Understanding Late Periods
It's common to feel a sense of worry when your period doesn't arrive exactly when you expect it. However, "late" is a relative term. Most experts consider a period late if it's more than 3 days past the date you expected it based on your average cycle. You can use our period tracker to see when your next cycle was predicted to start.
When to Take a Pregnancy Test
If you have been sexually active and your period is more than a week late, it's a good idea to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are most accurate when taken after you have already missed your period.
Non-Pregnancy Causes
Stress is one of the most common reasons for a delayed period. When you're under stress, your body produces cortisol, which can interfere with the hormones that regulate your cycle. Other factors include travel, sleep disruption, and changes in your thyroid function.