Is Maximum Delay in Periods Normal When Not Pregnant?

Many factors can affect the regularity of your period. While pregnancy is often the first thought as to why a period is running late, it’s not always the case. Period regularity can fluctuate for many reasons, including:
 
• Certain medical conditions.
• Drug use.
• Extreme weight fluctuations (gaining or losing).
• High levels of stress.
• Hormone fluctuations.
• If you’re breastfeeding.
• Illness.
• Rigorous exercise routines.
• Taking birth control.
• Taking certain medications.
• Variations in your sleep schedule.
 
Even if you have a fairly consistent menstrual cycle, fluctuations are completely normal over the course of one’s life. However, if you’ve missed more than two cycles, or are experiencing physical and/or emotional stress as a result of your late cycle, you should book in to see your gynecologist as soon as possible. 

A delayed period can last anywhere from a few days to a few months. If you’re not pregnant but you’ve missed more than two of your menstrual cycles, you should book in to see your primary care physician or your gynecologist as this may be indicative of an underlying condition. 
 
If you’ve had sex within this time frame, always check for the possibility of pregnancy. Whether it was protected or unprotected, there’s always a possibility of pregnancy that should be screened for first using a home pregnancy test.

A typical menstrual cycle takes place every 28 days but this can vary widely from person to person. Your menstrual cycle is still considered to be within normal ranges if it occurs within 20–40 days of your last cycle.
 
However, if you go more than six weeks without a period, it’s considered to be a missed cycle.
 
It’s important to note that pregnancy is not the only reason for a late period. Periods can be delayed by many other factors, such as exercising too much, excessive stress, changes in body weight, taking certain medications, and medical conditions. To rule out the possibility of pregnancy, try taking an at-home pregnancy test at least 21 days after you’ve had unprotected or protected sex. You can also book in with your doctor for a clinical pregnancy test.

If you’ve tested negative for pregnancy and have missed more than two consecutive periods, you should book in to see your primary care physician or your gynecologist. If you haven’t tested for pregnancy, your doctor may suggest a test to rule out the possibility.  
 
Your primary care physician will give you a thorough evaluation to check for any issues that may be causing your period to be irregular. They may also ask you about your medical history, family history, sexual history, any life or emotional changes that have occurred recently, any fluctuations they’ve noticed in your weight, and your lifestyle habits (including diet and exercise). They may also ask you about:
 
You should also book in to see your doctor if your period has stopped before the age of 45 or if you’re still bleeding after the age of 55, as this may indicate hormonal imbalances or dysfunction.
 
If you’re experiencing irregular periods and would like a professional medical evaluation, connect with us at Dr. Richard Beyerlein MD. Our medical team would be happy to assist you in getting back on the road to hormonal health. For more information about our gynecological services, contact us today. Or, when ready, you can book in online to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. We are conveniently located at 911 Country Club Rd. Suite 222, Eugene, OR 97401. We serve patients from Eugene OR, Springfield OR, Coburg OR, Creswell OR, Cottage Grove OR, Lowell OR, Junction City OR, and surrounding areas.