What are signs of a late period?

Reasons for a Late Period, Missed Period or Irregular Period

There are a number of reasons why you may have an irregular, missed or late period, ranging from stress to more serious medical conditions.

Common causes of irregular periods include:

* Uncontrolled diabetes — If you have uncontrolled diabetes, you may have irregular periods because the interaction between your blood sugar levels and hormones can disrupt your menstrual cycle.

* Eating disorders — If you have an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia, you may have irregular or missed periods. This is because your body is not producing and circulating enough hormones to control your menstrual cycle.

* Hyperprolactinemia — Women who have too much of a protein hormone called prolactin in their blood can have irregular periods.

* Medications — Certain medications, including anti-epileptics and antipsychotics, can cause irregular periods.

* Polycystic ovary syndrome — PCOS is caused by imbalanced sex hormones, which can disrupt regular menstruation.

* Premature ovarian failure — The ovaries of women with POF stop working before the age of 40, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, some women with this condition continue to have occasional periods.

* Stress — Stress hormones can affect menstruation and prolonged stress can cause your period to be delayed or for you to skip it entirely.

Also, when you first begin menstruating, it may take some time time before your period becomes regular. Your period may become irregular up to eight years before menopause.