Why is my Period late?

I am a 24 year old girl, mostly healthy. My period is late by about 1 month. . I have done a pregnancy test but it is negative. Why is my period late?

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