Many girls and women notice irregularities in their periods. These can happen due to various reasons, including pregnancy or sexual activity.
Having sex can delay your period only if you’re not using protection. Bleeding after sex may also be a sign of sexually transmitted infections (STI) or cervical cancer.
1. You’re pregnant
Typically, a woman is most fertile about a week before her period. This is because the follicle containing the egg breaks open and allows for sperm to enter the uterus. The early symptoms of a pregnancy include abdominal bloating, cramps, fatigue and sensitive breasts. But, since many of these are also signs of PMS, it can be hard to tell if you’re pregnant or if your late period is simply a sign of your cycle getting back on track.
If you’re worried that you may be pregnant, consider taking a home pregnancy test. Also, be sure to use birth control in the future to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. If you had unprotected sex or a condom broke, talk to your doctor about options for emergency contraception, such as the Copper IUD or Plan B. They can help determine whether or not you are pregnant and recommend the best option for your situation. It’s also a good idea to keep track of your period over several months in order to get a sense of what a normal cycle looks like for you.
3. You have hormonal imbalance
Hormones are the body’s messengers that help regulate your major processes, including digestion, metabolism and reproduction. They are powerful chemicals that send signals through your blood to your organs, skin and muscles. If you have too little or too much of a hormone, it can cause problems. If left untreated, a hormonal imbalance can lead to infertility, early menopause or even cancer.
Right before your period comes, your hormone levels drop to signal the uterus that it’s time for a bleed. Having sex during this time can cause your period to arrive earlier than normal because orgasm triggers the uterus to contract.
If you have symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, see your obgyn in Lake Success. He or she can perform a variety of tests to check your hormone levels, including blood and urine tests and pelvic exams. The obgyn may also recommend a pap smear or ultrasound to check your cervix and ovaries. Some underlying causes of hormonal imbalances can be treated with medications or lifestyle changes. Others, such as PCOS, require medical treatment to prevent long-term health issues and improve your quality of life.
4. You have a thyroid problem
A thyroid problem (overactive or underactive thyroid) can throw off your menstrual cycle. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck that regulates your metabolism, and any disorder that interferes with its functioning can cause your period to be late. One of the most common thyroid problems that cause periods to be late is polycystic ovarian syndrome, which can lead to cysts on your ovaries and shut off ovulation. Other chronic illnesses, like inflammatory bowel disease or autoimmune disorders can also disrupt your period.
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