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Surprising Reasons Why Your Period Is Late, Apart From Pregnancy!

Most women, at some point in their lives, would have experienced a certain amount of anxiety when their menstrual period does not occur on time.

Waiting for your period to come, constantly going to the restroom to check if you finally got your period, being worried that you may have some health issues or getting anxious thinking that your period is late because you might be pregnant are few of the emotions many women would be very familiar with!

Menstruation is a phenomenon in which a woman's body sheds the lining of the uterine walls, every month, from the time she has entered puberty until she hits menopause!

A typically healthy woman has to get her period every month and it should last for about 4-7 days.

Usually, it is quite normal for a period to occur a few days later than the usual.

However, if your period is more than a week late, then may be it is time for you to visit a health care professional.

Many a times, women who are sexually active tend to think that their period may be late because they could be pregnant.

Did you know that there are a few other surprising reasons as well that can make your period late? Have a look at them below.

1. Extreme Weight Loss

1. Extreme Weight Loss

When your BMI drops below normal due to extreme or sudden weight loss, your body does not produce enough oestrogen, so your menstrual cycle goes haywire!

2. Excessive Exercise

2. Excessive Exercise

Many women who are into extreme exercising routines tend to experience late or even missed periods, as the testosterone levels in their body increase due to excess exercise, creating hormonal imbalances.

3. Birth Control Pills

3. Birth Control Pills

Many a times, women who are on birth control pills tend to experience late periods, as birth control pills are known to create a lot of hormonal imbalances in the body.

4. Premature Menopause

4. Premature Menopause

In rare cases, some women experience premature menopause, that is before the age of 40, so they tend to experience late periods, missed periods, hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause.

5. Stress

5. Stress

Extreme stress can affect the hypothalamus in your brain, which is a gland responsible for many hormonal activities. So, when you are under high stress, hormonal imbalances can occur, making your period late!

6. Medications

6. Medications

Certain antibiotics, antidepressants, etc., if taken on a regular basis can affect your hormones and lead to your period being late.

7. Breastfeeding

7. Breastfeeding

Many new mothers who are breastfeeding their baby tend to experience late periods, as the hormone that stimulates the production of breast milk can also suppress ovulation!

Story first published: Wednesday, July 20, 2016, 11:35 [IST]
Read more about: menstruation breastfeeding stress