15 Things to Do When Periods are Late

Looking for an answer to what to do when periods are late? Well, If your period is late, it could be due to a variety of factors such as stress, changes in weight, or certain medications. The first step is to take a pregnancy test to rule out the possibility of pregnancy. If the test is negative, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the cause of the delay and to discuss any necessary next steps. They may recommend a pelvic exam or blood test to help determine what may be causing the delay in your period.

15 things you can do when periods are late

Here are few things you can do when you have your late periods:

• Check your calendar

If you are unsure of when your period is due, make sure to double-check your menstrual calendar or period tracking app. Sometimes, a delay in your period can be due to a simple miscalculation of the date.

• Make an appointment with your healthcare provider

They can help determine the cause of your late period and offer appropriate treatment. They may also perform a physical exam and may recommend additional tests such as blood work or an ultrasound.

• Consider your menstrual cycle

If your menstrual cycle is usually irregular, it may be normal for it to be late occasionally. If you have a history of irregular periods, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about it.

• Check your birth control methods

If you are using any form of birth control, it is important to make sure you are using it correctly. Certain types of birth control such as the birth control pill can cause changes in your menstrual cycle.

Check your birth control methods if you experience late periods, as it could indicate that the method is not working properly. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

-Hormonal birth control methods, such as the pill, patch, or ring, can cause changes in your menstrual cycle. If your periods are consistently late, it may be a sign that you need to adjust your dosage or switch to a different method.

-Barrier methods, such as condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps, do not affect your menstrual cycle. If your periods are late, it may be a sign of pregnancy or another underlying condition.

-Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods such as IUDs, injections, and implants, can change menstrual patterns and some may cause light or no periods or irregular bleeding patterns.

-If you suspect that your birth control method is not working properly, it is important to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can help you determine the cause of the late period and recommend an appropriate course of action.

Remember that even when using birth control methods, there is always a small chance of pregnancy, so it’s always good to rule that out as a cause of a late period.

Also Check: How to Get periods overnight?

• Keep track of your symptoms

If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms such as cramping or breast tenderness, make note of them and share them with your healthcare provider.

• Check for any medication side effects

Some medications, such as antidepressants or blood pressure medication, can cause changes in your menstrual cycle.

Certain medications can cause changes in your menstrual cycle and make your periods late. Some examples include:

1. Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants can affect ovulation and cause changes in your menstrual cycle.
2. Blood pressure medication: Beta-blockers and diuretics can cause changes in your menstrual cycle.
3. Hormonal medications: Birth control pills, patches, injections, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) all contain hormones that can affect your menstrual cycle.
4. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy can cause changes in your menstrual cycle, and may cause your periods to become irregular or stop altogether.
5. Anti-inflammatory drugs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can affect ovulation and cause changes in your menstrual cycle.

• Take care of yourself

Stress, changes in weight, and other lifestyle factors can affect your menstrual cycle. Try to relax and maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.

• Check for any underlying medical conditions

Certain medical conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders can cause changes in your menstrual cycle.

Also Check: Is PCOS the cause of painful periods?

Certain underlying medical conditions can cause changes in your menstrual cycle, and make your periods late. Some examples include:

1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause irregular periods and difficulty getting pregnant.
2. Thyroid disorders: An overactive or underactive thyroid can affect your menstrual cycle, causing it to become irregular or for periods to stop altogether.
3. Uterine fibroids: These benign tumors in the uterus can cause heavy or prolonged bleeding, and can affect the regularity of your periods.
4. Endometriosis: A condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it and can cause heavy, painful periods and even infertility
5. Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, such as high levels of prolactin, can cause changes in your menstrual cycle.

• Consider your age

As women age, their menstrual cycles may become less regular. This is due to changes in hormones that occur as a woman approaches menopause. The following are the age-related changes that can cause late periods:

1. Perimenopause: As a woman enters perimenopause, which typically occurs in the 40s, her menstrual cycle may become irregular. Periods may be shorter or longer, heavier or lighter, and may come more or less often.
2. Menopause: When a woman reaches menopause, typically between the ages of 45 and 55, her periods will stop altogether.
3. Postmenopause: After menopause, some women may experience irregular bleeding, which can be caused by changes in the uterus or cervix.

If you are experiencing late periods and you are of an age where these changes are expected, it is still a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider to rule out any other possible causes.

