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What Causes Delayed Periods?

Posted on Mon, 9 Feb 2015

Question: My period is about 20 days late. It was due to begin the week of Dec 22, 2014. I am 42 years old, is this signs of pregnancy or premenopause

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Premenopause

Detailed Answer:
Hello mam, there are two possibilities as you already know -
- pregnancy
- Premenopause
But as urine pregnancy test is negative, it is most probably a perimenopausal transition.
Take tablet norethisterone thrice a day for 3 days and after stopping the drug you will get your periods in 2-5 days.
This time it is your first time so but in case delay occurs in every cycle then no need to take the drug every time and just let it be the way it is and eventually your periods will stop.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Jain (13 minutes later)

I also have a thyroid disorder and take medicine to regulate it, but I am having tender brest and excessive fatigue. Could this also contribute to my menstrual cycle's lateness

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
due to the delayed periods

Detailed Answer:
Thyroid hormone levels if in normal limits will not cause this delay.
The breast tenderness and fatigue are due to lack of hormones and delay in periods.
These are common symptoms and usually subside after periods.

Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar