What Causes Delay In Periods?

Posted on Mon, 27 Oct 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 Answered on

Thu, 20 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi,

My last periods were due on 20th Oct. It did not arrive till yesterday. Today I noticed slightly red discharge. What does that mean? My period are always on time
I would like to add that this morning I had travelled by air.

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It can be start of your menses.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing to us about it.

I can understand your concern, though.

There are so many causes other than pregnancy, which can cause delayed menses.

The most usual causes are hormonal imbalance, excessive stress, excessive weight gain or weight loss, thyroid disorder, PCOD, anovulatory cycle, strenuous exercise, medicines, infection and pills.

In your case it can be a start of your period, but to be safer side you should get for a home urine pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.

Hope it is useful, feel free to ask more questions.

Good luck.
Regards
Dr.Richa

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Richa Agarwal (11 minutes later)

Hi,

thanks for your reply. If i'm pregnent, will this discharge affect my pregnency? I want to get pregnent

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, it may affect your pregnancy.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Nice to find out from you all again.

Any type of spotting or discharge during pregnancy can not consider normal and demand evaluation.

If you are pregnant and this discharge continues, you should confer with your treating doctor and get your pelvic ultrasound test done and take some hormonal support to continue your pregnancy.

Hope it is useful, feel free to ask more questions.

Good luck.
Regards
Dr.Richa

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj