Delayed periods can cause a lot of anxiety and stress for women, especially if they’re trying to conceive. However, there are many reasons why your period may be late, and not all of them have to do with pregnancy.

Here are some common causes of delayed periods:.

1. Stress

One of the most common causes of delayed periods is stress. When you’re stressed, your body produces cortisol, which is a hormone that can disrupt the regularity of your menstrual cycle.

This is why women who are under a lot of stress often have irregular periods, or in some cases, no periods at all.

2. Weight Changes

Another common cause of delayed periods is weight changes. Women who lose or gain a significant amount of weight may experience changes in their menstrual cycle.

This is because changes in body weight can affect the levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which are involved in regulating the menstrual cycle.

3. Thyroid Issues

The thyroid gland plays an important role in regulating the menstrual cycle. When the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it can lead to irregular periods or a complete absence of periods.

This condition is known as hypothyroidism, and it can be treated with medication.

4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have irregular or absent periods, as well as other symptoms like acne, hair loss, and weight gain.

PCOS is caused by an imbalance of hormones in the body, and it can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes.

5. Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause, when a woman’s body begins to produce less estrogen.

During this phase, women may experience irregular periods, as well as other symptoms like mood swings, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances.

6. Breastfeeding

Women who are breastfeeding may experience delayed periods or no periods at all. This is because the hormone that stimulates milk production, prolactin, can suppress ovulation and delay the return of periods.

However, it’s still possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding, so it’s important to use contraception if you don’t want to get pregnant.

7. Medications

Some medications can interfere with the menstrual cycle and cause delayed periods. For example, hormonal contraceptives, like the pill, can regulate the menstrual cycle, but stopping them can cause a delay in periods.

Similarly, some medications used to treat conditions like depression and anxiety can also cause delays in periods.

8. Excessive Exercise

Excessive exercise can also cause delays in periods, especially in women who are very thin.

This is because intense physical activity can affect the levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which are involved in regulating the menstrual cycle.

9. Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on the ovaries. In some cases, ovarian cysts can cause a delay in periods, as well as other symptoms like pelvic pain and bloating.

Most cysts are harmless and go away on their own, but in some cases, they may require surgery to remove.

10. Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus. Like ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids can cause a delay in periods, as well as other symptoms like heavy bleeding and pelvic pain.

Treatment for uterine fibroids may include medication or surgery.