MENTRUAL PERIOD, MISSED OR LATE

Symptom 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

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR MENTRUAL PERIOD, MISSED OR LATE

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If:

  • Passed out
  • 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
^Back to Top

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MISSED OR LATE MENTRUAL PERIOD

  1. Pregnancy Test When In Doubt: If there is any possibility of pregnancy, then obtain and use a urine pregnancy test from the store.
  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.
  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 or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
^Back to Top

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2003 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2003

Revised 7/2002

See Other Topics:

View Alphabetical Categories List