LATE PERIOD? PLAYING THE WAITING GAME IS HARD

IT'S IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER YOU'RE NOT ALONE

Variation in your cycle is totally normal. Even if you're usually like clockwork, there are a number of reasons why your period could be late – from pregnancy to stress, or sudden weight loss or gain. If you've recently had unprotected sex, or if there's a chance your contraception hasn't worked as it should, here are some things to consider.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

It’s natural to be thinking about pregnancy after a late period, so here’s what to do if that’s a possibility for you. 

IF YOU'RE USUALLY REGULAR

If you know when your fertile time is, it’s easier to decide how likely it is that your period is late because you’re pregnant. You can take a pregnancy test as early as the first day of your late period, but it’s important to remember that early tests can be unreliable and a negative result is less reliable than a positive one.

IF YOUR CYCLE IS IRREGULAR

The earliest to take a pregnancy test is 3 weeks after you had unprotected or potentially unprotected sex. A negative result may not be accurate, so wait a week and take another test, or seek advice from your doctor or nurse.

IF YOU STILL HAVE CONCERNS

If you’re still getting negative pregnancy test results, consult your doctor or nurse for more advice.

OTHER CAUSES OF LATE PERIODS

There are many reasons other than pregnancy for your period to be late. Consider these factors, and consult your doctor or nurse if you think one or more apply to you:

STRESS

Periods can become longer, shorter, or stop altogether because of stress. If you think stress is the reason for a disrupted cycle, try some relaxation techniques and consult your doctor or nurse if your period doesn’t start.

EXERCISE

An extreme amount of exercise can disrupt the levels of hormones in your body that trigger a period. If you think your period has stopped because of your workout regime, consult your doctor or nurse.

WEIGHT LOSS OR GAIN

Sudden loss or gain of weight can disrupt the levels of hormones in your body that trigger a period. If your weight has changed suddenly, it’s worth checking in with your doctor or nurse.

USING LONG-ACTING CONTRACEPTION

If you are a user of long-acting contraception, this may have an impact on your bleeding pattern. For example, some methods may lead to shorter and lighter bleeding or could stop your periods altogether. This may be the reason for irregularities but is no cause for concern. In any case it is worth checking in with your doctor or nurse if you have questions.

ALTERNATIVE CONTRACEPTION METHODS

If your usual contraception recently let you down, if a late period has caused you concern, or if your current method doesn’t fit your lifestyle, consider these contraception methods:

THE IUS

A small, flexible T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of hormones. It is placed in your womb by a doctor.

View Method

THE IUD

A small, T-shaped plastic frame with a copper wire that is placed in your womb by a doctor.

View Method

THE IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones. It is placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor.

View Method

THE INJECTION

A shot containing progestin that is effective for up to three months. It is administered by a doctor.

View Method
COMPARE METHODS

WHEN YOUR PERIOD DOES ARRIVE, IS IT HEAVY?

Visit the Heavy Periods page to learn about the signs of heavy menstrual bleeding and the supportive tools on offer. 

NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.

Seek out an appointment with your doctor or nurse for further support that is specific to you and your lifestyle.

Is It Okay?

CONSIDER THIS

If you’re concerned that your ring may fall out or has fallen out for more than three hours,
you should consult your doctor or nurse and read your Patient Information Leaflet. In the
meantime, consider using another form of contraception such as a condom.

LEARN MORE

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

THE
IUS

The Hormonal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of a progestin hormone for up to 5 years. It is available on prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse.

Image of an IUS

THE
IUD

The Copper Coil is a small, T-shaped plastic frame that has a copper wire. It available on prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse, where it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 or up to 10 years, depending on the type and availability in your country.

Image of an IUD

THE
IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 years. It is available on prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse. 

Image of the Implant

THE
PILL

A small tablet containing one hormone, or a combined pill containing two hormones, that is self-administered, orally, and needs to be taken at the same time each day. It is available on prescription.

Image of birth control pills

THE
INJECTION

An injection containing hormone(s) that is available on prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 2 or every 3 months. 

Image of an Injection

THE
PATCH

A small, thin, skin-coloured plastic square that sticks to the skin and releases hormones. It is available on prescription and can be self-administered once a week.

Image of the Patch

THE
DI­APHRAGM

A silicone cup placed in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the womb. Though some are fitted by a doctor or nurse, most are self-administered up to 24 hours before sex. It is available on prescription. 

Image of a Diaphragm

THE
RING

A small, flexible ring that is self-administered and available on prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks. 

Image of an Injection

THE
FEMALE CONDOM

An internal condom that works in the same way male condoms do, though it is placed in the vagina. Female condoms reduce the risk of infection with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, when used correctly with every act of sex. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of Female Condom

THE
MALE CONDOM

A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina, it is also the only method that helps lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of a Male Condom

NATURAL
PLANNING

Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days. 

Natural Planning

WITHDRAWAL

Also known as ‘The pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.

Image of a timer for the withdrawl method

MALE
STERILISATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm.

Icon representing male sterilisation

FEMALE
STERILISATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes and removes the possibility of pregnancy.

Icon representing female sterilisation
COMPARE METHODS

CAN YOU RELATE?

You For­got The Pill

You For­got The Pill

Your Con­dom Broke

Your Con­dom Broke

You Need Emer­gency Con­tra­cep­tion

You Need Emer­gency Con­tra­cep­tion

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Date of last update: 19 January 2021

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