A late period is usually a cause for panic – that is, if you’re not hoping to be pregnant and if you’re used to seeing your period turn up on time each month. With so many more of us tracking our periods with apps, we can become hyper-aware of a change to our cycle. Although it can cause worry and concern at first, this awareness is actually a good thing, because a late period is your body’s way of letting you know something is wrong.
If you’re not pregnant, then a longer cycle or seemingly missing period is a sign that your health is suffering. In fact, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises that medical professionals view the menstrual cycle as a vital sign and take abnormalities such as this seriously as indicators of a health issue.
What I call the “textbook reasons” for experiencing a late period include: pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, over-exercising , being underweight , or having cysts on your ovaries, i.e. PCOS. You might also find that your period takes a long time to re-start after you come off hormonal birth control like the Pill, Ring, shot or hormonal IUD.
If these situations are not what is causing your cycle changes, then it’s likely down to one or both of the two issues I’m about to describe. There’s no need for panic, though, both of these issues can be totally reversed and you’ll be back on track with your periods in no time. Reset your hormones with my free Hormone Detox program or start cycle-syncing your diet with a few major, important food groups. You also pick up a copy of my book “WomanCode” to learn more.
Why Your Period Might Go Missing
There are two common causes that go on to create a late period – sugar and stress. Too much of either of these is going to manifest in cycle issues – whether it’s increased cramps, worsened PMS, or a late period. And of course, sugar and stress seem to exist in their own special vicious cycle – feeding off of each other. We seek out sugar when we’re stressed out to sustain our energy and make us feel good.
For many women who otherwise experience regular cycles, they’ll find their period goes missing after the holiday season, in January, when sugar becomes a staple and stress seems unavoidable. You might start the new year feeling the pain of cramps, PMS and panic about your period if you’ve overindulged in either of these.
Reason for Your Late Period #1: Sugar
Sugar elevates insulin levels and leads to blood sugar dysregulation – spikes and dips. Too much sugar can slow or prevent ovulation altogether (something to note if you are trying to conceive). When ovulation is late or doesn’t happen at all, then your period will also be late as you won’t have gone through the necessary hormonal fluctuations to trigger this biological event.
When your ovary releases an egg, the egg sack then produces progesterone. The increase of progesterone in your body encourages the buildup and eventual release of the lining of your uterus (a.k.a. your period!). Without proper ovulation, low or no progesterone is produced by your body. A late period can then actually not be an official “period” as such, but more like breakthrough bleeding. There’s no biological signal for the period to start, but your uterus needs to shed its lining anyway.
The Flo-fix: “But, how can I avoid sugar?” I hear you ask! I get it – sugar feels like one of the hardest things to give up. There’s a difference between bad, processed sugar and the good, or much better, kinds of sugar. You can satisfy your sweet cravings without risking losing your period. Try out some better sugar alternatives by making my favorite desserts and treats.
Reason for Your Late Period #2: Stress
An overload of stress creates a disturbance in your cortisol levels, aka the stress hormone. Stress raises cortisol levels, increases inflammatory markers in the body, and disrupts adrenal-thyroid performance. When you’re stressed and cortisol is running high, your body’s supplies of the hormone progesterone are used to produce cortisol instead of going towards triggering the onset of your period.
Also, chronic stress resulting in elevated cortisol levels leads to elevated insulin levels which interrupts ovulation which sends an overarching message to your body that you are not in the right set of circumstances to carry a baby. Evolutionarily this makes sense – in the past, feeling stress meant we were in physical danger and therefore unable to care for or nourish a pregnancy. These days chronic stress can become a way of life – we are overworked and overstretched and under-rested as a norm – and so sometimes our bodies react in this way to protect us.
The Flo-fix: We all deal with stress sometimes, it’s unavoidable, but you shouldn’t be feeling wracked with stress every single day. If you’re getting so stressed out that your period goes missing, it’s time to take action. Practice my extreme self-care techniques and reconnect with your feminine energy.
