My periods has been late more times than count but the stress of it makes me think of all weird reasons for the delay than actually understand that sometimes it just happens! A late period can trigger immediate concern, often leading to thoughts of pregnancy. However, when for most of us when a pregnancy test comes back negative, confusion sets in making it more stressful and frustrating. So what could be causing this delay? While pregnancy is a common reason for a missed period, several other factors can contribute to menstrual irregularities. A delayed period does not necessarily mean a woman is pregnant. Being proactive with reproductive health tends to be a good indicator of one's overall health and well-being.

The menstrual cycle is a hormonal play that will help regulate both ovulation and menstruation. An average cycle is about 28 days long though it may be anywhere between 21 and 35 days in length, which is normal. There are numerous factors affecting when your period might come - such as stress, diet, or other diseases, which affect your cycle timing. A minimal difference in the cycle length is perfectly normal; however, continued irregularities are signs of something going wrong in your body.

Common Reasons for a Late Period Besides Pregnancy

If pregnancy is ruled out, a variety of lifestyle, medical, and hormonal factors may be to blame. Here’s are some of the most common reasons why your period might be delayed.

1. Stress and Emotional Health

Stress is a leading cause of menstrual irregularities. When your body undergoes high levels of stress, whether emotional or physical, it produces excess cortisol, a hormone that can interfere with the balance of reproductive hormones. This disruption can delay ovulation and, in turn, cause a late or missed period. Reducing stress through mindfulness, relaxation techniques and adequate sleep can help restore normal menstrual cycles.

2. Weight Fluctuations and Diet

Significant weight loss, extreme dieting, or sudden weight gain can throw off your cycle. Low body fat levels can reduce estrogen production, leading to missed periods. Conversely, excessive weight gain can contribute to hormonal imbalances, particularly if associated with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Maintaining a balanced diet and healthy weight can support regular menstruation.

3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age. It is characterized by high levels of androgens (male hormones), which can lead to irregular periods, cysts on the ovaries, acne, weight gain and excessive hair growth. Since PCOS disrupts ovulation, it can cause delayed or absent menstruation. If you suspect PCOS, consulting a healthcare provider for diagnosis and management is crucial.

4. Hormonal Contraceptives and Other Birth Control Methods

A woman using hormonal birth control pills, patches, injections, or intrauterine devices can experience disrupted menstrual cycles.

These totally or partially inhibit ovulation, meaning no ovulation, or lighter periods result. You would expect some period of time for your body to readjust and begin experiencing a regular cycle if you had only recently stopped taking hormonal conception. Seek medical care if this pattern doesn't change. 5. Prescription drugs, Medical conditions

Certain prescription drugs, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and thyroid medication, can alter hormone levels and cause menstrual changes. Medical conditions, such as diabetes and celiac disease, can also influence the cycle through altering hormonal balance or through an inability to absorb nutrients.

6. Thyroid dysfunction

The thyroid gland is the regulator of metabolism and hormone production. Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, may cause infrequent or light periods, whereas hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, can cause heavier or more frequent periods. If you are experiencing fatigue, unexplained weight changes, or temperature sensitivity with menstrual irregularities, a thyroid test may be in order.

7. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

POI occurs when the ovaries stop functioning properly before the age of 40, leading to irregular or missed periods. Unlike menopause, where menstruation ceases permanently, women with POI may still have intermittent periods and even conceive in some cases. If you have irregular periods and symptoms like night sweats or mood changes, consulting a healthcare provider can help determine the cause.

8. Breastfeeding and Postpartum Changes

Breastfeeding releases prolactin, a hormone that suppresses ovulation, which can lead to delayed or absent periods. While some women resume regular cycles within a few months postpartum, others may not get their period until they stop breastfeeding. If you are concerned about postpartum menstrual irregularities, discussing them with your doctor can provide reassurance.

9. Perimenopause and Hormonal Shifts

Perimenopause is the transition phase before menopause, typically occurring in women aged 40 to 50. During this time, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate leading to irregular cycles. Symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood changes may accompany menstrual irregularities. If your periods become erratic and you suspect perimenopause, a healthcare provider can help manage symptoms.

When to See a Doctor

A single late period is usually not a cause for concern but if menstrual irregularities persist, it may be time to seek medical advice. You should consult a doctor if you experience:

• Missed periods for three consecutive months
• Heavy or prolonged bleeding when your period does arrive
• Severe pain, nausea, or dizziness
• Signs of a potential underlying medical condition

Your medical professional can help determine what causes menstrual irregularities and what should be done.

