A late period isn’t always a red flag or a sign of pregnancy. There are many (and we mean many) reasons your period might be tardy for the party. Here’s a not-at-all-complete list with some gentle tips to encourage its return.

Stress

High stress can throw off your hormone balance by delaying ovulation, pushing back your period [1][2]. Try managing stress with deep breathing, light exercise, or journaling, but avoid overdoing it—intense workouts can also delay your cycle [1].

Sleep

Your body thrives on rhythm, especially sleep. An irregular sleep schedule can mess with hormone production and disrupt your cycle [1]. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. If that's not realistic, aim for at least 8 hours and try staying away from screens an hour before bed [1].

Change

Big shifts in routine or environment, including travel, can nudge your cycle off track [3]. Your body might just need time to adjust, and it’ll likely bounce back once things stabilize [3].

Hormones

Starting or switching birth control can cause your body to take a while to adjust, leading to delays. Hormonal imbalances from conditions like thyroid issues or PCOS can also affect regularity [1][2].

Age

If you’re new to periods or approaching menopause, irregular cycles are common as your body adjusts to changes [1].

Illnesses

Sickness, like a cold or flu, can delay your period. Chronic conditions such as diabetes or celiac disease can also impact regularity [1].

Medication

Starting or stopping certain medications can interfere with your hormonal balance and affect your cycle as your body adjusts [1][2].

Nutrition

Deficiencies in key nutrients like iron or vitamin D, as well as rapid weight changes, can impact your menstrual regularity [1].

Pregnancy

While it’s the first thought for many, pregnancy is just one of many possibilities. If your period is late and there’s a chance you could be pregnant, it’s a good idea to take a test for clarity [1][2].

In most cases, a late period is your body's way of pausing and trying to rediscover its rhythm. Remember to use the Stardust app to log your symptoms, so it's easy to chat with a healthcare professional to make sure everything's on track.

[1] Aaron, Kiera. “Why Is My Period Late? 10 Reasons for a Delayed Period.” Health, medically reviewed by Cordelia Nwankwo, MD, 12 Apr. 2025, https://www.health.com/condition/menstruation/10-things-that-mess-with-your-period

[2] Carter, Maria. “12 Reasons Your Period Might Be Late That Have Nothing to Do With Pregnancy.” Verywell Health, medically reviewed by Kiarra King, MD, 6 June 2025, https://www.verywellhealth.com/reasons-to-take-a-pregnancy-test-2759724

[3] Brickell, Susan. “How Traveling Can Delay Your Period.” Health, medically reviewed by Peter Weiss, MD, 30 July 2024, https://www.health.com/condition/menstruation/travel-affecting-period