You have it in your power to have a symptom free and delightful period every month. Investigate why your cycle is off, and take the right steps to get back in your FLO. Having those hormones balanced is the key to unlocking your most powerful self.
Always remember, that once you have the right information about how your body really works, you can start making health choices that finally start to work for you! You can do this – the science of your body is on your side!
to your FLO,
Alisa
Good things come in threes:
I want to hear from you!
First, do you experience late or missing periods regularly?
Second, do you have sugar cravings?
Third, everyone you know is hormonal – spread a little good ovary karma and share this article on social 😉
Need more Hormone Help?
If you’re needing some health upgrading, it’s time you started you looking into what’s going on with your hormones.
I’ve designed a 4 day hormone detox and evaluation to help you understand exactly what’s out of whack and how you can start getting back to balance so that your hormones no longer have to suffer.
Click here to get your FREE detox and evaluation!
Want a Better Period?
You don’t need to solve your period symptoms and issues all by yourself. I created the Balance by FLO Living supplement kit to give you the essential micronutrient support you need to have a symptom-free cycle. With Balance by FLO Living, you can start feeling better in just one month.
Targeted, high-quality supplements can fast track your hormonal healing. But so many supplements on the market aren’t up to the task. Women are wasting time and money on low-quality supplements that won’t do anything for their period problems.
If you’re ready to feel better, and have a better period by next month, start taking the Balance Supplement Kit Now! Click here to learn more.
https://www.floliving.com/cycle-syncing-supplements?utm_campaign=blogCTA
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My period went missing three years ago and has never come back. This is on a strict diet with no sugar, refined foods ect. So for me I think its the stress part, which is harder to control than food. Thanks for the reminder to focus on reducing stress.
Hi Aubrey!
Yes, stress! And remember that imbalanced blood sugar is a huge stressor, so look there as well. And get enough healthy protein and fats for your body!
XO
Alisa
Hi, happened the same to me I missed it for about 3 years until I started taking milk Thisel is the best ., try it I got it 2 months after I started the supplement
My period was always a 29-30 day cycle. Then I had a miscarriage, followed by a chemical pregnancy. Now I have had a 35 day cycle for the past 3 months. Should I work on getting it back to a 30 day somehow? Or is that normal.
Thank you
Hi Wendy,
You do want to get your cycle to shorten. Your body may be recalibrating after the miscarriage, so give it a little time. You can also read the WomanCode book to find ways to support your body and your cycle.
Supporting you!
Alisa
My period is about 30 days late and I’m not having no symptoms of being pregnant.. and I’m kinda scared , im only 18 years old and still in high school . Please help
Me too omg I’m soo confused idk what to do either I’m 17 btw
I had to cut down the amount of things I used to do in December because of the holidays. It was way too stressful and I always missed my period because of it. Once I started eating good raw fats and lowering the stress, I was able to balance my hormones and having regular cycles.
Congrats Amy!
Alisa
This is me right now… and I can’t wait for a few months from now when I can say that it’s no longer my story. This is why I signed up for HSS!
After the delivery of my baby I bled for some time then it stopped n I was spotting then d spotting bcame light, in late December I noticed d spotting became heavy again for like 4 days and then stopped completely.I don’t know what that is, could it be my period? if it is, im 6 days late, I’m breast feeding too.
Hi Faith,
Please go visit your obgyn and have some tests done and a transvaginal ultrasound – it is important to rule out cysts or polyps.
Alisa
After going off Birth Control in April 2015 my period has been very irregular. It was jump started with hormone drugs in October but since finding your book in January I hope to get it back naturally with watching what I eat! Thank you for your great info and knowledge – also for teaching me, at age 27, what my body actually does each month!!
Hi,
What if you are doing a hormone detox already and your period is late? I am doing a detox eating wholefoods, cutting out gluten and dairy products. Also, using a few supplements such as DIM. I am doing this for 3 months, the first period was on time. This one is late by a few days so far. Any ideas?
