Is your period overdue and are you starting to panic? Sure, the first thought is probably: Oh god, I'm pregnant!!! But does it really have to be like this?
What causes should also be considered if menstruation stops and pregnancy is unlikely? We got smart and found all the information on the topic for you! Check it out!
Summary
There are many reasons why your period is later than expected.
There is a guideline for cycle length (28 days), but how long your cycle really is is individual.
If waiting for your period makes you nervous, then go to the gyn and have the whole thing clarified by a doctor.
Do you already know our period panties?!
Our underwear for when your period is here, as a sustainable alternative to pads, panty liners and tampons .
Table of contents
Contents
1. What happens in a cycle?
Before we talk about why your cycle is cranky, let's talk about what exactly is happening . During the monthly hormonal cycle, the lining of the uterus prepares for a possible pregnancy. This means that the lining lining the uterus grows to accommodate the potentially fertilized egg for implantation. If the egg cell is not fertilized, it dies.
When this happens, at the end of the cycle, some blood vessels in the uterine lining temporarily open and the top layer of lining sheds. When you push off, the muscles of the uterus contract and relax at an irregular rate. This is what causes period cramps and gets the blood pumping. As long as you're not pregnant and not on hormonal birth control, bleeding means the end of a cycle before the whole process starts all over again. Usually (haha), at the end of a cycle, this bleeding lasts 3 to 7 days. However, this varies depending on how heavily a person is menstruating.
Did you know : Wet panties before your period are not uncommon! Many women are affected. You can find out what is normal and when you have to go to the gynhere .
2. How long overdue is actually normal?
Well, what's normal? One thing can be said for sure: really every cycle is different . Accordingly, the breaks between periods are either shorter or longer. For some ladies, the cycle lasts exactly 28 days (never heard of) and others have a cycle of 31 days, so individual fluctuations are not uncommon.
Note: Just because your cycle has "always" lasted x days doesn't mean that it has to be the case with every cycle. Three days overdue? Totally in line…
3. Why am I overdue?
So far so good. But what if the last period was suspiciously long ago? Again, there can be various reasons that have nothing to do with a potential pregnancy. Like what?
Competitive sports: If you push yourself to your physical limits during sports, this can be a reason for cycle fluctuations.
Strong weight fluctuations: Extremely underweight or overweight can also postpone your menstruation.
Stress: Things have been going well for you for months? A high level of psychological stress is also noticeable during your period.
Hormonal IUD: Anyone who takes the hormonal IUD is probably already familiar with this phenomenon – the periods are becoming fewer and fewer or even completely absent. However, this has no effect on contraception.
Puberty: Are you menstruating for the first time? Congratulations. It's not uncommon for your period not to come regularly at first. After all, your body has to adjust to the new superpowers.
4. When should I see a doctor?
But what if you really are way overdue? When is it worth going to the doctor? questions upon questions. If you really miss your period for a longer period of time, please contact your doctor if in doubt.
For example if ...
... your period is now several weeks overdue
... you took a pregnancy test that was positive
... you are plagued by nasty physical side effects (such as abdominal pain or similar).
What happens when I get my period?
If the egg cell has not been fertilized at the end of a cycle, it dies. When this happens, some blood vessels in the lining of the uterus temporarily open and the top layer of lining sheds.
Why am I not getting my period?
Possible reasons for this are enormous physical strain (competitive sports), strong weight fluctuations, stress, hormonal contraceptives (coil, pill) or puberty.
How many days overdue is normal?
Normal is relative. If you don't know otherwise that your bleeding stops for a long time, you are in pain, you have had a positive pregnancy test or you are simply unsure, go to the gyn and have yourself examined by a doctor!
