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Gynecology & Pregnancy Care
Question #22202
31 days ago
59

why periods are late - #22202

Anya

I am kind of freaking out here because my periods are late and I can't help but wonder why periods are late for me this time. I mean, I’ve always had a regular cycle, but this month I'm running over a week late, and I've been feeling a bit off. I had a stressful couple of weeks with work and moving, but I thought I was handling it okay, you know? I've also been feeling more tired than usual, and my mood swings are kinda insane, like I’m a roller coaster! I took a couple of tests, and they’re negative, which just adds to my confusion. I can’t think of any major changes in my diet or exercise, so I’m stuck wondering why periods are late. Like, could it really just be stress, or is there more to it? A friend suggested that sometimes hormonal imbalances can mess with your cycle, but is that common? And how do you know when to be worried about it? Do I need to see a doctor or just wait it out? Ugh, I just want to understand why periods are late for me and if I should be doing something about this now or if it's just a fluke this month. Any insights would be super helpful, thanks!

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Doctors' responses

Periods can be unpredictable, even for those with historically regular cycles, and a common reason for delayed periods is stress. When you’re really stressed, be it from work, moving, or other life circumstances, your body increases production of cortisol, a hormone that can interfere with the menstrual cycle by affecting the hypothalamus — the part of the brain that helps regulate your hormones. This could potentially delay ovulation or your period. Besides stress, factors like sudden weight changes, excessive exercise, new medications, or travel can also impact your cycle. You mentioned you’re feeling more tired and have mood swings, which might also be connected to stress or even hormonal changes. Even without drastic changes in diet or exercise, subtle shifts in your body’s balance can occur. Hormonal imbalances like thyroid disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are other possibilities but are usually accompanied by additional symptoms like significant weight change, excessive hair growth, or severe acne. Your negative pregnancy tests add another layer of assurance, but repeated tests can confirm this further if weeks pass without a period. In terms of knowing when to worry, generally, if your period is consistently late for more than a few months, or if you experience significant symptoms like severe pain, heavy bleeding when it starts, or if you suspect a medical condition, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider for an evaluation. They may order tests to examine hormone levels or recommend an ultrasound if other causes are suspected. In the meantime, try focusing on managing stress with relaxation techniques like deep breathing, regular but moderate exercise, and plenty of rest to see if your cycle recalibrates. It’s reasonable to wait a bit unless these symptoms escalate or new concerns arise.

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