Why is my period late? Find out why you might have missed your period, and learn what to do next.

If you’re wondering, “Why is my period late?” you’re not alone. It can be nerve-wracking when your period is delayed, especially if you’re unsure of the cause. Before you start panicking, let’s walk through some common reasons for a late period and what you can do next.

Double-check when your period was due

Discovering that your period is late can feel unsettling, but take a deep breath—it happens more often than you think, and there are several reasons why it might be delayed. To start, let’s verify when your period was actually due.

• Check your period tracker app: If you use a period tracker app, now’s the time to consult it. If you don’t have one, here are some great options to consider.
• Use special occasions and holidays to remember: If you haven’t marked it down, try recalling when your last period occurred. A useful trick is to think back to any holiday or special occasion and work from there, especially if your periods aren’t regular.

Consider taking a home pregnancy test

If you’ve had unprotected sex or are concerned about birth control failure, a home pregnancy test can help clear things up. These tests are most accurate when taken at least 10–14 days after potential conception. A negative result is definitive after 21 days. Affordable tests are available at most drugstores and even dollar stores—they are just as reliable as pricier options.

For a more detailed guide on when to take a pregnancy test after unprotected sex, you can refer to this helpful resource.

Make sure to carefully follow the instructions on the test and how to interpret the results. If you get a negative result but your period remains late or you’re still concerned about pregnancy symptoms, take another test a week later or 21 days after you last had sex.

What are some reasons for a late period with a negative test?

If your period is only a few days late and your test is negative, it might just be a normal delay. Several factors, other than pregnancy, can cause a late period.

• Stress: One of the most common reasons for a delayed period. Emotional stress or physical stress from illness can affect your hormonal balance, leading to a late period or even pregnancy-like symptoms. If you’re stressed about a possible pregnancy despite several negative tests, this resource might be helpful.
• Taking a pregnancy test too early: Testing too soon can lead to a false negative. A test taken at least 21 days after unprotected sex is a more reliable indicator.
• Significant weight changes: Rapid weight loss or gain can affect hormone production, which in turn can impact your menstrual cycle. If you’ve experienced significant weight changes recently, it could explain the delay.
• Increase in physical activity: Starting a new workout routine or increasing the intensity of your exercises can cause temporary hormonal changes that affect your period.
• Changes in your routine: Traveling, especially across time zones, or disrupting your sleep patterns can throw off your body’s internal clock, impacting your menstrual cycle.
• New medications: Starting a new prescription, especially hormonal contraception or Emergency Contraception like Plan B, can affect your cycle. If you’ve recently started any new medication, it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
• Other medical conditions: Chronic illnesses, hormonal imbalances, perimenopause, or even a severe cold can all temporarily interfere with your cycle.

What to do next

If you are pregnant and do not wish to be, remember that support is available at every step of the way. oyrafem offers compassionate online abortion care in more than 15 states, and in-office care in three locations. We go the extra mile by providing the most supportive online care, with a helpful virtual assistant guiding you through each step. For more details, visit oyrafem.com.

If you choose to continue your pregnancy, note that your period typically won’t return until about six weeks after childbirth. Factors such as stress, breastfeeding, and the use of hormonal birth control can affect the timing of your first post-birth period.

So, there you have it—answers to the common question, “Why is my period late?” If you’re still unsure or have concerns, always consult with a healthcare professional for further guidance.