Menstrual Health: How Many Days Late Is a Period Considered Normal? Here's What Expert Says

Menstrual cycles which happens every month to a girl and is very essential for women's fertility and overall health. Not only that, menstruation is not just a physical process, but it is also a reflection of a woman's overall health. Generally, the menstrual cycle is between 21 and 35 days, and for most women, a 28-day cycle is considered healthy. However, this can vary slightly depending on the body structure of each woman. Therefore, it is often natural for periods to come a few days late or early.

Getting your period on time is a sign of good health, but small or large changes in it are not always dangerous. In some cases, your period may come a little late every month or you may experience a continuous delay in your period. Often, when your period is a few days late, many questions arise in the minds of many people.

Is this delay in your period every month normal or a sign of some major change in your body? Not only that, but how many days of delay in your period is 'normal'? And when do we need a doctor's advice. Dr. Sonu Khokhar has given a information about this. 

Exactly how many days late is 'normal' in menstruation?

According to Dr. Sonu Khokhar, if your menstruation is 2 to 5 days late, it may be normal. You do not need to worry at all about this. Often, hormonal changes, mental stress, travel, changes in eating habits or lack of enough sleep can disrupt the menstrual cycle a little.

If menstruation is delayed by up to 7 days, there is still no reason to panic. However, if this happens every month or it is delayed for more than 10 days, then it is necessary to consult a doctor.

There can be many reasons behind late menstruation...

1. Mental stress:- Mental stress is an important reason. When we are under a lot of stress, the stress hormone called 'cortisol' increases in the body and it affects the ovulation process.

2. Health problems:- Problems like thyroid or PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) can also cause irregular menstruation.

3. Medicines and diet:- Taking certain types of pills or sudden changes in diet can also cause delayed menstruation.

If your menstruation is more than 10 to 15 days late, has not had menstruation for 2 to 3 consecutive months or there is a lot of pain or abnormal bleeding during these days, then definitely see a doctor. Apart from this, if your menstrual cycle has suddenly changed completely, it is still necessary to talk to a doctor. The doctor may advise a blood test, ultrasound or hormonal examination as needed.

Also Read: Kidney Disease Symptoms: 5 Early Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

To regulate your menstrual cycle, get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every day. Eat a healthy and nutritious diet and stay away from stress.