severe medical conditions. Some common causes include:
Uncontrolled Diabetes: Irregular periods may result from uncontrolled diabetes, where the interaction between blood sugar levels and hormones disrupts the menstrual cycle.
Eating Disorders: Conditions like anorexia or bulimia can lead to irregular or missed periods due to insufficient hormone production and circulation necessary for menstrual cycle control.
Hyperprolactinemia: Women with elevated levels of the protein hormone prolactin may experience irregular periods.
Medications: Certain medications, such as anti-epileptics and antipsychotics, can contribute to irregular menstrual cycles.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Imbalanced sex hormones associated with PCOS can disrupt regular menstruation.
Premature Ovarian Failure (POF): In POF, the ovaries cease functioning before the age of 40, though some women with this condition may still have occasional periods.
Stress: Stress hormones have an impact on menstruation, and prolonged stress can lead to delayed or skipped periods.
Understanding these potential causes is crucial for seeking appropriate medical attention and addressing any underlying issues affecting menstrual health.
What to Do When Periods are Late
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be time to talk to your doctor:
You haven’t had a period for 90 days
Your period suddenly becomes irregular
You have a period more often than every 21 days
You have a period less often than every 35 days
Your period lasts for more than a week
Your period becomes unusually heavy
You bleed between periods
Your periods are extremely painful
Best Women’s Health Physician in Maryland
If you are experiencing irregular periods, we are here to help. Here at Bowie Internal Medicine, we are dedicated to providing quality care and education for any of your conditions as well as preventing any further health issues. Contact our office with any questions or to schedule an appointment.