6 reasons your period might be late - that have nothing to do with pregnancy
Whether your cycle runs like clockwork or marches to its own beat, a late period can send your brain into overdrive. Suddenly you’re imagining baby showers, prenatal vitamins, and a child graduating college - all because your period didn’t show up this morning.
But before you panic or reach for a pregnancy test, know this: pregnancy isn’t the only reason your period might be late. Here are six common, medically-backed reasons your cycle could be off track.
1. Stress
Stress - especially chronic or traumatic - can disrupt your cycle. This is called hypothalamic amenorrhea, where the brain’s hypothalamus slows down reproductive hormone production. Whether it’s work overload or emotional upheaval, stress can delay ovulation and push your period back. Try relaxation techniques, journaling, or talking to a professional if stress feels overwhelming.
2. Illness
Your body is a master of triage. When you're sick, whether it’s a cold, flu, or infection, it prioritizes healing over reproduction. That means your menstrual cycle may pause temporarily while your immune system takes the lead. Once you're better, your period should return to its regular rhythm.
3. Weight changes
Rapid weight loss or gain can throw your hormones out of balance. Too little estrogen (from low body weight) or too much (from excess fat tissue) can interfere with ovulation. If your weight has fluctuated recently, that could explain a late or missed period.
4. Schedule shifts
Jet lag, night shifts, or major changes in your sleep-wake cycle can affect your internal clock and your menstrual cycle. Your body needs time to adjust, and once it does, your period should follow suit. If it doesn’t, check in with your doctor.
5. Hormonal imbalance
Conditions like PCOS or endometriosis can cause irregular or absent periods due to disrupted hormone levels. If you’re experiencing other symptoms like acne, excess hair growth, or pelvic pain it’s worth getting evaluated. Your doctor can help regulate your cycle and manage symptoms.
6. Birth control
Hormonal contraceptives like the pill, IUD, or Depo shot can lighten or even eliminate your period. This is often a normal side effect, but if you’re unsure whether your birth control is the cause, talk to your healthcare provider.
If you suspect pregnancy, take a test. If not, and your period is still MIA, reach out to your doctor. They can help you understand what’s going on and guide you toward balance.
Looking for a sustainable, stress-free period? Explore our Lunette Period Cup range designed to support your cycle, whatever it’s up to.
This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your period is late and you’re unsure why, consult a qualified healthcare provider. Every body is unique, and professional guidance ensures safe and personalized care.
photo: courtesy of Pinterest
211 comments
I saw my period on 19th of may 2020.. and this month I have not seen it.. note I have not had sex for long… Please should i be worried..or what should I take to make it regular
I had sex with my bf on the last day of my period being 27th of May and he ejaculated inside me. Since then I haven’t seen my period
Hi Tina! If you’re concerned about pregnancy we recommend taking an at-home pregnancy test. :)
-Team Lunette
Hello Lunette
I have a problem, I’m supposed to see my period on May 25th or 26th and on the 6 of June, I have sex with my boyfriend and him cum inside me and still yet I haven’t see it, I’m a little bit worried if I’m not pregnant
Hi Bree! Sorry to hear the period is late! If you’re concerned about pregnancy we recommend taking an at-home pregnancy test. You can also consult a physician about any possible underlying reasons for the irregular cycle. :) As we are not medical professionals we unfortunately can’t offer diagnosis.
-Team Lunette
Hi Tiwa! If you’re concerned about pregnancy we recommend taking an at-home pregnancy test. :)
-Team Lunette
My boyfriend and i had sex and he didn’t ejaculate at all but my period is late. It’s supposed to come around the 26th March but it is irregular but now it’s the 2nd of June and it still hasn’t come yet. I’ve been getting more and more stressed over it and my boyfriend tells me I’m not pregnant but I’m still a bit worried
I and boyfriend had sex twice,we didn’t use a CD once but he didn’t cum in me,we had it at the beginning of March, I saw my period in march ending and April ending,I’m supposed to see it now and I havnt,so I’m thinking, can I be pregnant after two months of regular period?
Hi Omosheke! The factors in this post could be the reason for the delay period. :) If you’re feeling concerned it’s best to contact a physician. As we are not medical professionals we cannot offer diagnosis.
-Team Lunette
HI,am suppose to see my period April 20 but this is may 9..So i went for a pregnancy test which indicate negative..Am scared what got it delayed
Hi Sadean! There are some common reasons for delayed periods in the above post, if you’re still feeling concerned we recommend contacting a doctor. :)
-Team Lunette
Hi Mantwa! The above post mentions some common reasons why your period can get delayed. :) If you’re still feeling concerned we recommend contacting a doctor or taking an at-home pregnancy test if you’re concerned about pregnancy.
-Team Lunette
I have my period on march 6-10 and I haven’t seen it for april I took a pregnancy test and it was negative and know my nipples feel tender what’s happening
M on 34 days nd haven’t seen my period nd not feeling it.Cz when making date nearer I have tenderby breast nd headache bt nw nothing
Hi, Shay! We recommend consulting a doctor as it’s been several months since your last period. As we are not medical professionals we can’t provide diagnosis unfortunately.
-Team Lunette
Hi, cici! We’re so sorry to hear about all the stress you’ve been under! Unfortunately we cannot provide diagnosis as we are not medical professionals. If you are concerned about pregnancy you can research free clinics in your area and call them for advice. :)
-Team Lunette
Hi Kabelo! If you’re concerned about pregnancy we recommend taking an at home pregnancy test. :)
-Team Lunette
Hi, Julitta! Morning after pills are loaded with hormones, and hormonal imbalances will typically affect your cycle. A morning after pill can caused cycle changes for a few months. If you’re feeling concerned it’s best to discuss the situation with your doctor. :)
-Team Lunette
Hi, Ujjwal! If you’re concerned about pregnancy we recommend taking an at home pregnancy test. To prevent pregnancy you must use protection such as a condom, IUD, or birth control pills. You can discuss your options with your partner and doctors to find the best protection for you. :)
-Team Lunette
I nd my girlfriend had sex on 2nd march. She got her periods on 14 march. We haven’t done sex till now 29 April. But she is unable to get her periods. Is there any chance of pregnancy. If yes , how can we prevent pregnancy!! If no, why she is not getting her periods ? Please answer it 🙏
Please last month I had my menstrual period twice thus 4-7 and 13-17 but this month it didn’t flow I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend and I took some pills too (postinor2)I don’t know whether does the reason but I did pregnancy test five times but it shows negative. Please help me out
I was in my period on the 24 March ,I met with my guy on the 1st of April and I can’t wait to be on my periods I’ve noticed changes on my body and my boyfriend keep on saying am not pregnant if but am worried.
Hello ok so I havent had a period since december 23rd which was my last day of my cycle. And i was sexually active the next day my period ended. I went in for a check up and did a pregnancy test but it came up negative. So idk what else i can do
Hi Lynette, I had unprotected sex on march 30 and april 5th but my bf didn’t cum in me. I’ve been very sad and stressed this whole month. My uncle passed away on the 1st, i’ve been stressing over school + boys lol. my period tracker predicted my period to come on last thursday and never came. but i have a lil cramping / stomach pain & bowel movements been very active lol. two days ago i saw a lil pink discharge but my flow never started. I don’t have money or a way to get a pregnancy test so i have been doing diy test and they would come out negative. but i’m very confused and scared. i really hope i’m not pregnant, what do you think?
My girlfriend saw her last period 17 march 2020 and 15th aprill i had sex with her unfurtunately my condom broke inside her pussy i released without knowing its broke..pls can she be pregnant or not during this time i took in with her?