I had sex 2 days before my period without protection during those days i have been stressed out and my period is 3 days late , why and I also have been drinking alot of soda and unhealthy foods so I am no sure
Hi I’m going through the same thing and thoughts lol did your period ever come ?
Hi i havent started my period for 5 weeks….im defo nt pregnant but i did take levonelle and have a period after it but no period after that…i went to my g.p she said its nothing to wrry about…but i feel hungry fr a werk name..3 tests showed no pregnacy as i wasnt intimate that time eitha…i hve bin througha week of stress which i lost my voice wth but no period what to do plz help….im 32 …muslim
I am very excited to have sex I haven’t seen my husband in one year. My period should be here on February 26 2017 and it’s now February 28 2017. Can you tell me what went wrong. I never miss my period and it’s always on time
I have the same issue
Hey Britney did yours come, am three days late today and was to start on 26th also
I usually get my period towards the end of the month, usually starting on the 26th/27th. This past month of April, work has been very stressful and I’m wondering if that’s why I missed my period in April or why it’s late. I haven’t had sex in almost eight months so I’m ruling out pregnancy but I don’t think I’ve missed my period before. Does stress really delay or cause missed periods?
Absolutely!
Alisa
i have been on birth control injection for 10 years and i stopped last year 2016. so my question is how long does nur-isterate leave the body sysrem?
my periods are late, could i be pregnant?
I have my friend, got the first period at the age of 17 .She saw the period just twice and now she is 21 years old without to see it .what is the problem?
What can she do to get her cycle back?
Hi, I have missed period for 8 weeks. 5 years ago was diagnosed with hypothyroidism but has since stopped medication 2 years back. I guessed I had been through a lot of stress after going through a 7 year break up, thereafter, part time studies exam, high volume of work and just went for an interview in a company that I always wanted to join. My period was regular every month, but after my exams and the interview in November, my period has not been coming though I had the symptoms. I’m waiting for doc’s report since my last period was on 27 Oct. Will balancing my hormones help me get my period back as I’m stress since my period is not coming.
Umm so im 14 and this year 2018 in january i didnt get my period i was supposed to get it at 6th jan but its 11th now and i havent got it. I do not exercise extremely or i am not on a diet. I am not obese as well can u maybe suggest what may be the cause?
My boyfriend and I had unprotected sex 5 days before my period, but my period never came.. A few days later I had light spotting that only lasted a couple days. Could I be pregnant?
Hi Marissa, Yes, it is possible to get pregnant at this time.
Alisa
My period is 3 days late now and am very worried. Ive never missed any of my periods and not had sex either. I don’t know if it’s the stress of writing my first set of exam’s in the university with the aim of getting A ‘s that’s the course but am so worried. My last period was heavier than normal- could it be anaemia or just stress?
I am late right now by 3 days and I am usually pretty regular. No other sites were very detailed as to what causes hormonal imbalances. Then I remembered the Woman Code book that I need to finish and went on to this site to know what my late period was all about. Ta-dah! I was super stressed (between jobs and money worries) and as a result, I ate tons of refined sugar, a thing that I had stopped doing for a while. It all makes sense now that I think about it. Thank you so much for connecting the dots for me. I’m back on the long journey of hormonal rebalancing.
I am so glad you were empowered to make these connections! Keep it up!!
Alisa
I have a period same time every month, but this month i havent taken one. I have done a pregnancy test and its negative. Am so worried its something seriour
I stopped birth control last feburary, had a period in march, had a period in april but it was a little off and I haven’t gotten my period yet.
I stopped birth control last feburary, had a period in march, had a period in april but it was a little off and I haven’t gotten my period yet
Hello Flow Living – It has been around 2-3 years since my last normal cycle. Since then my period has been MIA and I know the two main reasons as you have stated are 1, Sugar and 2. Stress. It has been a struggle to conquer these but I am finally ready and have just finished your book. It has been amazing help so far and I am ready to do all it takes. Would you say start with the 4 day detox and then look at the moon cycle on where to base my diet ?? Also would you recommend taking Vitex? ive had a friend recommend this supplement but I’d like to know your opinion on what supplements are best to reduce stress and get your period back!
