13 Possible Causes of Maximum Delay in Periods if Not Pregnant

Reports show 50% of women in India have irregular menstrual cycles. This is a major health concern, as it may lead to health issues like infertility, PCOS, and infertility. 

The average length of the menstrual cycle is 28-30 days, but the number varies depending on the person. Pregnancy is the go-to thought for delay in periods. Nonetheless, it is not the only cause. There are various causes of maximum delay in periods if not pregnant. 

This blog will discuss 13 possible causes other than pregnancy for the maximum delay in periods. 

Is Maximum Delay in Periods Normal if you are not pregnant? 

Pregnancy is not the only cause of delay in periods. Your periods may be late because of hormonal problems, menopause, or excessive weight changes. Besides, medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic stress, and PCOS may also affect your menstrual cycle. Normal period fluctuations are completely normal over time in life. However, if there is 7 a 7-day period with no pregnancy symptoms, consult a gynecologist. 

13 Causes of Maximum Delay in Periods 

Stress and weight gain are considerable factors that can cause a delay in periods. However, if you have no serious medical condition, your period cycle should start within 24 to 38 days of your last period, depending on your usual cycle. Here are 13 causes and signs of a period coming late, not pregnant. 

• Stress 

If you have ever visited a gynecologist about your periods,,they would first ask ‘Are you stressed?’ or ‘Is something bothering you?’ Stress is the most likely cause of period delay or an irregular cycle. 

Stress hormones trigger the release of cortisol (a hormone) that can interfere with other hormones responsible for your menstrual cycle. Chronic stress may create a halt in ovulation, leading to a missed period. 

• Fluctuation in Weight 

Extreme weight loss or weight gain can be a culprit for your body. Your body needs some amount of fat to produce hormones for menstruation. However, a major weight change may lead to missed periods. This condition applies to women involved in physical activity, are athletes, and have eating disorders. 

• Taking Birth Control pills

Birth control pills such as IUDs, capsules, or implants can cause irregular menstrual cycles or even put a temporary stop on your period cycle. These pills can make your period lighter, longer, heavier, or more irregular menstrual cycles. Additionally, these pills may make your periods less painful. 

• Perimenopause 

For women in their late 30s and 40s, missed periods can be a sign of perimenopause. It is a transition phase before menopause. Hormone levels fluctuate widely, leading to a delay in periods even if not pregnant. During this transition phase, Perimenopause can make your periods lighter, heavier, early, or delayed. 

• PCOS 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that causes hormonal imbalances and metabolism problems. It can cause delays in periods and impact overall health and appearance. PCOS can also cause infertility. 

• Thyroid Issues 

An overactive and underactive thyroid can cause a delay in periods without being pregnant. Your thyroid gland regulates your body’s metabolism by releasing hormones, which are important to prevent delay in periods and maintain a regular menstrual cycle. 

• Medications 

Over-the-counter medications may affect hormone levels and blood flow, causing periods to be delayed. Women should consult with a doctor before taking medications. Certain medications, such as antidepressants, thyroid medications, seizures, and some chemotherapy medications, may cause irregular or delayed periods. 

• Menopause 

The average age of menopause is 51 years. However, premature menopause can begin in people younger than 40, while early menopause is between the ages of 40 and 45 years. Menopause can happen as soon as you reach the age you will no longer menstruate or ovulate. 

• Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) 

POI is another cause of delay in periods if not pregnant. It can happen when your ovaries stop functioning normally, probably when women reach the age of 40. Some people also call this premature ovarian failure.

The exact cause of POI is still unknown. However, it can be related to the functioning of the follicles. This may cause irregular periods and fertility problems, even before the age of perimenopause. 

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) 

Pelvic inflammatory disease is a bacterial infection that occurs after exposure to a sexually transmitted infection (STI). STI doesn’t always lead to delay in the period. However, it may happen with PID. You may also experience abdominal pain, fever, irregular periods, and pain during sex. 

• Obesity 

Obesity affects estrogen and progesterone, which is connected with delay in periods. Obesity is a major cause of diseases, which may even lead to infertility. Practice healthy activities like eating a balanced diet and regular physical activity to maintain your body mass index (BMI). Maintaining a healthy weight can also curb health issues and regulate menstrual cycles. 

• Chronic Diseases 

People dealing with chronic disease may often see fluctuations or a delay in periods, even if they are not pregnant. Chronic diseases such as liver dysfunction, celiac disease, ovarian cysts, pituitary tumors, diabetes, and disease of the adrenal gland. 

Other conditions, such as Turner syndrome and androgen insensitivity, can cause menstrual and fertility problems. These congenital conditions are associated with amenorrhea. 

• Extreme Physical Activity 

Extreme exercise may cause mutations in the pituitary and thyroid hormones, which can delay the period. Working out for an hour or two may not affect the menstrual cycle, but excessive exercise may cause hormonal changes. 

If you are planning to exercise and wonder if it may cause a delay in the period, contact a medical healthcare provider. They may plan accordingly, which may include: 

• Indulging in stretching techniques to reduce physical stress 
• Planning a diet with nutritious foods that boost your energy levels and prevent the delay in periods. 

7 days late period, no pregnancy symptoms 

• Hair Loss 
• Breast discharge or milk production 
• Excess hair growth 
• Fever 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Vision changes 
• Abdominal pain 
• Recurring headaches 
• Chills 

Tips to Treat Delayed Period

• Make a habit of eating a healthy diet. 
• Indulge more in stress management practices and exercises. 
• Incorporate medications (after doctor’s prescription) for thyroid issues, PCOS, or other health problems, causing a delay in periods. 
• Hormonal therapies can help regular menstrual cycles. 

The Bottom Line 

A delay in periods if not pregnant can happen because of the above-listed reasons, like stress, weight change, excessive exercise, PCOS, and thyroid disorder. Before you make any conclusions, it is advisable to consider all the points and take steps accordingly. Hence, make proper evaluations, management, and treatment if you have missed more than one period.