How Long Can PCOS Delay Your Period?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a common hormonal disorder among women of childbearing age, affecting about 1 in 10 women worldwide. A common symptom of PCOS is consistently inconsistent periods, you might miss your periods for months and months!

While some women may relish the idea of not having periods, they sure won’t like the symptoms that come with it. PCOS can also cause acne, hair loss on the scalp, weight gain, increased facial and body hair, skin discoloration and finally the damning of all: infertility. In fact, PCOS is the most common cause of infertility so you better get yourself checked if you experience irregularities with your periods.

But the question we’re going to answer in this blog is: Just how long can PCOS delay your period!? One month? Two months? Three months? Just how long? So that you can know when to be concerned or pay a visit to your ob-gyn.

What is considered a late period?

It’s perfectly fine for the length of your menstrual cycle to vary a little every month.

Generally, a period is considered late if it’s more than 5 days later than the date expected. The average length of the menstrual cycle is 28 days, and anywhere between 21 to 35 days is considered a healthy cycle. If your regular menstrual cycle is 24 days long and you still haven’t had your period on say, day 30, then your period is officially late.

How many days’ delay in periods is normal in PCOS?

As you might already know, PCOS can not only delay your periods for a considerable number of days, but it can also make your periods go completely MIA for months!

PCOS can delay your periods for over 5 to 6 months! Sometimes however, there can be regular periods but with very light flow lasting only for two days; but not all regular periods with PCOS are same: Some women experience very heavy periods. And a heavy period always goes together with other not so comfortable symptoms such as severe stomach aches, bloating, backache, etc.

How Does PCOS Cause Irregular Periods?

PCOS is a hormonal disorder caused by high levels of androgen – a male hormone typically present in females in a really small amount. When androgen levels in the body increase, it can interfere with the development and release of ovaries. This causes irregularities in the ovulation process which in turn can result in irregular periods.

What can you do to improve it?

Since PCOS is caused by hormonal imbalances, it can certainly be managed! Go visit your ob-gyn if you miss three periods in a row. Your ob-gyn can help determine which treatment will help you the most to get your periods back on track.

And as with most health conditions, living a healthy, active lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to manage PCOS. It’s also worth mentioning that losing the extra weight you gained with PCOS can significantly reduce the severity of PCOS symptoms.

Bottom Line:

If you notice irregularities with your periods, you should pay a visit to your ob-gyn and get their professional opinion instead of sitting duck with your problems! If you have anymore doubts, the comment section is always yours. Take care until next time!

FAQs Related to Delayed Periods Due to PCOS

1. Is it normal to miss period for 3 months in PCOS?

Yes, you can normally miss period for 3 months with PCOS.

However, this shouldn’t become a reason for you to be slack and skip exercising, eating healthy foods or paying regular visits to the doctor.

2. How many periods can you miss with PCOS?

Anywhere from 1 to 6 periods consecutively. There are even cases of people having only 1 period in an entire year!

3. Do you have to miss periods to have PCOS?

Along with missed periods, another key sign of PCOS is irregularity and inconsistency in your periods. You can have regular periods that are lighter or heavier than usual, or periods that are very short or periods that overstay their welcome with PCOS.

4. How to Ensure a Normal Period When You're Suffering from PCOS?

A healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to manage PCOS. Losing excess weight can help too which can result in regular periods, improved mood, reduced risk of heart diseases and diabetes along with higher chances of fertility.