In general, a menstrual cycle lasts for 21 to 35 or 40 days. A female can expect to have the next period within 21 to 35 days of the last period. A delay of one is a late period. To comprehend a late period, take an example of your menstrual cycle. If your regular period is of 28 days and don’t have a period on the 29th day, your period is late. Similarly, your period is late if you have no period on the 33rd day with a regular cycle of 32 days. Being a little late does not require any attention. However, you should visit a test tube baby centre if you don’t have a period for two cycles constantly. Here are some points about a late period that you should know:
What is a late period?
Usually, a female has a menstrual cycle, which is of 28 days. The cycle differs from one female to another. In a menstrual cycle, a female has a period, lasting for four to eight days, in which she bleeds through vagina. It starts again on the very first day of the next menstrual cycle. If there is a delay of one day, it is a late period.
Your period is late if you don’t have a period on the 29 day when you have a menstrual cycle of 28 days. Similarly, your period is late if you don’t bleed on the 33rd day if your menstrual cycle is 32 days.
What causes you to have a late period?
Many factors from the changes in your lifestyle to severe health conditions cause a delay in your period. Here list of some probable conditions that may make you have a late period:
- Too much stress
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Increase in workout intensity
- PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome)
- Use of hormonal birth control
- Perimenopause
- Early menopause
- Thyroid problem
- Certain chronic health conditions such as diabetes and celiac disease
- Probability of pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
Symptoms of a late period or pregnancy
You have clear signs of a late pregnancy if you have constant regular periods. Consider your period is late if you don’t have a period when you are expecting it. All of your periods are not regular and don’t begin at the exact day/time. It is normal to have a slightly different period schedule. Having a late or missed period doesn’t mean you are pregnant. However, you should be aware of what changes are taking place in your body. During the first trimester, especially in the 8th week, you may experience:
- Fatigue
- Spotting
- Changes in your breasts
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Missed period
- Frequent urination
Diagnosis and tests for a late pregnancy or pregnancy
As you know, skipping a period is normal, so you don’t need to worry. However, you need to be confirmed at your end when you skip your period for the second time or have two missed periods in a row. Here are two common diagnosis or test options that you should try:
- Home pregnancy tests – It is usually a kit for females to check their pregnancy at home. Through it, you can check your collected urine to know the presence of a hormone, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). This hormone is present in your body when you have a pregnancy or you are pregnant. It is natural for you to have a false negative report in the early days of a late or missed period. This hormone level increases gradually and the next test after 6 to 8 days of ovulation may be positive if you are pregnant. You should book your appointment with your gynaecologist if you have two negative results in home pregnancy tests.
- Doctor consultation – During the consultation and interaction with your doctor, you will have to explain your issues. After that, the specialist will ask you for a blood test for the examination of the same hormone. This blood test will produce an accurate report if you have crossed 8 days of your ovulation period. You need to discuss thoroughly if this test report comes negative. The doctor will advise you further tests and examinations.
What treatment options are available for a late pregnancy or pregnancy?
Usually, you have no requirement of a particular treatment if you have a lte/missed period and you don’t have conceived. You need to consult a gynaecologist or reproductive health specialist if you:
- Have a break on your period and had a regular menstrual cycle
- Experience unexpected bleeding
- Have extra signs pointing other concerns
- Don’t have a period even after 45 days of your last period
Based on your conditions, the doctor will produce a set of effective treatment solutions and advise you to bring some healthy changes in your lifestyle. The doctor will facilitate you to have a successful pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby if you are pregnant.
How late can your period be before you become aware of your pregnancy?
A delay of a day in a menstrual cycle is a late period. A late or missed period is not a topic of concern for you. However, it couldn’t be more than 45 days. If it is, you are pregnant and you need pregnancy care and treatment to facilitate yourself for a healthy and successful pregnancy.
Conclusion
Having a late or missed period is common for females. You should be aware of your menstrual cycle, its occurrence, what can cause you a late period, and signs & symptoms of a late period. Further, you should know what diagnostic, test and treatment options are available for you.
