Besides pregnancy, what are some reasons for a delayed/or even missed period? Should/when be worried?

Question

my period was always pretty regular, usually exactly 28 days between periods. however, the past few times its been a little late, but I wasn't worried.
But now, its been about 40+ days since I had my last period. Besides pregnancy, what are some reasons for a delayed/or even missed period. Should I be worried? When should I take action?

*i'm 20 years old/College Student

Answer 1

here are some reasons for delayed or missed period are
Do you eat a healthy, well-balanced diet? Women who are malnourished or extremely underweight often experience amenorrhea(missed or delayed periods). This occurs often in women with eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.
How much do you workout? Do you dance or engage in sports? Vigorous exercise or athletic training can cause amenorrhea.
Have you had your thyroid checked? Millions of Americans suffer from undiagnosed thyroid disease -- another possibility that should be explored by your physician.
Do you have a chronic illness? If you have a chronic illness, or have been sick for an extended period, your menstrual cycle may be temporarily delayed. Once your body is well your period will usually return.
Although rare, a pituitary tumor (a usually benign tumor) can cause an overproduction of prolactin which can interfere with the regulation of your menstrual cycle.
If you have missed 3 or more menstrual cycles, and you haven't already sought professional medical advice, it's time to seek medical care to determine the underlying cause. Only a qualified health care provider can determine the cause of amenorrhea. You should also be alert to other signs that signal a need for medical attention. These signs include:

Headaches
Hair loss
Vision changes
Breast secretions or milk production
Your doctor has several choices for diagnosing the cause of amenorrhea. He can do a progestin challenge with 7 to 10 days of medication to see if it triggers bleeding. This will tell him if menstruation stopped because of a lack of estrogen. Thyroid disease and pituitary disorders can be determined by blood testing. Pituitary tumors can be detected with diagnostic imaging equipment

Answer 2

Stress can be one reason. You could be stressed without realising it. This includes worry.
There is also "Phantom" pregnancies.
If you think you may be pregnant it creaes worry, therefore delaying your period, which creates more worry - a viscious cycle. I know how bad it is because it's happened to me.
If you think you have little reason to be pregnant (e.g. youve been safe) then just try and realx and wait for another to come along. If you think you may be, just wait out until your next period would usually be due and if still nothing happens then go to the doctors to have a test - it's confidential. Or get a test from the pharmacy, or get someone to get one for you if you're too afraid/embarrassed. Good luck.

Answer 3

One important thing you've not said is what is yoiur age????

What strikes me immediately, from what info. you have given is that you could be perimenopausal or menopausal. This would have a big impact on your flow, your timing of cycles, how long the cycles are.

The only other thing I can think of are due to stress. If you have a delicate constitution or "system", then worrying about not having could be keeping you from having it. The posters above offered some good other possibilities: Eating disorder, chronic illness, excessive exercise, etc.

After that, if it's not time for your annual, maybe it's time to speed that appointment up...like next week if only to soothe your mind and ease your concerns.

Answer 4

Well, acording to the Biology book i studied, the lack of Progesterone hormone will affect the period. It will cause the women to stop period, have period but without following the exact time or unable to pregnant. So, get medical check up or see gynaecologist is the best way to know that your health is in problem or not. -_-lll

Answer 5

Eating disorders will stop your period, that's the only other reason I know of besides pregnancy, well maybe endromitiosis(spelling?), but it usually does the opposite, meaning it makes periods worse.

Answer 6

Stress, dietary changes with extreme weight loss and menopause are a few other reasons for amenorrhea.

Get some blood work done to be sure- to check out your hormone levels.

Answer 7

as women our bodies go through alot of changes that may cause our periods to be late or even miss a month. stress can also cause is to be late or miss a period. if you don't start soon I suggest that you go see the doctor to see whats going on. as we get older our bodies go through alot of change

Answer 8

my periods have been always irregular although i am 17. this time it got delayed by more than 4 months then i went to my gynaec who gave me homeopatheic med to balance the hormones first and then after 20 days i still didnt get periods then on 21st day i went to her . i was quite tensed like u. so she gave gave me med to get them then next day i got it.. phew it really made me quite worried and now i am happy that i finally got it. so dont worry much. u may be having hormonal problems like me. so get them on track. just cheer my frnd.

Answer 9

ok u should go to your doctor IMMEDIATELY the longer you delay a pregnancy test, the longer u delay top priority PRE-NATAL CARE. i'd say the odds are, you are DEFINETLY pregnant! there are other causes for delayed period tho, like change in diet, change in stress levels, change in physical activity....things like that also, just plan hormonal changes....such as the ones you experience during PREGNANCY. i have a strong psychic vibe that you ARE having a baby. its a lil boy. do not terminate this pregnancy. this boy has a very important role to play in the world. hurry and go to the doctor or the emergency room RIGHT AWAY.

Answer 10

Stress, excessive exercise, take a pregnancy test