Reasons your period is delayed

Many factors can affect your menstrual cycle. While it may be nice to get a break from it, the irregularity can also be unnerving. Here are the reasons your periodcan be late

1. Too much stress
Stress is one reason your period may be delayed. We all have a very hectic lifestyle and stress causes a havoc on our body and affects our hormones. Yes, there are times when stress is unavoidable, but try and find ways to relax and de-stress. Make time for yourself and do what makes you happy.

2. Change in schedule
Even something as simple as a change in schedule can be a reason your period is late.If you recently switched from working days to working nights, your period is likely to gofor a toss as your body is trying to adapt to the change in schedule. Hormones can be quite sensitive.

3. You exercise a lot
Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) in athletes is called exercise-associ ated amenorrhea. In athletes, intense training and quick weight loss can affect period. If you suddenly start exercising and working out, you tend to miss your period. Exercise affects the menstrual cycle by elevating themetabolism. Metabolism is responsible for essentially sustaining chemical reactions in the body like menstruation.

4. Birth Control pills
Birth control can also affect woman's menstrual flow. Many women use birth control pills to control their period, either to regulate when their period happens, have a lighter period or preventing a period from occurring every month. But if you haven't taken birth control pills to delay your period, check for its side effects. If you are still not sure if your birth control is the reason your period is delayed ask your doctor.

5. You're pregnant
Delayed or missed period is one of the main signs that you are pregnant. If you are trying to get pregnant or are an adult in a stable and committed relationship then being pregnant isn't a bad thing. However, if you are young, single, or not ready for a baby, then being pregnant is something youshould get worried about. One way to deal with this is get a pregnancy tester home and take a test yourself. If the test is not clear, you can also consult a doctor for the same. Expert guidance always works best.

Courtsey-The times of India.!