Thanks!
Niki
Has your period started I been having the same problem I haven’t seen my period in about 3 years
Hey I am 16 and I haven’t had my period in 6 months now and I am definitely not preganant I also for a history of miss periods of 3-5 months but it never passes 5 can u suggest to me what I am doing wrong or not doing?
Hi Rovita,
The first thing you want to do is to visit your Obgyn – he/she will be able to run some blood work and check your hormone levels and do a transvaginal ultrasound. Once you have some feedback you can start to work to heal naturally with the Flo Protocol. If you feel you want to speak with a coach at Flo to get some insights into what may be going on, please connect with us and we can get you in ASAP. You can sign up for a 30 minute consult via this link: https://www.floliving.com/counselor-consultation/
Alisa
i been on shot sence oct 24 2015 i got off may 2018 i still have no perid now it is september 3 2018 what is wrong
Is it okay if u missed a 1month of your period?
Am on paraguard IUD and on day 29 of my cycle but not seen my menses yet could I b pregnant? My cycle is usually 28 days but for the last 2 months it has been 26.
I am on the 29 day of my period and on paraguard IUD.I have not seen my menses yet could I be pregnant?my period is usually 28days but for the past 2months it has been 26days.am worried is my period late,missed or am I pregnant?
In August my period was 12 days late but I got it , I was supposed to have it at the start of September I got the cramps but no period, I was supposed to get it again at the end of September and still havent got it , so from the first missed period I’m 31 days late . And ive been cramping ever since .I havent been with anyone since may and I have had my period every month until September, is there anything you could tell me as to why it’s like this ?
Thanks , I’ve just been searching for information about this topic for a long time and yours is
the greatest I have came upon so far. However, what
concerning the bottom line? Are you sure concerning the supply?
I’m unmarried. In couple of months, I had have 3 to 5 days periods and than it turn into 2 to 3 days. Now i have no periods according to my date. Late month it was 9 October and now it has been 12 November.
I stopped my birth control pills in September and have my period 24 of October and have unprotected sex 3 of November when I was in my fertile period now my period is late for 7 days now because I was supposed to see it in on 21 November could I be pregnant but did pregnancy test which came negative
I have not had a period in two months. I keep feeling like I am going to start but I never do. I also, had my hands start to shake consistently. I am not sure if these are linked but i am starting to worry. I also found out I have major allergies this year and i have been on Zyrtec. I am also wondering if that is the cause. Can you offer any insight?
I gave birth on 13 April 2018.. Ive only had my period on May… June till December Im still waiting… Sometimes I feel nervous and makes me think Im sick…
Hi i had my period change its cycle last month to the 21st and now its almost the 28th of the following month i havent had my period i had signs of pms, and i have a sharp pain that comes and goes on my right side of the hip. Could i be pregnant or am i just worrying for no reason.
P.s i havent used protection or contraceptives before and never got pregnant because i was told i had a hormonal problem.
Hi Naome,
I would recommend that you see an Obgyn, if you have not already. Pregnancy is always a possibility while you have your uterus and ovaries intact. If you are not pregnant, it would still be a good idea to get a sense of what could be throwing you off – perhaps get some hormonal tests done.
Alisa
i had my mens one week ago and today i can see it coming please help me out what is the cause
Hello, I went off the pill in September 2018, had a normal period October and November. Through my fertile week I was some what intimate. December my period never came and January (today) it never came. I’ve taken 4 pregnancy tests and they all came back negative I don’t know what’s going on, is the pills the reason??
It is February 1st and I haven’t had a real period since the beginning of November. I bled for most 3 days in November and I haven’t seen my period since. I quit taking birth control at the end of October. My lower abdomen aches in pain sometimes which leaves me to believe I have a cyst. I’m unsure what to do about it.
