A period is generally considered late when it starts later than your expected date by a few days to a week, with “missed” typically used when no period occurs for about six weeks or more. Exact thresholds can vary by individual cycle length and health context. Here’s a practical overview to help you gauge:
- Normal variation: Most menstrual cycles range roughly from 21 to 38 days. A delay of a few days (2–7 days) can be within normal variation, especially if stress, travel, or changes in sleep or exercise occurred. If you regularly have short cycles, a longer-than-usual gap may still be within your personal pattern.
- Late vs. missed: A period is often labeled late if it’s 5 days or more past your expected date for a typical 28-day cycle, though many clinicians consider 7 days a more standard threshold for “late” in average discussions. A period may be termed “missed” if there is no period for about 6 weeks or longer, which warrants medical evaluation to rule out pregnancy or other conditions.
- Pregnancy first: When a period is late, pregnancy is a common first consideration. For many people, taking a pregnancy test around the time of the missed date (or a few days after) provides a quick answer. If the test is negative but periods remain irregular, repeating testing after about a week or consulting a clinician is reasonable.
- When to seek medical advice: If periods are consistently late, highly irregular, or you experience other symptoms (unusual vaginal bleeding, severe pain, or signs of hormonal imbalance), it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider. In some guidelines, missing periods repeatedly or starting before age 16 also prompts evaluation.
Practical steps you can take now:
- Track your cycle for a few months to understand your personal pattern (length, regularity, and any recurring symptoms).
- If you have a missed period by about 6 weeks or longer, or if you have pregnancy concerns, consider a pregnancy test and consult a clinician if results are negative but symptoms persist.
- Consider factors that commonly cause delays: stress, weight changes, intense exercise, thyroid or other health conditions, medications, and hormonal contraception changes.
If you’d like, share your typical cycle length, how late your period is this time, and any other symptoms you’re experiencing, and I can tailor the guidance more precisely.
