When Will I Get My Period? Possible Causes for Delays

A young woman usually finds it confusing to understand her menstrual cycle at first. This is especially true in cases where cycles are not regular for any reason. This leads to a common question: “when will I get my period?”

For a woman with a menstrual cycle of 28 days, which is the average cycle duration, the periods usually come after every 28 days [1]. This means there is usually a 28-day gap between the first day of your period in the present cycle and the first day of your next menstrual period.

However, the regular menstrual cycle can change for several reasons, leading to delayed periods. In some cases, some women may even skip periods, which makes them wonder if they are pregnant.

How the Female Reproductive Cycle Functions?

To understand when to expect periods and what can cause a delay, you first need to understand your reproductive cycle. A female reproductive cycle is the process by which her body prepares for the possibility of pregnancy [2].

This cycle occurs every month, and different hormones regulate its changes. These changes include the formation of specialized structures, such as the uterine lining, to support a potential pregnancy [2].

The four main stages of a menstrual cycle are:

1. Menstrual Phase: Menstrual phase is commonly known as periods and it marks the start of your reproductive cycle. During periods, the uterine lining breaks down and exits the body as menstrual flow. If you get pregnant during your cycle, the menstrual phase or periods do not occur, and the cycle stops until delivery.
2. Follicular Phase: In this phase, your body recovers from the periods and starts to prepare for a possible pregnancy. The release of follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates the ovaries to start maturing an egg [2].
3. Ovulation: Ovulation is the time when one of the two ovaries releases a mature egg ready for fertilization. It is the most fertile time for any woman and planning intercourse during this time maximizes the chances of conception.
4. Luteal Phase: After the ovulation, your body prepares the uterus to receive a fertilized egg. If there is no sperm to fertilize the egg and no pregnancy happens, the cycle starts over with the menstrual phase.

Patterns In the Female Reproductive Cycle

Every woman’s cycle is unique and the duration and regularity of the cycle varies. Some women have very regular cycles and they get their period on almost the same day each month. In contrast, some may have cycles that change from month to month.

It is common for a young woman to experience irregular cycles after she first starts having periods [3]. Your menstrual cycle pattern may change as you age. For example, during the first few years after your period starts, you may notice that the length of your cycle is not consistent.

With time, most women understand the pattern of their cycle and are able to predict days like periods or ovulation precisely. One way to understand the pattern of your cycle is by tracking your cycle for several months.

By marking the start and end of your period, you can learn more about the length and patterns of your cycle. This can help you answer your question, “when am I getting my period?”

What Can Cause a Delay in Periods?

There are many reasons why you may experience a delay in your periods. Some reasons are natural which you can not control, while others may need a doctor’s attention. Here are some common causes for a delayed period, and how you can manage those causes:

1. Stress

Stress can lead to an imbalance of hormones that regulate your period. Studies also show that experiencing chronic stress can delay ovulation, which translates to a delay in periods [4]. Stress releases cortisol hormones, which negatively impact your fertility health.

You can manage stress levels with the help of relaxing techniques like deep breathing exercises and meditation. If you feel the need, you can also consult a professional for help.

2. Changes in Weight

A woman's weight is a major factor in determining her fertility health. Studies show that being overweight or obese can lead to menstrual irregularities and reduced chances of conception [5]. Obese women also have a higher risk of miscarriages.

Similarly, being underweight also causes hormonal imbalances that may delay periods. This can make it challenging to conceive or give birth to a healthy child. You can maintain a healthy weight by focusing on a balanced diet and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.

3. Excessive Exercise

Physical activity to a certain level is beneficial for hormonal balance and menstrual regularity. However, excessive exercise can stress the body and harm reproductive health. It may cause ovulation to occur later than expected, leading to delayed periods.

It is best to practice light to moderate exercises if your goal is to improve reproductive health and menstrual irregularities. Examples can include brisk walking, jogging, and swimming.

4. Health Conditions

Sometimes, the hormones that control your cycle do not work as expected. This occurs mostly due to health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid problems [6].

These conditions can change the pattern of your reproductive cycle, leading to delayed periods. Getting proper medical care for these conditions can improve reproductive health and help restore a regular menstrual cycle.

For women experiencing irregular cycles, maintaining balanced hormones is crucial for reproductive health. A supplement like Conceive Plus Ovulation Support can help regulate ovulation and support menstrual cycle regularity, particularly for those with hormonal imbalances or conditions like PCOS.

5. Travel and Changes in Routine

Traveling can delay periods due to stress, time zone changes, and disrupted sleep. Long flights and shifts in routine can confuse your body's internal clock. Changes in diet and physical exhaustion from traveling may also impact ovulation, leading to temporary disturbances in your menstrual cycle.