Hi,
Hormonal disruption after being on the pill is very common! You will want to support your body to rebound and boost the specific hormones so that you can get your period back. You want to focus on gut health/digestion, micronutrient deficiencies, and liver support.
Alisa
So usually my period ranges. It is already february 20th and i’m getting nervous because usually it doesn’t come this late. I haven’t had sex or anything and i’ve never missed a period before. I have no clue what to do.
Hi I havent had my period for almost over a month now I had intercourse on the day I was ovulating I have been having alot of pregnancy symptoms it’s been almost 2 weeks since my supposed to be period I took a test but it was a cheap one and I dont think my hormones where up enough since I took it a few days after my supposed to be period that hasn’t come this isnt norm for me to miss over a month my mom even agrees it’s strange that my period hasn’t come I dont eat sweets and I dont over exercise nor have I been extremely stressed lately I’m wondering if I could be pregnant? I feel like i am for all the symptoms i have been having i even talked to my cousin that is a certified rn and she has two kids and recently had one and she believes I am and that I may have just tooken the test to early so I’m going to wait 3 weeks late of my supposed to be period then take a test but I would love your insight on this scenario please.
Hey I am going through the same thing what was your result?
i stop norist injection for 3-4month now,i missed my period, no pregnancy. should i take gynaecosid to get it back? help
I should’ve come on my period about 4/5 days ago, but still no sign of it.
I wonder if anyone can advise me on what is going on..
I had protected sex with my partner at the beginning of this month and he cummed inside the condom and it did not leak as there was no hole/split in the condom. However, we did have unprotected sex once a few weeks after this incident and this time, when he pulled out, his penis had pure white, thick cum on it and he knew it was not his. It most definitely looked like mine because guys’ cum is never thick and pure white, theirs is always runny and watery.
So anyone have any advice as to what happened and if this affects my period as I am still experiencing normal period symptoms, such as lower back pain, so i know my period is coming however, it is a few days late and i am getting worried as i have never missed or been late on my period.
So I had my period on February 18 and ended on the 24 so today Friday March 29 the cycle of mines was 40 days and I missed this whole March is it like normal?
This is happening to me
Hi. So normally my periods are very regular at 28 days. But I am currently on the 39th day of my cycle. I haven’t had sex yet so I don’t think I’m pregnant, unless you can somehow get pregnant from fingering. I’m freaking out that I am pregnant though and don’t know what to do or how to get my period back.
Hi Riley,
First step: make an appointment with your Obgyn. If you are not pregnant, then the other possibility is that your period is missing due to stress: sleep issues, micronutrient deficiencies, emotional stress, exercise induced… But the first thing is to rule things out and do some testing.
Alisa
Same is happening to my girlfriend she almost had 40+plus days since last normal monthly. She already had a pregnancy test but it was negative. The question is “is it possible to get pregnant by fingering or just touching or rubbing eachother personal area? Is that possible to get pregnant because the test was negative
Hello everyone well the last time I seen my period was feb28 and it left on March 2 but and it didn’t have a March which was due to come on March 28 I’m not on any kinda. Birth control is it possible that I could be pregnant ? But also there’s one other thing I’ve been having a lot of pelvic pains That comes and go and it’s been almost a week with the pelvic pains and when it comes as a very horrible feeling what should I do can anyone help me out there
Hi Tay, I would schedule an appointment with your Obgyn and get an ultrasound and some bloodwork – you want to look closer into this!
Alisa
Hi! My last period started Feb 25th abs lasted through March 3rd and I haven’t had another one yet and it is now April 9th. On March 18th I found out that I didn’t get into a program that I really wanted to get into and was really stressed. Could this be the reason for my missed period? I have never been sexually active so I know I am not pregnant. When can I expect my next period?
Hi Emily,
Yes, stress can influence your cycles! Every body is different. There is no way to predict when your next period will show up, it will depend on a host of variables: genetics, general state of health, and current diet and self care practices.
