7 Reasons Your Period May Be Late

If you’re like many women, your period is usually pretty regular. But sometimes it can be late or even completely absent. While this may seem concerning, it doesn’t always mean something is wrong with your health – in fact, there are a number of common reasons why your period might be running late or missing altogether. 

If you have recently had unprotected sex and think you may be unexpectedly pregnant: Avail NYC provides free pregnancy tests at our Midtown Manhattan location.

Stress

High levels of stress can cause hormones to become imbalanced which can lead to delayed periods or missed cycles altogether. If you've recently experienced a lot of anxiety in your life, this could explain the delay in menstruation. 

Weight and/or Diet Changes

Significant fluctuations in weight can affect hormone levels and lead to irregular periods as well as missed ones altogether in some cases. Likewise, eating too little or too much food (especially if those foods contain low amounts of nutrients), can throw off our body's natural balance leading us into an irregular cycle pattern where we miss out on our normal monthly bleedings entirely or have them come later than usual.

Aging/Menopause

As we age, our reproductive systems naturally begin slowing down which may cause us to miss periods from time to time until menopause officially sets in. If you are over the age of 45 and notice other symptoms like mood swings, difficulty sleeping, hot flashes, or even night sweats, talk with your doctor.

Traveling or Jet Lag

Disruptions caused by traveling across multiple time zones can throw off the body's natural rhythms leading up to menstruation; this should correct itself once you adjust back into a routine. 

Birth Control Pills

At Avail NYC, we provide confidential support and guidance for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy. We offer virtual and in-person appointments with our caring client advocates who can walk you through your options. Our team can provide the support you’re looking for. 

A missed or late period doesn't always mean something serious is going on - sometimes it's just caused by everyday lifestyle factors like those mentioned above. But regardless it's always important to stay aware of any changes taking place within your body so that a possible unexpected pregnancy can be detected early on. If you want support in your journey, Avail NYC can help with free, self-administered pregnancy tests available. 

Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider.