Why Your Period Might Be Running Late

A late period isn’t always a red flag or a sign of pregnancy; often, it’s just your body’s way of saying, “Slow down and let me get back on track.” Here’s a not-at-all-complete list of some of the many (and we mean many) reasons your period might be running late, along with some gentle tips to encourage its return.

1. Stress

High stress can throw off your hormone balance by delaying ovulation, pushing back your period. If life’s been hectic, your body might need a timeout. Try managing stress with deep breathing, light exercise, or journaling, but avoid overdoing it—intense workouts can also delay your cycle.

2. Sleep

Your body thrives on rhythm, especially sleep. An irregular sleep schedule can mess with hormone production and disrupt your cycle. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. If that's not realistic, aim for at least 8 hours and try staying away from screens an hour before bed.

3. Change

Big shifts in routine or environment, including travel, can nudge your cycle off track. Your body might just need time to adjust, and it’ll likely bounce back once things stabilize.

4. Hormones

Starting or switching birth control can cause your body to take a while to adjust, leading to delays. Hormonal imbalances from conditions like thyroid issues or PCOS can also affect regularity.

5. Age

If you’re new to periods or approaching menopause, irregular cycles are common as your body adjusts to changes.

6. Illnesses

Sickness, like a cold or flu, can delay your period. Chronic conditions such as diabetes or celiac disease can also impact regularity.

7. Medication

Starting or stopping certain medications can interfere with your hormonal balance and affect your cycle as your body adjusts.

8. Nutrition

Deficiencies in key nutrients like iron or vitamin D, as well as rapid weight changes, can impact your menstrual regularity.

9. Pregnancy

While it’s the first thought for many, pregnancy is just one of many possibilities. If your period is late and there’s a chance you could be pregnant, it’s a good idea to take a test for clarity.

In most cases, a late period is your body's way of pausing and trying to rediscover its rhythm. Remember to use the Stardust app to log your symptoms, so it's easy to chat with a healthcare professional to make sure everything's on track.