Period is 15 days late not pregnant

Whether you get your period every 28 days like clockwork or have a flow that prefers to come and go as it pleases, having a period go MIA often feels like cause for alarm. Your mind runs wild with thoughts of pregnancy tests and ultrasounds and watching your baby graduate college - an imaginary life that you’ve created and nurtured and helped grow all because that little bit of blood you were hoping to find this morning didn’t make it’s appearance. Whether pregnancy right now is your goal or you’re holding off temporarily or forever, a fetus in utero is certainly not the only cause of a period gone rogue. Here are 6 reasons, besides being pregnant, that your period could be late.

1. Stress

If you’ve been running yourself ragged at work or dealing with other stressors, especially traumatic ones, your period could be late. This is called hypothalamic amenorrhea. “The hypothalamus is the center of the brain and controls reproduction. It produces a hormone that signals the production of other hormones needed for ovulation,” according to Shady Grove Fertility. So, if you’ve been stressed about something - big or small - do your best to find some time for relaxation. If you’ve experienced a traumatic situation, you should call your doctor and seek a professional opinion.

2. Being sick

The amazing things your body does are all intertwined on some level. When one system isn’t working as well as it should, the others are affected, too. It’s like a game of survival - which bodily process is the most important right now? If you have a common cold, the flu, or some other type of illness, your menstrual cycle is likely the first to be shut down in order to get the rest of your body back up to speed.

3. Weight fluctuations

Say hello to your hypothalamus again (the center in the brain that controls reproductive hormones, like estrogen). When you experience extreme fluctuations in your weight, the amount of estrogen released can impact whether you get your period or not. If you lose a lot of weight quickly, your body won’t produce enough estrogen. Too much weight gain and your body will have too much estrogen. Either way, this could be a reason your period is late.

4. Change in your schedule

Minor changes in your schedule aren’t going to have an impact on your menstrual cycle but intense ones, like switching to the night shift or having jet lag from traveling across the world (you jetsetter, you!), can. The good news is that it’s temporary. Once your body acclimates to your new schedule, your periods should resume as normal. If they don’t, it’s worth calling your doctor about.

5. Hormonal Imbalance

Hormones, of course, play a large role in your menstrual cycle. They determine the heaviness, the length, and even whether your period comes at all. If your hormones are out of whack, you may not menstruate. One cause could be PCOS. Another could be endometriosis. If you suspect this is the case, call your doctor. They’ll be able to put you on a path to help regulate symptoms.

6. Your birth control

Yes, even if you don’t skip the sugar pills, your birth control could be editing your menstrual cycle. Whether you have an IUD, get Depo shots, or are on the pill, the hormonal changes caused by birth control can sometimes eliminate or lessen your period. While this can sometimes be a welcome side effect, it’s good to know that it’s actually the cause of a late or nonexistent period.

If you think you’re pregnant, it’s always a good idea to take a test. Otherwise, talk to your doctor about your late period - they can provide valuable insight and ease your mind.  If you are looking for sustainable, stress free period then check out our range of period products.

163 comments

my last period on the 18 of September and I had protected sex on the 8 of October am supposed to see my next period on the 18 of October but have not seen it yet y

November 11, 2022

Hi , my name is Margaret, saw my period last 14th of august, have been having sex after then ,but I use pills or better still he doesn’t come in me ,
Am suppose to see my flow 10th of September, but today is 6days late period and have done more than 3 pregnancy tests which shows negative, in as much as am having cramps everyday but still no period yet 🤦🏽‍♀️

My Happiness🤗 September 23, 2022

Hi Nike,

Being sick can absolutely affect your cycle and flow. The amazing things your body does are all intertwined on some level. When one system isn’t working as well as it should, the others are affected, too. It’s like a game of survival – which bodily process is the most important right now? If you have a common cold, the flu, or some other type of illness, your menstrual cycle is likely the first to be shut down in order to get the rest of your body back up to speed.

Taking medication can also influence the menstrual cycle and cause periods to be late. Hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, and many things can affect your hormone function and balance and cause it to get off balance.

If the period doesn’t return until next month, if you think you might be pregnant or generally if you are worried, I would recommend consulting a doctor. Please keep in mind that we are no medical professionals and therefore cannot make a remote diagnosis. Only a medical professional can make the necessary examinations.

Best regards, Team Lunette

Lunette Cup September 15, 2022

Hi Mwiche!
Hi Favour!

