Irregular Periods: 9 Reasons for Late Periods & Natural Remedies to Regulate It

There is no denying the fact that menstrual periods are unpredictable. Most women have longer or shorter cycles that can be caused due to a variety of reasons. However, while a missed period is not uncommon, it is a cause of concern if you are experiencing irregular periods.

A missed period is one of the early signs of pregnancy. But, if you’re not pregnant, there could be other reasons for late periods or irregular menstruation. If you’ve been searching answers for, ‘why is my period late?’ or the causes of irregular periods, then below are a few reasons why your period could be late.

Once you identify the cause for late periods, you can take the necessary steps to regulate your menstrual cycle. Depending on the cause, you can either consult with a gynaecologist or try out a few of the natural remedies for irregular periods that we’ve covered. So, let’s get started with the reasons for late periods, followed by effective natural ways on how to regulate your period.

I] Reasons for Late Periods

1. Stress

Can stress delay periods? Yes, it can! One of the common reasons for missed periods or irregular periods is stress. According to this study, being stressed causes hormonal imbalance. It also affects the hypothalamus – the part of the brain that regulates your menstrual cycle. So, if you are under a lot of stress or emotional distress lately, it can delay your period. Here, it is important to try different relaxation techniques. This will help reduce stress, enabling you to get back to your normal cycle.

2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Another reason for late periods is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. This is a hormonal condition that produces an excess amount of male hormone androgen. Symptoms of PCOS include weight gain, hair loss, reduced fertility etc. Plus, you may experience heavy bleeding when you do get your period. A gynaecologist can help you determine whether or not you have PCOS and thereafter, recommend effective PCOS treatments.

3. Weight Loss/Underweight

Low body weight can also cause irregular menstruation. Having an ideal body mass index (BMI) is important for producing the essential hormones that are required for ovulation. As such, if you are suffering from eating disorders or if there is a fluctuation of weight due to PCOS, it can impact your regular menstrual cycle.

4. Endometriosis

A reproductive disorder, Endometriosis is one of the other causes of irregular periods. This condition can be very painful and can lead to not only missed periods but also prolonged and heavy periods. Other signs include debilitating pelvic pain, painful bowel movements, acute menstrual cramps etc. For diagnosis, a gynaecologist may carry out certain tests, following which he may recommend treatments for Endometriosis.

5. Obesity

Like mentioned above, the reasons for late periods can either be weight loss or weight gain. Obesity causes a hormonal imbalance as well as affects your insulin levels. Thus, to regulate a menstrual cycle, eating healthy and making lifestyle changes is important.

6. Hormonal Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills also affect the consistency of your periods leading to irregular or late period. Hormonal contraceptives consist of hormones like Estrogen and Progestin. This prevents the release of the egg from the ovary, hindering with ovulation and thereby affecting your menstrual cycle.

7. Perimenopause or Menopause

This is one of the other causes of missed periods. For most women, perimenopause begins in their early 40’s. It leads to a change in the hormonal levels, resulting in longer or shorter menstrual cycle than normal, ultimately dwindling down to menopause.

With menopause, women undergo many physical and emotional changes. To effectively deal with this condition, you need to consult with a Menopause Specialist. He will help you make the transition through this important phase easier.

8. Thyroid Issues

This research indicates that thyroid dysfunction affects the menstrual cycle in most women leading to an irregular menstrual cycle. The thyroid gland regulates your metabolism and also affect your hormonal levels. Thus, if you have been diagnosed with an underactive or an overactive thyroid gland, it may result in late periods.

9. Intense Physical Training

This is another reason your period could be late. If you are undergoing intense physical training, it could lead to missed periods due to the changes in the hormonal level and fluctuating weight. Intense exercise can also lead to a condition called Amenorrhea – which is the absence of menstrual period among woman of reproductive age. You can get back to your regular menstrual cycle, by cutting down your exercise routine into half and switching to a healthy diet that is rich in calories.

II] How To Regulate Your Period – 5 Natural Remedies

How to regulate periods is a common question among women suffering from irregular menstruation. As stated above, if the underlying reasons for late periods are medical conditions like Endometriosis, PCOS etc, then consulting with a gynaecologist is your best option. But, if the reasons for delayed periods are stress or weight loss or other non-medical reasons, then there are a number of natural remedies for irregular periods that has proven to be effective.

If you want to learn how to overcome irregular periods naturally, then listed below are some of the natural ways to regulate periods. These will help regulate your menstrual cycle restoring it back to normal.

1. Practice Yoga and Meditation

If stress is the reason for irregular periods, then practising yoga and meditation can be quite effective. Yoga for menstruation covers asanas or yoga poses that help relieves stress, while mediation can help restore your hormonal balance. Meditation and Yoga also help lessen menstrual cramps. As such, to regulate menstrual cycles try out this technique.

2. Raw Papaya

Eating raw/unripe papaya is one of the best natural ways to regulate periods. Papaya juice helps contract the uterine muscle fibers, which aids in regulating your menstrual flow. Papaya also has powerful antioxidant properties that help relieve stress and lowers the risk of several diseases like chronic inflammation, cancer etc. So, consume papaya juice to regulate the menstrual cycle, but skip it during your periods.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity and extreme weight loss is a major reason for missed periods. Fluctuating weight hampers your ovulation process resulting in irregular menstruation. As such, eating nutritional foods and maintaining a healthy weight is important, as your body needs essential vitamins to regulate menstrual cycles.

4. Ginger

One of the other best home remedies to get periods is Ginger. They are effective in treating irregular periods and helps relieve cramps. Best part, its anti-inflammatory properties also help reduce the inflammation of pelvic tissues.

5. Spices (Turmeric, Cinnamon, Fennel seeds)

Make use of herbs to regulate period. Turmeric and fennel seeds have emmenagogue and antispasmodic properties that help stimulate the menstrual flow and significantly reduces menstrual cramps. Cinnamon, on the other hand, can help induce periods as it has a warming effect on your body and is best consumed with warm milk.

III] What To Do If the Natural Ways to Regulate Periods Don’t Work?

Medically referred to as Oligomenorrhea, irregular periods while a common issue needs to be treated once diagnosed. The factors that cause missed period may vary depending on women’s age, physical fitness, lifestyle etc. However, while some variation in menstrual cycle is normal, large gaps (35-40 days without menstruation) shouldn’t be ignored.

A private gynaecologist can help you determine the causes of late periods if natural remedies to regulate menstrual cycles don’t work. Also, scheduling an appointment with a well women clinic nearby for regular well women check-up is a must. This is because, in most cases, these monthly or frequent check-ups can help detect any health-related risks earlier before it becomes an issue.

Conclusion

What to do when periods are late? Well, firstly, don’t panic! After ensuring that missed periods is not caused due to pregnancy, you can look out for other reasons for late periods. Irregular menstruation can be due to medical or non-medical reasons. By ascertaining the causes of irregular periods, you’d be able to treat it in an efficient manner. If natural ways to regulate periods don’t work, then a gynaecologist can help you. Thus, pay attention to your menstrual cycles and if you notice any irregularities then take immediate action to prevent future complications.

Neha Goel

Neha Goel, a Psychology alumna and MBA graduate from CASS Business School, London, brings together her expertise as a Reiki Practitioner and Practice Manager. She integrates psychology and business strategies to foster holistic well-being and personal development.