Dear Doctor,
I am a 24 year old girl, mostly healthy. But I have a late period . It is late by more than 2 months. I have done a pregnancy test but it is negative. What else can it be?
Patient X
Dear X,
A late period can occur due to many causes.
Please let me know the following details :
- Do you always get regular periods?
- When did you get your last period?
- Are you on any birth control method?
- Do you have diabetes in your family?
- Do you know your hemoglobin and blood sugar levels?
Dr. M.D.Mazumdar,
Aries Clinic
Dear Doctor,
Yes, I always get my periods more or less on time. A late period by 2 months is very uncommon. Sometimes, it gets delayed by 2-3 days. I got my last period on 23rd October. I am not on any birth control pills or any other birth control method.
My mother is diabetic and is on a medicine called Metformin. My grandmother also had diabetes. I do not know my hemoglobin and blood sugar levels.
Thanks,
Patient X
Dear Patient X,
A menstrual cycle is said to be normal if it ranges between 21 – 45 days. So, a menstrual cycle which is usually about 28 days may be normally delayed or occur earlier by 7 days.
But a period delay of 2 months is not normal. It needs to be evaluated.
A late period can occur due to many causes: Stress, both mental or physical, low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism), high prolactin levels ( Hyperprolactenemia), high blood sugar levels (diabetes), low iron levels etc.
An important cause is PCOS – a condition in which there is irregular or delayed periods.
Please consult your doctor – you will need a physical examination, blood tests for the hormonal levels and an ultrasound to check your ovaries and uterus.
Dr.M.D.Mazumdar,
Aries Online Clinic
Thank you, doctor.
I will get these tests done.
I am glad I could help with your late period.
Let me know if you need more information.
Dr. M.D.Mazumdar
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