Sorry to hear your period is late! I totally understand that it causes stress and insecurity.

Many reasons might delay your period, such as stress, hormonal imbalance, or lifestyle changes like a new schedule. Hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, and many things can affect your hormone function and balance.

Delayed periods can always be an indication of pregnancy. Please note that the easiest way to find out if you are pregnant is with an at-home pregnancy test.

The morning after pill isn’t a contraceptive method and there is therefore a chance of both pregnancy and STD. The pill contains a huge amount of hormones which can cause changes in the menstrual cycle for even a few months after use. Please refer to the instruction leaflet of the morning after pill for information on its possible effects on the period and a possible delay and/or ask your doctor or in the pharmacy.

If the period doesn’t return until next month, if you think you might be pregnant or generally if you are worried, we recommend consulting a doctor. Please keep in mind that we are no medical professionals and therefore cannot make a remote diagnosis. Only a medical professional can make the necessary examinations.

Best regards, Team Lunette

Lunette Cup September 15, 2022

Evening plz ooo
I need urgent response,I menstruated on the 3rd of August , I took Clomid on 5th to 10th , I didn’t see my period till now and have carried out both urine and blood test both come out negative pls can I still test positive or the period is coming

Nike September 15, 2022

I normally have 24 days cycle and I last saw my period on 9 August and had unprotected sex on 13 August then took plan B on the 15 of August and my period was supposed to come out on 1 September and is yet to come out. I did test with and it was negative but I haven’t seen my period yet

Favour Onyinyechi September 15, 2022

My name is mwiche and I am 19 years old.in june I once suffered from urinary tract infection which I think caused my period to come early on the 12 of august that too for just 4 day without heavy flow.Then I had unprotected sex the 19 of august on the 8 th day of my menstrual cycle but took the morning after pill on hour 30 mins later after the sex. Today is the 4th of September and I still haven’t seen my period do you think I’m pregnant.though my breast are full and heavy and soft I also feel a sharp small pain in my waist when I get up.

Mwiche mwangala September 15, 2022

Hi Rashmi,
sorry to hear your period is late. Many reasons might delay your period, such as stress, hormonal imbalance, or lifestyle changes like a new schedule. Being sick and taking some medication may also influence and mess up with your menstrual cycle. Hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, and many things can affect your hormone function and balance.
Especially when you are young and started with your period it is common that the period is irregular. It may not come for several weeks. Or on the contrary, it may also happen that you just had your period and it is coming again quickly. Your body and hormones need to find their balance first and during this phase, which may take some time, it is common for the period to be irregular. This means it can be irregular when it comes to the length of the menstrual cycle, but also when it comes to the length and intensity of the period itself.
If the period doesn’t return until next month, if you think you might be pregnant or generally if you are worried, I would recommend consulting a doctor. Please keep in mind that we are no medical professionals and therefore cannot make a remote diagnosis. Only a medical professional can make the necessary examinations.
Best regards, Team Lunette

Lunette Cup August 29, 2022

I am rashmi I am 17 years old I am unmarried and I am virgin I have my last period at 21 July now already 27 August I am not yet get my period I am feeling sick lower back pain vomiting sensation stomach pain

Rashmi August 29, 2022

Hi all,
We are sorry to hear about the delayed period! If you’re concerned about pregnancy it is best to take an at home pregnancy test or to consult a doctor. As we are not medical professionals we cannot provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Keep in mind that many reasons might delay your period, such as stress, hormonal imbalance, or lifestyle changes like a new schedule. Hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, and many things can affect your hormone function and balance. Being sick and/or taking medication can also affect your periods and menstrual cycle and cause delays or irregularities.
Best regards, Team Lunette

Lunette June 24, 2022

Someone please help me!!!!!! I had unprotected sex on April 22nd, then has my period a week later (may 3rd lasted five day). we’re in June now and my period hasn’t started. I’ve taken several pregnancy test, they’ve all been negative. I also went to the emergency room with a lot of lower back pain, they had to take some x-rays so they did a urine pregnancy test IT WAS NEGATIVE. It’s the seventh now and still nothing.

Adriana Flores June 24, 2022

I am Veronica I am supposed to see my mass on the 27 of last month bt this is 4 th of June ND I haven’t seen it ,I went for a pregnancy test , it’s nagetive ,I used emagency pills last month on the 8 of may after sex ,I was supposed to see my mess on the 27 bt I didn’t ND am not pregnant ,i used antibiotic for infection bt still the same ,what can I do next ,pls help a sister ND what food can I be eating for the main time till I see my period??