6. Medications

Some medicines can influence your hormonal balance and lead to problems with menstrual regularities. For example, birth control pills or other hormone treatments may affect when you get your period. So, if you start to experience a delay in your periods after starting any medication, talk to your doctors about it.

Remember that one late period does not always mean something is wrong, or you need medical attention. Many of the causes of menstrual irregularities are temporary. However, if you notice frequent delays in your periods or other unusual symptoms, it is a good idea to consult a doctor.

Can a Delay in Period Be Due to Pregnancy?

A late period can often make you wonder whether it's due to natural cycle fluctuations or if you might be pregnant. If you're unsure, understanding the differences between a late period or pregnancy can help you determine the next steps.

When you are trying to conceive, a missed or delayed period can be a sign of pregnancy. When a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, the body stops the menstrual cycle. This is why many women notice a missed period as the first indication of pregnancy.

However, a late period does not always mean you are pregnant. Other factors such as stress, weight changes, and illness can also cause a delay or skipping of periods. If you think you might be pregnant, the best step is to take a pregnancy test. You can get a home pregnancy test kit and test to confirm pregnancy from the comfort of your home.

Tips for Tracking Your Menstrual Cycle

Tracking your reproductive cycle can help you understand your cycle and detect many reproductive issues. It can also help you answer the question, "when will I start my period?"

Here are some simple tips for tracking your cycle:

• Write It Down: You can use a paper calendar to mark the start and end of your period. This helps you see the pattern and length of your cycle over time. By tracking it for a few months, you can understand your cycle better. It is a simple and effective way to keep track.
• Use an App: You can also benefit from technology, as many free apps can help you track your period. Such apps send reminders for important events during the cycle, like ovulation and the approaching of periods.
• Note Your Symptoms: Write down any pain, mood changes, or other symptoms you experience throughout the cycle. This can help you and your doctor better understand the different phases of your cycle.

When to Seek Medical Help

It is important to remember that not every change in your period is normal. In some cases, the underlying cause can be a threat to your fertility, and you should see a doctor to address the issue.

In the following cases, it is recommended to consult your healthcare provider:

• You miss more than two or three periods in a row.
• Your period is very heavy or very painful.
• You experience heavy bleeding between periods.
• You feel weak or dizzy during your period.
• You experience other unusual symptoms that worry you.

A doctor can check your hormone levels, reproductive functioning, and overall health with the help of tests and will suggest treatments. Always remember that early diagnosis and care for fertility issues can help prevent long-term problems.

The Bottom Line

Menstrual irregularities are common for many women during the early and last phases of their reproductive age. One thing that often confuses women is a delay in periods, as it can happen due to pregnancy and many other underlying issues.

If you are experiencing a delay in periods and find yourself asking, when will I get my period, remember that a one-time delay can be normal and may be due to lifestyle changes.

However, if you notice a repeated pattern of delayed periods along with other unusual symptoms, it might be time to consult your doctor for personalized advice on your reproductive health.

FAQs

1. When should I get my period for the first time?

Most girls start their reproductive life or get their first period between the ages of 9 and 15, with the average age being around 12. It happens when the body goes through puberty, and the reproductive system matures.

2. Why is my menstrual cycle shorter?

A shorter cycle can happen due to hormonal changes, stress, excessive exercise, or changes in diet. It can also be caused by perimenopause, thyroid issues, or other medical conditions. If it happens frequently, it's best to consult a doctor.

Resources Used

1. Bull, J. R., Rowland, S. P., Scherwitzl, E. B., Scherwitzl, R., Danielsson, K. G., & Harper, J. (2019). Real-world menstrual cycle characteristics of more than 600,000 menstrual cycles. Npj Digital Medicine, 2(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-019-0152-7
2. Thiyagarajan, D. K., Basit, H., & Jeanmonod, R. (2024, September 27). Physiology, menstrual cycle. StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500020/
3. Menstruation in girls and Adolescents: Using the menstrual cycle as a vital sign. (n.d.). ACOG. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2015/12/menstruation-in-girls-and-adolescents-using-the-menstrual-cycle-as-a-vital-sign
4. Vigil, P., Meléndez, J., Soto, H., Petkovic, G., Bernal, Y. A., & Molina, S. (2022). Chronic Stress and Ovulatory Dysfunction: Implications in Times of COVID-19. Frontiers in Global Women's Health, 3, 866104. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgwh.2022.866104
5. Itriyeva, K. (2022). The effects of obesity on the menstrual cycle. Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care, 52(8), 101241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cppeds.2022.101241
6. Fan, H., Ren, Q., Sheng, Z., Deng, G., & Li, L. (2023). The role of the thyroid in polycystic ovary syndrome. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 14, 1242050. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2023.1242050