Menstrual Period - Missed or Late

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DEFINITION

• Late Menstrual Period: 5 or more days overdue compared to usual menstrual cycle.
• Missed Menstrual Period: no menstrual flow for more than 6 weeks.

General Information

• The first day of menstrual bleeding is considered the first day of a new menstrual cycle.
• Menstrual bleeding typically lasts 3-7 days.
• Ovulation generally occurs around day 14 of the cycle.
• The length of the menstrual cycle varies from woman to woman. The range is from 24 to 35 days. The average is 28 days.

Causes

• Pregnancy is the most important cause. This possibility needs to be considered in any woman who has a missed or late period.
• Stress
• Dieting, exercise and weight loss
• Menopause
• Polycystic ovarian disease
• Birth control pills
• Depoprovera injection
• Pituitary and other endocrine disorders

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• ABDOMINAL PAIN, FEMALE
• Questions about EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
• VAGINAL BLEEDING, ABNORMAL

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If

• Passed out (fainted)
• Severe abdominal pain

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

• You feel weak or very sick
• Abdominal pain and you are pregnant
• Abdominal pain and you might be pregnant

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

• You have other questions or concerns
• You are pregnant
• You want a pregnancy test done in the office
• Recent weight loss
• Age greater than 45
• Missed 2 or more periods in a row
• Missed period has occurred 2 or more times in the last year

Self Care at Home If

• Missed or late period and you don't think you need to be seen

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MISSED OR LATE MENSTRUAL PERIOD

1. Pregnancy Test When In Doubt:
   • If there is any possibility of pregnancy, obtain and use a urine pregnancy test from the local drug store.
   • Follow the instructions included in the package.
2. Stress: Stress can interrupt normal menstrual periods. Try to reduce your stress by talking about it with a friend or family member. Try to avoid or decrease stressors. If this is not effective, seek help from a counselor or talk with your doctor.
3. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Pregnancy test is positive
   • You have difficulties with the home pregnancy test
   • New symptoms suggest pregnancy (e.g. morning sickness, breast tenderness/swelling)
   • You need help coping with stress
   • You become worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.