Veronica June 24, 2022

I saw my period on 30th of January,had sex on 12th February then afterward I feel sick treated myself with much antibiotics and according to my period tracker I was supposed to see my period on 27th of February…but haven’t 3days late now…did p test was negative….what could be the cause please help a sister…

Hello am joy March 02, 2022

I had sex on 12th of february,I felt pain,dizzys,and I felt tried after it.
My period came out on 20th till 24th of february,bt d flow was slow.
I took birth control pills(posnor 2)
My period calender tell me am 5 days late,
I don’t understand because I experienced my period,bt d calender said am late.
Could I b pregnant or is something else wrong wit me?

Ogbuagu Ifeoma February 28, 2022

I had sex on d 7 of Jan and I used postinor 2 and I saw my mens on d 18 at d normal time ..it lasted for 3 days instead of 4but we are in feb .have been having cramps , back pain … and tomorrow now 18 ..hv not seen my mens yet…can I be pregnant

Sharon February 28, 2022

I used pills on the 11th of last month,bleed for 3 days from 13th to 15th after using the pill,had sex on 23rd of last month,been having cramps for 8 days now,and my period is 2 days late,what’s the problem pls? And the solution too, thanks

Oyindamola February 28, 2022

Hi am mimi I had sex or d 20th of this month and on d 21st I was sick I took injection and drip now am okay am expecting my period but it has not come. I keep having cramps

Lady Mimi December 31, 2021

I saw my period on the 9th of September, den October I saw it on the 4th due to drugs I drank after sex, den this month if November I have not seen my period, thou I expected it on the 4th I did not see it, I did a house strip test but is negative, till now that is 9th of September I have not seen too still did a test too both negative, pls are my pregnant or not.

Debby December 13, 2021

Hello, I’m 17 years old. This is my first time experiencing delayed period. Last month September I had my period but this month, I’m still waiting. I don’t have a boyfriend and im not sexually active. But I always take caffeine in the morning. According to my research, caffeine affects the menstruation and I’ve been stressing a lot and it affects my academic performance. November is near and I’m not having it. What should I do?

Heather November 22, 2021

Hi Angela! If you’re concerned about a delayed period it’s best to consult a healthcare professional. As we are not medical professionals we cannot offer diagnosis.
-Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor October 25, 2021

My last period was on 21 Sept 2021
And my next period is supposed to be 21 of October 2021 I have not had sex for 2years now

Angela Ebrumakpone October 25, 2021

Hi Faith! Sorry to hear your period is late! If you are concern about pregnancy we recommend taking an at home pregnancy test. As we are not medical professionals we cannot provide medical diagnosis. -Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor October 12, 2021

Hi abbyyyy ! Sorry to hear about the delayed period! If you’re concerned about pregnancy we recommend taking an at home pregnancy test. As we are not medical professionals we cannot provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. – Team Lunette

Lunette Mentrual Mentor October 12, 2021

Hi Anita! Sorry to hear about the delayed period! If you’re concerned about pregnancy and cramping without a period it is best to consult a doctor. As we are not medical professionals we cannot provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. -Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor October 12, 2021

Hi Janet and light! Sorry to hear your period is late! If you are concerned about pregnancy we recommend taking an at home pregnancy test. If you are still concerned after taking a test it’s best to consult a doctor. As we are not medical professionals we cannot offer medical advice or diagnosis. -Team Lunette

Lunette Menstrual Mentor October 12, 2021

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Should I be worried if my period is 15 days late?

It is important for a person to see a doctor if they have missed more than three periods in a row. A variety of factors can disrupt a person's menstrual cycle. Periods may come back on their own, but if delays are persistent, a doctor — such as a gynecologist — should explore the possible causes.

Why am I 15 days late on my period but negative pregnancy test?

There are many reasons your period could be late other than pregnancy. Stress, illness, and changes in weight or nutrition can all affect your menstrual cycle. If you're taking hormonal birth control or took emergency contraception, that can also change your period.

How long can you be late on your period and not be pregnant?

Everyone's cycle is different, but how late can a period be? Healthy cycles can range in length from 21 to 35 days, and how long a cycle lasts can vary from cycle to cycle. Unless you have irregular cycles due to a medical condition, you probably have at least a rough idea of when to expect your next period.