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
- ABDOMINAL PAIN, FEMALE
- Questions about EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
- VAGINAL BLEEDING, ABNORMAL
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR MISSED OR LATE MENSTRUAL PERIOD
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
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MISSED OR LATE MENSTRUAL PERIOD
- Pregnancy Test When In Doubt: If there is any possibility of pregnancy, then obtain and use a urine pregnancy test from the store.
- 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 or talk with your doctor.
- 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.
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 SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2005 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP
Reviewed 10/1/2005
Revised 10/18/2005
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