7 Reasons Your Periods Might Be Late: A Complete Guide for Women’s Health

A delayed period can cause unnecessary stress and confusion, especially when you're unsure of the reason. While pregnancy is a common cause, it’s not the only one. Hormonal changes, lifestyle shifts, and underlying health issues may also affect your cycle. Here are the 7 most common reasons your periods might be late, explained by women’s health expert Dr. Radhika Bansal. 1. Weight Changes Sudden weight loss or gain can impact your hormonal balance and disrupt your menstrual cycle. 2. Thyroid Issues An underactive or overactive thyroid can alter your cycle by affecting hormone production. 3. Pregnancy The most common reason—if you’ve had unprotected sex, take a pregnancy test. 4. Stress High stress levels can delay ovulation, which in turn can delay your period. 5. Birth Control Changes Switching or stopping contraceptives can cause temporary changes in your cycle. 6. Perimenopause Hormonal fluctuations during the years before menopause can cause irregular periods. 7. Polycystic O...