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
Hi Jacq!
Please understand that we are no medical professionals and therefore cannot give medical advise. Regarding whether you should stop taking iron supplement, please consult a doctor.
Best regards,
Team Lunette
I started taking iron supplements 3 weeks ago after a general-health blood test came back saying I had extremely low iron levels (I stopped eating red meat a year ago).
My period, which has always been like clockwork, is now 3 days late, I’m not pregnant either, but I’m supposed to try to get pregnant with this coming cycle, that is not coming.
I’m taking Spatone natural liquid iron and Garden of Life Raw Prenatal. Should I stop?
Hi Haley
Hi Anon
There is a lot that can affect the period and cause it to come later. If you worry a lot or think you could be pregnant it would be best to consult your doctor. Only your doctor can make the necessary examinations and determine whether you are pregnant or what could be causing your period to be late.
Best regards,
Team Lunette
i’m 7 days late for my period but about 3 days before it i started putting cream up my vagina to clear out a yeast infection it was a 3 day process and i had to do it every night for 3 days does that affect my period?
Hi there. I have been sick with severe flu on and off for 5 weeks now. My expected date of ovulation was the 26th of June. On the 28th of June, things got pretty hot and heavy between a friend and I. He did not penetrate me, nor did he ejaculate. We were grinding and I was in my panties. I was supposed to get my period between the 9th and 15th of July, I still haven’t gotten it. On Wednesday, the 17th of July I took a pregnancy test, which came out negative. I took a repeat test this morning (21 July) and it also came out negative. What are my chances of getting pregnant from his pre-ejaculate fluid through my panties? If I’m not pregnant, why is my period so late. Please help me.
Hi Eri!
If you think you may be pregnant or if your period isn’t returning, it’s always a good idea to take a test. Otherwise, we recommend reaching out to your doctor. They should be able to provide you with valuable insight.
Wishing you all the best. <3
Team Lunette
My last period was at the end of april , and ended may 1st for 5 days . I never had any sex , and im freaking out . Only sexual thing i had was recieving head from my boyfriend . Why is my period so late ? Someone please help .
My last period was during March 28 – April 3. According to the Flo calendar (I track my menstruation period.) Im supposed to get my period during the last week of April, the Flo app isnt accurate but the predicted period dates are usually close when I do get my period.
The first time I had intercourse during the month of April was on April 9, we were using condoms. We also had protected sex at April 24. Usually a week before my period my breasts become sore but before or even the last week of April I didnt feel any soreness so that’s when we became a bit worried.
We took a pregnancy test last May 6 and the result was negative. We also had sex the same day, unprotected but pull out.
Until now, i dont feel any sore breasts but I do know that sometimes I do get my period w/o that symptom but its been too long. I took another pregnancy test yesterday which was a negative and another this morning after I woke up which is also a negative.
The longest time I havent had period was 40 days but its been 50 now. Nothing hurts. Do u have any theories?
Heya TK & Aghil,
If you think you may be pregnant, it’s always a good idea to take a test. Otherwise, we recommend reaching out to your doctor. They should be able to provide you with valuable insight.
Wishing you all the best. <3
Heya Logan,
I would think that if you haven’t seen your period for 3 months and you’ve taken 6 positive pregnancy tests, it would be safe to assume that you probably are pregnant.
That being said, we recommend reaching out to your doctor for an official confirmation.
I haven’t gotten my period for 3 months and I took like six test and all cane out positive is it safe to say I’m pregnant ?
Hi. My period was on the 20th April. I took antibiotics while my period was running for killing bacterias. (amoxy) 500g per day. And had intercourse a day before my ovulation. It’s now my period circle,and it’s not even filling a pantry line at all for 3 days now .And my period last for 4day normal. I’m I pregnant perhaps?
Hai sir my cousin. Periods date 10 . Before date april 10. To day in this 7days missed periods please sir give information details
Hey anonymous,
If you’ve taken a test and are still feeling concerned about your late period, we recommend reaching out to your doctor. They should be able to provide you with valuable insight.
Hi jowie de leon,
If you think you may be pregnant, it’s always a good idea to take a test. Otherwise, talk to your doctor about your late period – they can provide valuable insight and ease your mind.
Wishing you all the best.
my last menstruations happens april 13 and last april 15 a week after that april 21-25 I got sick and even take antibiotics,my weight even fluctuates and after that I even change my schedule ,now i’ve been waiting for may menstruation its been 5 days late now today is may 17 to be exact and I should have it already,just wondering if pregnant because it bothers me just recovering from cs 8 months from now and I have my regular mens for 5 months consecutively ,just this time it didnt come on the right date
pls ,I had d&c April 5,and its been over a month now and there’s no sign of my period in sight and I’ve been feeling preggy for the past one week. Did the urine pregnancy test n it came out negative…….Any clue as to what’s wrong with me??
Heya Sonu & Joyce,
Periods can be delayed for a number of reasons.
If you think you may be pregnant, we recommend taking a test. Otherwise, we recommend reaching out to your doctor to chat about your late period. They should be able to provide you with valuable insight.
Wishing you all the best. <3
My last period was 13 April now it’s been two days late.during previous month my periods came after 15 days only .(last month I had rabiwax vaccination also). what can be the reason behind delay in the period.m I pregnant
i had a complete abortion,in april 7th,bleeding stopped 3 days later. From 12th to 6th,may,i have been having sex once in a while. I last had sex on 8th. No periods even on the 15th day of may! What is wrong? Pregnancy test;negative.
Hiya sow,
This is something we’d recommend chatting with your doctor about. They should be able to offer some valuable insight when it comes to the medication you’re referring to.
All the best. <3
im supposed to get periods on 17th april. But due to some function i started using postpone tablets from 17th evening to 22nd evening. Now its been 5 days i stoped having. Still i did not get periods. Pls let me know any chances of getting pregnancy???
Hey abisola,
I wish we could help, but I’m thinking these are questions best answered by your doctor. <3
Content I did my first period on January
18 unfortunately am pregnant while menstrating ….I did D&C on the 5th of march….up till now I haven’t see my period……can someone please help me out?
Hiya Isabella,
Both of the reasons you mentioned are common culprits for late periods, but because everybody and every BODY is different, I can’t say for certain that it’s the reason why you’re late.
If you’re feeling like you don’t want to run out and take a test, it may not hurt to chat with your doctor about what you’re experiencing. They should be able to offer some valuable insight and ease your mind a bit.
Wishing you all the best. <3
