Menstrual Cycle Disturbances
Why is My Period Late?
What follows is a table indicating some of the most common reasons why women have abnormalities in their periods. If a pregnancy test is negative, but menstrual problems persist, it could be a sign of a more serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. You should see your obstetrician if pregnant and gynecologist if not.
| period change | if you are | what it may mean |
| skipped period | any woman | stress, rapid weight loss or gain, illness, drugs (certain tranquilizers) may have disrupted cycle |
| sexually active | pregnancy | |
| using the Pill | Pill brand is too low in estrogen | |
| former Pill user | body hasn't yet adjusted to life off the pill; see doctor if periods don't resume in 3 months | |
| using Mini-Pill, Norplant, or Depo-Provera | common side effect of progestin-only methods of birth control — drug is probably suppressing ovulation as well as period, effect may be prolonged; most common among new users of Norplant and long-term users of Depo-Provera | |
| lighter / shorter period |
any woman | missed ovulation (no egg released from ovary) |
| sexually active | early pregnancy — some bleeding may occur on implantation; ectopic pregnancy — especially if accompanied by sharp pain on one side | |
| using the Pill | less endometrial build up, a common Pill side-effect | |
| using Mini-Pill, Norplant, or Depo-Provera | common side effect — drug is probably not suppressing ovulation if periods are regular | |
| heavier / longer period |
any woman | fibroids (benign uterine growth) |
| sexually active | possible miscarriage, esp. if period is late and with severe cramps and clots in blood | |
| an IUD user | device may have irritated the uterine wall — a common IUD side effect | |
| using Mini-Pill, Norplant, or Depo-Provera | longer periods are a common side effect; heavier periods are a less common side effect, but iron supplements or discontinuation may be necessary | |
| new mother | an enlarged uterus, resulting in the accumulation of more lining; a cervix widened by childbirth releases more menstrual fluid at once with less cramping | |
| bleeding / spotting between periods | any woman | stress; an infection, cyst, or polyp of the cervix, vagina, or uterus |
| a new Pill user | breakthrough bleeding, common in first few months of use, may indicate brand of Pill is not right for user | |
| current Pill user | missed a pill or taken one late | |
| using Norplant, Mini-Pill or Depo-Provera | a common side effect, especially during the first few months of using the Mini-Pill | |
| an IUD user | a local infection or inflammation caused by the device | |
| pregnant | normal hormone fluctuations in first trimester can cause spotting |
Sources: Ramona Slupik, MD, associate professor of ob/gyn at Northwestern U. in Chicago, and Mary Jane Bovo, MD, private practice ob/gyn in NYC [Glamour, 10/91, p. 48]. Additional Information from Robert Hatcher et al, Contraceptive Technology, 16th ed., Irvington Publishers, NY, 1994, pp. 296-322.
Featured Links
- At this site:
- Pregnancy Symptoms: Nauseous? Bloated? Tender breasts? Learn about the common symptoms of pregnancy.
- Oral Contraceptives: Learn more about the Pill, side-effects, and related birth control methods.
- Unplanned Pregnancy Help: Fill out this on-line form for advice, referrals, and educational information via email.
- On-Line Pregnancy Test: Think you're pregnant? Try this on-line pregnancy test.
- Calculate a Due Date: Find out when your baby is due with this Java pregnancy calculator.
- Fetal Development Overview: Details the stages of growth of the unborn child.
- The following links are provided as an informational resource or counterpoint and are not necessarily endorsed by the author:
- Dr. Fibroid: Information about uterine fibroids
