What are the Symptoms of Late Periods?

Why is Your Period Late? Common Reasons and Symptoms

A late period can be worrisome, especially for those who have a regular menstrual cycle. While a missed or delayed period can be a direct sign of pregnancy, there are other factors that also play a key role. It is important to know the common symptoms of late periods along with their causes in detail so that immediate medical attention can be sought if needed.

Symptoms of Late Periods

Here is a detailed low-down of the primary symptoms of late periods:

● Missed Menstrual Flow:

The main sign of a late period is simply not having one. Women with regular cycles expect their period to start at a certain time each month. If it does not start and is delayed by several days or more, then it becomes a missed menstrual flow.  

This delay can last from a few days to several weeks. However, the cycle length tends to change depending on lifestyle alterations, stress, etc.

● Pregnancy:

For many, a late period is often the first sign of pregnancy. This is only applicable if you have had unprotected intercourse.

Furthermore, the delayed period will also be accompanied by some other early pregnancy symptoms, such as vomiting, morning sickness, etc, if pregnant. Food cravings and aversions can also be another tag-along symptom, as pregnant women often have strong cravings for certain foods or may not want foods they usually like.

● Changes in Discharge

When your period is late, you might also notice changes in vaginal discharge. Throughout your cycle, the amount and texture of discharge change due to hormones.

If your period is late, you may notice a clear, stretchy, or thicker discharge. It can be a sign of ovulation or early pregnancy. On the other hand, if hormonal imbalances cause the delay, you might notice less discharge or dryness.

● Changes in Weight:

Significant weight changes can affect your menstrual cycle. Extreme changes in body fat or muscle can disrupt hormones like estrogen. These hormones are the drivers of regular periods.

Over-exercising or eating an unhealthy diet can also lead to hormonal imbalances, causing a late period. Changes in body composition, whether you lose or gain weight, can lead to missed or late periods.

● Polycystic Ovary Syndrome:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is common due to hormonal imbalance. It can also cause irregular or late periods. Women with PCOS often have unpredictable ovulation. This makes it hard to predict the date of their menstrual cycles.

Other PCOS symptoms include excess hair growth, acne, and hair thinning. A gynaecologist can diagnose PCOS through evaluation and testing.

● Thyroid:

An underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid can interfere with the release of reproductive hormones, leading to irregular or missed periods. Thyroid disorders can mimic pregnancy symptoms like fatigue and weight changes, making diagnosis tricky without proper testing.

An imbalance can lead to irregular, heavy, or late periods. It also results in fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, or constipation.

● Perimenopause:

Perimenopause is the time before menopause. It is the time when a woman’s body goes through hormonal changes. Women in their late 40s to early 50s mostly experience this.  

During perimenopause, women often have irregular periods. Some other common symptoms of perimenopause are night sweats, mood swings, and sleep issues.

● Birth Control Medications:

Changes in birth control, especially stopping hormonal methods like pills, patches, or IUDs, can temporarily disrupt the menstrual cycle. It may take weeks or even months for periods to regulate after stopping, leading to delayed or missed periods.

A late period can happen for many reasons, including pregnancy, stress, hormonal imbalances, or lifestyle changes. While a late period is often not a cause for immediate concern, you should pay attention to any other symptoms.

If your period continues to be late or if you notice signs of pregnancy or other worrying symptoms like severe cramps or unusual discharge, it is a good idea to see a healthcare provider for advice and evaluation.