• Track your basal body temperature

Your basal body temperature is your temperature when you are completely at rest. Tracking this temperature can help you identify patterns in your menstrual cycle and predict when your period is due.

Tracking your basal body temperature (BBT) is a way to predict when your period is due and identify patterns in your menstrual cycle. Your BBT is your temperature when you are completely at rest, and it changes slightly throughout your menstrual cycle.

Here are the steps to track your basal body temperature:

1. Use a basal thermometer: A basal thermometer is a special thermometer that can measure temperature to the tenth of a degree. 
2. Take your temperature first thing in the morning: Before you get out of bed, place the thermometer under your tongue or in your armpit and wait for the thermometer to beep.
3. Record your temperature: Write down your temperature in a journal or use a period tracking app.
4. Track your temperature over time: As you track your temperature over time, you will notice patterns in your menstrual cycle. Your temperature will be lower before ovulation, and then it will rise after ovulation.
5. Consult with your healthcare provider: If you are having trouble interpreting your BBT or if you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider.

• Avoid unnecessary stress

Stress can affect your menstrual cycle and make your periods late. Stress can disrupt the balance of hormones in your body, which can affect ovulation and the regularity of your menstrual cycle. Stress can also cause changes in weight, which can also affect your menstrual cycle.

Here are some ways to avoid stress:

1. Practice relaxation techniques: Yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
2. Get enough sleep: A lack of sleep can increase stress and affect your menstrual cycle.
3. Exercise regularly: Exercise can reduce stress and improve overall health.
4. Talk to someone: Sometimes, talking to someone about what’s causing your stress can help you find solutions and relieve stress.
5. Prioritize your time: Try not to take on more than you can handle, and make sure to schedule in time for yourself and things you enjoy.
6. Seek professional help: if you feel that your stress is overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek professional help, such as a therapist or counselor.
7. Avoid caffeine and alcohol: These can disrupt your sleep and contribute to stress.

Stress can affect everyone differently, so finding what works for you may take some experimentation and trial and error.

• Get enough sleep

Sleep is important for overall health, and a lack of sleep can affect your menstrual cycle.

Getting enough sleep is good for your overall health, and it can also help regulate your menstrual cycle. Lack of sleep can disrupt the balance of hormones in your body, which can affect ovulation and the regularity of your menstrual cycle.

Here are a few ways to ensure you get enough sleep:

1. Make a regular sleep schedule: You should try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
2. Avoid screens before bedtime: The blue light emitted by screens can suppress melatonin production and make it harder to fall asleep.
3. Wind down before bed: Try to relax before bedtime by reading a book, meditating, or listening to soothing music.
4. Avoid caffeine and alcohol: These can disrupt your sleep and make it harder to fall asleep.
5. Avoid heavy meals before bedtime: Eating a heavy meal before bed can cause discomfort and make it harder to fall asleep.
6. Get regular exercise: Regular physical activity can improve the quality of your sleep.

Everyone’s sleep needs are different, so it may take some experimentation to find what works for you. If you are having trouble sleeping, it’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider.

• Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water is important for overall health, and it can also help regulate your menstrual cycle.

-Drinking water, herbal tea, or other non-caffeinated beverages can help keep you hydrated

-Avoiding diuretics, such as alcohol and caffeine, can also help prevent dehydration

-Eat foods that are high in water content, such as fruits and vegetables, to help keep hydrated

-Stay hydrated can help alleviate cramps and bloating during menstrual period

• Take a pregnancy test

The most common cause of a late period is pregnancy, so the first step should be to take a pregnancy test. You can purchase a home pregnancy test or visit your healthcare provider for a blood or urine test.

• Try herbal supplements

Herbal supplements can be a natural alternative to alleviate menstrual cramps, bloating and other symptoms. Some examples of herbal supplements that may be helpful during your menstrual period include:

–Ginger: has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce cramps and pain

–Turmeric: Has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce cramps and pain

–Evening primrose oil: can help reduce breast tenderness and cramps

–Vitex: can help regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate PMS symptoms

You should always talk to your healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplements, as some may interact with other medications you’re taking or may not be suitable for certain health conditions. Also, some supplements may have side effects and could be contraindicated with certain medications.

Related: What are the reasons for late periods?