Hey, you. Yeah, you—staring at your calendar and asking yourself, “Is it that time again? Or was it supposed to be that time last week?” First things first:
take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and irregular periods are way more common than anyone likes to admit. Let's chat about what's going on.
So Why is my Period Late?
There’s no one reason for an irregular cycle—life’s a little more complex than that. Some common culprits include:
- Stress: Deadlines, exams, heartbreak, or trying to remember if you locked the door this morning (you probably did)—stress can really mess with your hormones.
- Changes in Routine: New job? Switching time zones? Binging a new show till 3 a.m.? All of these can throw off your body’s rhythm.
- Hormones Playing Hard to Get: Conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) can mess with your hormones, leading to longer or irregular cycles. (If this feels like it could be you, talk to a healthcare pro, okay?)
- Birth Control: That little pill (or patch or ring or IUD) might change your cycle in ways you didn’t expect. With that said, birth control changes are normal, but if something feels off, check with your doctor—it’s all about finding what works for you!
- Body Changes: Weight fluctuations, intense workouts, or even just growing into your fab self can impact your period.
When Should I Be Concerned?
Let’s keep it real—sometimes irregular periods are just your body’s way of saying, “I’m doing my thing.” But there are times when it’s worth checking in with a doctor:
- If your period is more than three months late.
- If your cycles are so irregular you feel like you need a detective to track them.
- If you’re experiencing other symptoms like excessive pain, super heavy bleeding, or sudden changes.
You know your body better than anyone, so trust your gut if something feels off.
What can I do while I wait?
Here’s some ways you can take care of yourself and keep yourself busy:
- Track It: Download a period app or keep a good old-fashioned calendar. Even irregular cycles have patterns that can help you understand what’s going on.
- Stay Healthy: Nourish your body with good food, sleep, and movement you enjoy.
- Talk It Out: Whether it’s your bestie, a healthcare provider, or a family member, sharing your worries can help. (And no, there’s no such thing as TMI when it comes to your health.)
- Check out some of our other blogs to give you some more advice, tips and tricks like our “How To Make Your Period Come Quicker”
You’re Not Alone—We Promise
Here’s the thing: periods are weird. They’re messy, unpredictable, and sometimes late to the party. But they don’t define you, and an irregular cycle doesn’t mean anything’s “wrong” with you. Your body is on its own journey, and it’s doing the best it can.
And when your monthly guest finally decides to grace you with her presence? We’ve got your back with the perfect period care (hi, Ruby Cup 👋). Sustainable, comfy, and there for you whenever your period decides to show up—because life’s too short for unpredictable pads and tampons.
So, whether your period is fashionably late or you’re just riding the wave of an irregular cycle, know this: you’ve got this. And we’ve got you. 💖