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Menstrual Cycle Disturbances

Why is My Period Late?

What follows is a table indicating some of the most common reasons why women have abnormalities in their periods. In many cases late periods could be a side-effect of certain types of birth control. In other cases, a late period can indicate a pregnancy.  If a pregnancy test is negative, but menstrual problems persist, it could be a sign of a more serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. You should see your obstetrician if pregnant and gynecologist if not.

If you wonder if you might be pregnant then check out our free online pregnancy test to help you find out for sure.

period change	if you are	what it may mean
skipped period	any woman	stress, rapid weight loss or gain, illness, drugs (certain tranquilizers) may have disrupted cycle
	sexually active	pregnancy
	using the Pill	Pill brand is too low in estrogen
	former Pill user	body hasn't yet adjusted to life off the pill; see doctor if periods don't resume in 3 months
	using Mini-Pill, Implanon, or Depo-Provera	common side effect of progestin-only methods of birth control — drug is probably suppressing ovulation as well as period, effect may be prolonged; most common among new users of Norplant and long-term users of Depo-Provera
lighter / shorter period	any woman	missed ovulation (no egg released from ovary)
	sexually active	early pregnancy — some bleeding may occur on implantation; ectopic pregnancy — especially if accompanied by sharp pain on one side
	using the Pill	less endometrial build up, a common Pill side-effect
	using Mini-Pill, Implanon, or Depo-Provera	common side effect — drug is probably not suppressing ovulation if periods are regular
heavier / longer period	any woman	fibroids (benign uterine growth)
	sexually active	possible miscarriage, esp. if period is late and with severe cramps and clots in blood
	an IUD user	device may have irritated the uterine wall — a common IUD side effect
	using Mini-Pill, Implanon, or Depo-Provera	longer periods are a common side effect; heavier periods are a less common side effect, but iron supplements or discontinuation may be necessary
	new mother	an enlarged uterus, resulting in the accumulation of more lining; a cervix widened by childbirth releases more menstrual fluid at once with less cramping
bleeding / spotting between periods	any woman	stress; an infection, cyst, or polyp of the cervix, vagina, or uterus
	a new Pill user	breakthrough bleeding, common in first few months of use, may indicate brand of Pill is not right for user
	current Pill user	missed a pill or taken one late
	using Implanon Mini-Pill or Depo-Provera	a common side effect, especially during the first few months of using the Mini-Pill
	an IUD user	a local infection or inflammation caused by the device
	pregnant	normal hormone fluctuations in first trimester can cause spotting

 

Find out why a late period can be a sign of pregnancy in our pregnancy forum.

 

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