A late period (period lambat) is most often caused by pregnancy, stress, weight changes, too much exercise or hormonal contraception. Cycles naturally vary: the NHS says a normal cycle is anywhere from 21 to 35 days, and a large study found that only 13% of cycles are exactly 28 days long, so a period a few days later than usual is common. If there is any chance you could be pregnant, a pregnancy test is the first step. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (now called PMOS) and thyroid problems can also cause late or irregular periods. This guide explains what counts as late, the common causes, what to do when your period is 3 days, a week or months late, why you should be careful with "ubat datang haid", and when to see a doctor.
How late is a late period?
Your menstrual cycle runs from the first day of one period to the day before the next. According to the NHS:
- the average cycle is around 28 days, but regular cycles from 21 to 35 days are normal;
- periods are irregular (haid tidak teratur) if the gap between them is less than 21 days or more than 35 days;
- periods usually last 2 to 7 days;
- irregular periods are more common when periods first start and as you approach menopause.
A 28-day cycle is less common than many people think. In an analysis of more than 600,000 cycles recorded by app users, the average cycle was 29.3 days and only 13% of cycles were exactly 28 days. So your period being "late" is best judged against your own usual pattern. Tracking your periods with an app or diary makes this much easier.
Could I be pregnant?
A missed period is often the first sign of pregnancy. If you have had sex without contraception, or your contraception may have failed, take a pregnancy test:
- most tests work from the first day of a missed period;
- if you do not know when your period is due, test at least 21 days after unprotected sex;
- a positive result is almost certainly correct, but a negative result is less reliable, so retest a few days later if your period still has not come.
Our guide to tanda-tanda mengandung (early signs of pregnancy) explains the other early signs and what to do after a positive test.
Why is my period late?
The NHS lists these common causes of late, missed or irregular periods:
How stress delays your period
Your period usually starts about 10 to 16 days after you release an egg (ovulation), according to the NHS. The first part of the cycle, before ovulation, is the part that varies most. In the study of 600,000 cycles, this phase ranged widely (roughly 10 to 30 days), while the time after ovulation was more stable. So when stress, illness or travel delays ovulation, your period arrives later too.
When stress, weight loss and heavy exercise combine over a long time, the brain can stop signalling the ovaries to release eggs, and periods may stop altogether. Doctors call this functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea. An Endocrine Society guideline notes that it can lead to bone loss and fertility problems, and recommends a team approach that includes medical, dietary and mental health support. Gentle steps that help your cycle settle include:
- eating regular, balanced meals rather than very low-calorie diets;
- keeping exercise at a level your body can recover from;
- sleeping well; if you struggle with sleep, see our guide to susah tidur (insomnia);
- finding ways to manage stress, and asking for help if you feel overwhelmed.
3 days, 1 week or 2 months late: what to do
Ubat untuk datang haid: is it safe?
Many people search for "ubat untuk datang haid di farmasi" or "petua untuk datang haid". Be careful:
- Rule out pregnancy first. Some medicines, herbs and so-called "period pills" can be harmful in pregnancy.
- Avoid unregistered products sold online or through social media, which may contain undeclared ingredients. Our guide to checking KKM registration shows how to verify a product.
- Treat the cause, not just the delay. According to the NHS, treatment depends on the cause. For example, the combined contraceptive pill may help make periods more regular in PCOS, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be used around menopause, and thyroid problems are treated with medicine. These need a doctor's assessment and prescription.
If period pain is part of the problem, see our guide to senggugut (period pain).
When to see a doctor
According to the NHS, see a doctor if:
- you have missed your period 3 times in a row;
- your periods have not started by the time you are 15;
- your periods have become irregular, or your usual pattern changes;
- you have missed periods together with weight gain or loss, tiredness, hair growth on your face, or dry or oily skin;
- your periods last longer than 7 days, or you bleed between periods (keep your Pap smear or HPV screening up to date too);
- your periods are irregular and you are struggling to get pregnant.
The doctor will ask about your health and may do blood tests, and refer you to a gynaecologist or endocrinologist if needed. Get urgent help if you could be pregnant and have pain low down on one side of your tummy, bleeding, shoulder tip pain, or feel faint, as these can be signs of an ectopic pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is my period late (kenapa period lambat)?
The most common reasons are pregnancy, stress, losing or gaining a lot of weight, exercising too much, hormonal contraception, breastfeeding and the start of menopause. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (now called PMOS) and thyroid problems can also delay periods. If there is any chance you could be pregnant, take a pregnancy test first.
How many days late is normal for a period?
Cycles naturally vary. The NHS says a normal cycle is anywhere from 21 to 35 days, and in a study of more than 600,000 cycles only 13% were exactly 28 days. A period that is a few days later than usual is common and often not a concern, but if you could be pregnant, take a test.
Can stress make my period late?
Yes. Stress and anxiety are common causes of late or irregular periods. Stress can delay ovulation, and because a period usually comes about 10 to 16 days after ovulation, a late ovulation means a late period. Long-term stress combined with weight loss or heavy exercise can stop periods altogether.
My period is late but my pregnancy test is negative. What should I do?
A negative test is less reliable than a positive one, especially if you tested early. Wait a few days and test again. If the second test is negative and your period has still not arrived, or you miss 3 periods in a row, see a doctor.
Is there medicine to bring on a period (ubat untuk datang haid)?
Do not buy pills or herbal products to force a period without seeing a doctor. First rule out pregnancy, because some products are unsafe in pregnancy and many are not registered. A doctor treats the cause instead; for example, the combined pill may help regulate periods in PCOS, and HRT may be used around menopause.
What counts as irregular periods (haid tidak teratur)?
According to the NHS, periods are irregular if the gap between them is less than 21 days or more than 35 days. Irregular periods are common when periods first start and as you approach menopause, and they are not always a sign of a problem.
When should I see a doctor about a late period?
See a doctor if you miss 3 periods in a row, if your periods have not started by age 15, if your periods become irregular, if a missed period comes with weight change, tiredness, facial hair or skin changes, if periods last longer than 7 days, if you bleed between periods, or if you are struggling to get pregnant.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor or pharmacist. Health supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
References
- Stopped or missed periods — NHS
- Irregular periods — NHS
- Periods and fertility in the menstrual cycle — NHS
- Doing a pregnancy test — NHS
- Ectopic pregnancy — NHS
- Bull JR, et al. Real-world menstrual cycle characteristics of more than 600,000 menstrual cycles. NPJ Digit Med. 2019;2:83.
- Gordon CM, et al. Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2017;102(5):1413-1439.
