Dealing with a late period can be quite stressful if you’re not trying to conceive. However, pregnancy is not the only reason for a delayed menstrual cycle. Various factors unrelated to your monthly flow can also impact its regularity. For example, illnesses can play a significant role in disrupting your period. Even seemingly minor illnesses like the flu can affect your reproductive system, as explained by Sherry A. Ross, MD, OB/GYN and author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health.
According to Dr. Ross, your overall health and wellness are often reflected in your period. When you are sick, your body’s equilibrium can be disrupted, impacting your hormonal balance. Significant physical and mental stress from illnesses can lead to disturbances in ovulation, affecting the timing and duration of your period. While a mild cold might not postpone your period, a severe illness like the flu with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, chills, and fever can delay it for a few days.
Illnesses can also affect your period when you’re on hormonal birth control. Despite the predictability that birth control pills offer, being sick can still cause temporary irregularities. The stress from an illness can disrupt your hormonal balance, making the pill less effective at times. Thus, it’s advisable to use backup contraception if you’re not planning to get pregnant.
Aside from illnesses, several other factors can contribute to a delayed period. These include pregnancy, extreme weight loss, polycystic ovary syndrome, stress, hormonal birth control methods, thyroid conditions, perimenopause, youth, and certain medications or health conditions.
To support your immune system and maintain a healthy hormonal balance, it’s essential to follow a nutritious diet, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, limit alcohol consumption, and manage stress through relaxation techniques like mindfulness and meditation. If your delayed periods persist for more than a few months, it’s crucial to consult your doctor for further evaluation and appropriate management.