Alisa
I got my period feb 21. It was light and short. I had sex March 17th. Then got my period March 20. My period was due April 17th but it didn’t come. Not I’m cramping like crazy . I’m not filling a pad. Some small clots are being passed. Only when I wipe I see blood that medium red. Only when I pee I see red. Nothing on my pad so far. A lot of clots strings looking. ?? Am
I’m now getting my period after 6 days late. Or am I pregnant
I had my 4th child in December 2017 at 40 and 2 months. I got my first period at the end of October 2018. I have had a total of six periods around 26-29 days. I haven’t had one for 42 days from the first day of my last period. I took a pregnancy test when I was 8 days late and 14 based on a 28 days cycle. Both came out negative. What could be the cause?
Hi my husband and I have been TTC for a while now. My cycles are very irregular but usually come on cycle day 37. But today marks cycle day 44 and nothing. I’ve had a few symptoms that could be pregnancy symptoms. But I’m trying not to overthink. All tests I’ve taken have been negative. Is there any chance I could still be pregnant?
My period start on14.03.19.than I sex with my husband on26.03.19.in this time I take emergency pill.30.03.19 brown red bleeding start. Six days stay.to day is 34 days not period stat.what cause please reply me
Hi I have t had a period for 3 years and im only 20, could you help me try to figure out why I haven’t had a period, me and my husband are trying to have a baby but I don’t think I can have kids without a period for this long. PLEASE HELP!! ??
Hello,
My period has been out of balance lately. After a very stressful period in Janury (exams, lack of sleep, breakup) I got my period around day 21 which is strange in my case because normally I have 30-35 days cycles. Afte that, I got my period on time in 10th of March but it was very light. Now its been 2 months and I haven’t got my period yet, I’m starting to get worried. I should mention that I have a history of 1-2 missed periods during stressful periods. Do you think this time might be due to stress again? Thank you!
hi, i hv not seen my period since since the last 4 months wht could be the problem,and they find me with a cyst can it be a cause
I didn’t get my period for the month of April; my last period was on March 25th. I had tender breasts and slight cramping around the time I was due for my period in April. I took two tests and both were negative. Around May 6th, I started bleeding. It started off light, and actually remained light for 9 days. I changed my pad at least once a day. Normally, my flow would be so heavy I would wear 2 pads and change it twice a day. This time, I only wore one pad and changed it once a day. There was no blood clots, I didn’t have cramps like I normally would.
Then this morning, I went to the bathroom and noticed blood on my liner and when I wiped. I’m thinking it’s a second period to make up for the missed one. I put on a pad just in case, and nothing. Has anyone experienced this before? Is this normal?
My last period was on December 6th 2019 and till date
I’ve not seen my period what could be the reason
My period is 3 days late and I’m freaking out because it is never late I’m 15 and I scared I’m pregnant but it’s unlikely because I’m careful but I’m stressing over it so much now that I feel like it just won’t come now. Please help!!
I did not see my period last month will I see it this month?
I missed my period September and it came October, missed November it came December again miss January and I’m seeing it. Why is it happening so?
Me too I did not engage in any sexual intercourse and I don’t have any symptoms that prove am pregnant what should be the case?
Well I have engaged in sexual relations about a week okay but its been about two weeks and I come on like clock work no matter what tha situation is stress sugar I havent gotten pregnant in nine years that how old my oldest is and I do want to have another baby yes I do I am guilty yes stress more than ever but never miss a period and I just had a pap smear in February everything is good so i dont know what’s going on i have to wait longer to detect anything so i am told very anxious…
I have the flo app that always tels me when I’m about to get my period last month it late I was stressing why I did not get it on time I thought I might be pregnant but test came negative and I finally get my period this month I had sex with my partner suppose to get my period but I totally did not get it this month and I’m worried why my period is not on time
In december i got my period from the 15th-19th which is normal. I had to take a plan b and it caused me to have a second period from december 28th to january 1st. my period is scheduled to come january 27th. but my app keeps changing my date. when i looked at february, it says i will not have a period. i took 4 tests and they’re negative. should i be worried ?