Reasons your period is delayed

Shikha Desai, TNN

Many factors can affect your menstrual cycle. While it may be nice to get a break from it, the irregularity can also be unnerving. Here are the reasons your period can be late

1. Too much stress

Stress is one reason your period may be delayed. We all have a very hectic lifestyle and stress causes a havoc on our body and affects our hormones. Yes, there are times when stress is unavoidable, but try and find ways to relax and de-stress. Make time for yourself and do what makes you happy.

2. Change in schedule

Even something as simple as a change in schedule can be a reason your period is late. If you recently switched from working days to working nights, your period is likely to go for a toss as your body is trying to adapt to the change in schedule. Hormones can be quite sensitive.

3. You exercise a lot

Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) in athletes is called exercise-associated amenorrhea. In athletes, intense training and quick weight loss can affect period. If you suddenly start exercising and working out, you tend to miss your period. Exercise affects the menstrual cycle by elevating the metabolism. Metabolism is responsible for essentially sustaining chemical reactions in the body like menstruation.

4. Birth Control pills

Birth control can also affect woman's menstrual flow. Many women use birth control pills to control their period, either to regulate when their period happens, have a lighter period or preventing a period from occurring every month. But if you haven't taken birth control pills to delay your period, check for its side effects. If you are still not sure if your birth control is the reason your period is delayed ask your doctor.

5. You're pregnant

Delayed or missed period is one of the main signs that you are pregnant. If you are trying to get pregnant or are an adult in a stable and committed relationship then being pregnant isn't a bad thing. However, if you are young, single, or not ready for a baby, then being pregnant is something you should get worried about. One way to deal with this is get a pregnancy tester home and take a test yourself. If the test is not clear, you can also consult a doctor for the same. Expert guidance always works best.

Source: Reasons your period is delayed