Causes of a Week Late Menstrual Cycle

People relate a week late menstrual period to a pregnancy. When the truth is there are many possible reasons that can cause a women's period to be late. When your menstrual period is late it's important to properly evaluate the system to see if you fall into any of the other categories which would cause a week late menstrual period.

Stress

Physical and emotional stress can cause your menstrual cycle to change. Physical stress may be changes to your diet an excessive exercise. If you are under undo emotional stress - conflicts at home, frustrations, etc. - you may experience a week late menstrual period. Illness and fatigue are related symptoms of stress which also cause disturbances to your menstrual cycle.

Dieting and Weight Loss

Being underweight or overweight can cause delays in your menstrual period. Dramatic changes to weight can cause disruption to menstrual cycles. Vigorous exercise can also cause week late menstrual cycle along with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Crash diets and various unbalanced diets can also lead to disturbances in your menstrual cycle.

Medications

Psychotropic drugs and oral contraceptives are the top culprits of a week late period. Various other drugs, supplements, herbal remedies, over-the-counter medications, or alternative treatments can lead to a week late menstrual period. Chemotherapy drugs may cause late menstrual periods in some women.

Medical Reasons

Hormonal Imbalance can be caused by Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or early menopause. These reasons can lead you to have late menstrual cycles. Thyroid problems and pituitary gland problems can lead to hormonal imbalance also creating week late cycles. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can also lead to late or bleeding in between menstrual cycles. Ashermans syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease and imperforate hymen are also causes of a week late menstrual cycle. A gynecologist will be able to diagnoses these conditions along with giving proper treatment.

Pregnancy and Breast-feeding

Pregnancy is the most common reason for a week late menstrual cycle. Pregnancy is the number one reasons in sexually active women using contraception's or not should determine a week late menstrual period. Breast-feeding mothers may also experience a change in menstrual cycles. Commonly breast-feeding mothers will notice a delay in their menstrual cycles if not a complete halt until they have weaned their infants.

Premature Ovarian Failure

Premature ovarian failure is classified as ovarian failure in women under 40 years of age. Premature ovarian failure is a result of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery to the pelvis or abdomen region. Premature ovarian failure can result in disturbances to the menstrual cycle.

Source:
MedicineNet: Missed Menstrual Period
Medic 8: Sexually Transmitted Diseases
WebMd: Missed or Irregular Periods