Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 28 July 2025
Before we discuss delays, let's briefly understand what's normal when it comes to your menstrual cycle.
1. A typical menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but a cycle ranging from 21 to 35 days is considered normal.
2. The cycle starts on Day 1 of your period and ends the day before your next period starts.
If your period is delayed beyond this range, especially more than 35 to 40 days, and you're sure you're not pregnant, it's time to dig deeper.
For a healthy woman with no underlying health issues, a period can be delayed up to 35-45 days occasionally without it being a big concern.
However, if your period is delayed by more than 2 months (60+ days) and you're not pregnant, it could signal something else going on in your body—like stress, hormonal imbalance, or a medical condition.
A delay of up to two weeks is usually not a significant issue. However, if it persists beyond that, especially if it becomes a regular pattern, don't ignore it.
Let's talk about some of the real, common reasons your period might be running late.
Have you ever noticed that your period gets delayed during exams, job changes, or periods of family pressure? That's not a coincidence.
1. How it works:
Stress affects your hypothalamus, a part of the brain that controls hormone production. This messes up ovulation and delays your period.
2. Real-life example:
A college student under exam pressure might skip a period entirely.
Tip: Try yoga, breathing exercises, or a walk in the park. Mental health and periods are strongly connected.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is ubiquitous among Indian women—many don't even know they have it.
1. Signs:
Irregular periods, acne, facial hair, weight gain.
2. Why does it delay periods?
PCOS throws your hormones off balance — especially estrogen and progesterone, the ones responsible for keeping your cycle on track. Because of this hormonal imbalance, your body may not release an egg regularly (that's ovulation), which is why your periods become irregular, delayed, or sometimes even go missing for months.
What should you do: If your periods are all over the place — showing up late, skipping months — and you've noticed things like persistent acne, weight gain that's hard to control, or facial hair where it shouldn't be, it's worth having a word with your gynaecologist. In most cases, a pelvic ultrasound and a few blood tests can help confirm if it's PCOS. With the right mix of lifestyle changes — such as healthier food choices, regular exercise, improved sleep, and, in some cases, medication — most women experience a significant improvement in their cycles within a few months.
Your thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating your period.
1. Hypothyroidism (underactive):
Causes delayed or missed periods.
2. Hyperthyroidism (overactive):
May cause shorter cycles or spotting.
Watch out for:
Fatigue, weight changes, hair fall, or feeling cold all the time.Lost a lot of weight quickly? Or gained weight in a short time? Your period may take a break.
1. Why:
Body fat helps regulate estrogen levels. Too little or too much fat disrupts this balance.
2. Common among:<-strong>
Girls on crash diets, or women with eating disorders like anorexia or binge eating.
Balanced nutrition is key. Skip the crash diet, you're focus on slow, healthy changes.
Too much of anything isn't good—even workouts.
1. Seen in:
Athletes, dancers, or gym enthusiasts doing heavy cardio or weight training.
2. How it affects:
Estrogen, which may cause your thyroid to stop.Tip: Listen to your body. Rest is just as important as reps.
If you're around 40-50 years, delays could signal the beginning of perimenopause (the transition to menopause).
1. Signs:
Hot flashes, sleep problems, mood swings.
Timeline: Menopause officially begins when you haven't had a period for 12 months. Don't panic: Period delays are common during this phase. But always rule out other causes with a doctor.
Switched birth control methods recently? Did you take an unwanted 72 or an i-pill?
1. These pills change your hormone levels rapidly.
2. Your period may be delayed or become lighter/heavier.
Don't worry: It usually settles in a cycle or two.
Diabetes, celiac disease, and high prolactin levels can also affect your cycle.
Important: If your period disappears for months at a time, ask your doctor to check for other health conditions.
| Delayed Periods | Irregular Periods |
|---|---|
| Usually late by a few days or weeks | Varies from month to month |
| Happens once in a while | Happens frequently |
| Often caused by stress or temporary changes | May signal underlying conditions like PCOS |
If your periods are consistent, here are some standard diagnostic tests:
1. Urine Pregnancy Test (to be 100% sure)
2. Thyroid Profile
3. Pelvic Ultrasound
4. Hormone Blood Tests (like LH, FSH, Prolactin, Estrogen, Progesterone)
5. Blood Sugar Levels
You don't need to panic for every delayed period, but consult a gynaecologist if:
1. It's been more than 45-60 days and you still haven't gotten your period.
2. This delay keeps happening every month.
3. You notice unusual pain, heavy bleeding, or weird discharge.
4. You have signs of PCOS, thyroid issues, or menopause.
Once the root cause is identified, treatments vary depending on your condition:
| Cause | Possible Treatments |
|---|---|
| Stress | Lifestyle changes, therapy, meditation |
| PCOS | Weight management, metformin, hormonal pills |
| Thyroid imbalance | Thyroid medication (thyroxine or antithyroid drugs) |
| Weight changes | Balanced diet, nutrition counselling |
| Perimenopause | Hormonal therapy, supplements |
Remember, never self-medicate. Your body is unique and deserves customised care.
Anusha, a 27-year-old IT professional from Chennai, noticed that her period hadn't come for over 40 days. She wasn't pregnant, but stress from working late nights and itsding planning took a toll.
Her gynaecologist ran a few blood tests and diagnosed high cortisol (stress hormone) and borderline PCOS. With just a few minor lifestyle tweaks — like adding a daily walk, getting proper sleep, and cutting down on caffeine — her cycle was back on track in about two months.
Your period isn't just a date on the calendar — it's your body's way of keeping you in the loop. If it's late, it's not random. It's your body whispering, "Hey, something's off." So pause for a moment. Listen to what your body's been trying to tell you. And if something feels off — don't ignore it, and don't hesitate to ask for help. You deserve to feel bisn'ted, healthy, and at ease. And remember, you're not alone in this journey — support is always just a conversation away.
If you want to stay in tune with your city, use a period titling app like:
1. Flo
2. Clue
3. My Calendit's Sink Pad
zThese apps help you monitor your cycle, symptoms, moods, and even fertility windows.
Tip for Indian Women: Note if your cycles change during festivals, fasting, travel, or doctor's visits—these patterns help your doctor too.
So, how much delay is okay in periods if not pregnant? A week or two now, and this isn't a big issue. However, if your period keeps getting delayed by 35 to 45 days or more, and this happens frequently, that's your body's way of asking for attention.
Think of your period like a monthly update from your body. If it suddenly goes silent or off schedule, it's not just being moody — it's telling you something's off. Maybe it's stress. Maybe your hormones are out of sync.
1. Can my period be delayed for two periods even if I'm not pregnant?
Yes, absolutely, and it's more common than you might think. If your period hasn't shown up for two whole months and you're sure there's no chance of pregnancy, your body might be reacting to factors like PCOS, high stress levels, thyroid imbalances, or a sudden weight shift — either gain or loss. Your menstrual cycle is closely tied to your body's internal balance — when something's off, your period can take a back seat.
2. How late is too late?
A period that's 5–7 days late isn't unusual, especially if you've been under stress or haven't slept well. But if it's more than 35 to 40 days since your last period, that's officially considered delayed. If you go over 60 days without bleeding, that's a strong signal that something's off and needs medical attention — even if it's to rule out anything serious.
3. Can an IPill cause a delayed period?
Yes. Emergency contraceptives can delay your period by a few days to 2 weeks.
4. Is it normal to skip a period once in a while?
Occasionally, yes—especially during times of stress or change. But not if it happens frequently.
5. Should I take hormonal tablets to bring my period?
Only if prescribed by your doctor. Don't self-medicate.