One must be very careful about what they consume. One of the easiest ways to get sick is by eating food or having beverages from unsafe and unsanitary places. That is why people are discouraged from eating at roadside stalls or food from street hawkers who do not follow the food safety protocol.

Many people do not know how unsafe tap water can be. While the tap water available at home goes through treatment, it is best to only drink it after boiling or opting for water from the filter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that these health issues can range from mild to serious, depending on what germs are being transmitted.

In a TikTok, Doctor Suraj Kukadia who goes by Dr. Sooj, a practicing NHS GP and emergency doctor, issued a critical warning. urgent warning that if you use regular tap water to rinse your nose, you could be exposed to a very rare but dangerous "brain-eating amoeba." Even though tap water in the UK is perfectly safe to drink, it's a different story when it comes to cleaning out your nose.

Why Tap Water Is Risky for Your Nose

Rinsing your nose is a common thing people do when they have a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection. You usually flush water or salt water into your nose to wash away snot, dust, pollen, and anything else that might be irritating your nasal passages. But in a video, a doctor known online as Dr. Sooj, explained why tap water is risky for this. He said that "tap water has bacteria. It has amoeba, it has protozoa. There are tiny living things in the water." When you drink these, your stomach acid usually kills them, but when they go up your nose, it's a different story.

Brain-Eating Amoeba

The main worry is a "brain-eating amoeba" called Naegleria fowleri. This tiny creature loves to live in warm fresh water, like lakes, rivers, and hot springs. The Cleveland Clinic explains water that contains this amoeba goes up your nose, it can travel to your brain. Once there, it causes a very serious and almost always deadly infection called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). While this infection is rare, it's not worth the risk.

If the amoeba gets into the brain through the nose, it can cause a severe infection called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). Early signs of PAM can be a headache, fever, feeling sick to your stomach (nausea), and throwing up (vomiting). This infection moves incredibly fast. Most people who get PAM unfortunately die within just 1 to 18 days after they start showing symptoms, often falling into a coma before death. Other symptoms can include a stiff neck, feeling confused, not paying attention to people around you, losing your balance, and seeing things that aren't real (hallucinations).

When to Seek Medical Help

Health experts like the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree with this advice. They also warn about another amoeba called Acanthamoeba. If you or someone you know starts to have a headache, fever, confusion, or vomiting soon after rinsing your sinuses or nasal passages, it's crucial to get medical help right away.

A new study has revealed a sharp rise in cases of a rare cancer—appendiceal adenocarcinoma—particularly among younger generations. Generation X and millennials are seeing significantly higher rates of this cancer than previous generations, prompting concern among experts.

What Is Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma?

Appendiceal adenocarcinoma (AA) is a rare form of cancer that originates in the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. While appendix cancers are not commonly diagnosed—about 3,000 new cases per year in the U.S.—they appear to be rising at an alarming rate among younger adults.

Generational Surge in Cases

According to a new paper published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the rate of AA has tripled among Generation X and quadrupled among millennials compared to those born in the mid-20th century. Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center used data from the U.S. National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program, which tracked cancer cases from 1975 to 2019.

The numbers are telling: the study found that for people born in 1985, the incidence of appendix cancer is four times higher than for those born in 1945. For individuals born in 1980, it is about three times higher.

A Broader Gastrointestinal Trend

Experts say this rise mirrors trends in other gastrointestinal cancers—such as colorectal and stomach cancer—which are also being diagnosed more frequently in adults under 50. Between 1975 and 2019, the researchers recorded 4,858 cases of appendix cancer, with a noticeable uptick in recent decades.

Possible Causes: Lifestyle and Diet

Although the exact reasons for this generational increase remain unclear, researchers suggest that lifestyle and environmental factors may be playing a major role. The consumption of ultra-processed foods, sugary beverages, and processed meats has increased sharply in recent decades. Additionally, obesity and metabolic syndrome—both risk factors for various cancers—are more prevalent among younger people today than in past generations.

Lead researcher Dr. Andreana Holowatyji highlighted that the increase in cases is not due to more appendectomies being performed. Surgical removal rates of the appendix have remained largely stable over time, suggesting that other factors, possibly related to diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposure, are contributing to the spike in cases.

The Challenge of Early Detection

One of the major hurdles in combating appendiceal adenocarcinoma is the lack of clear early symptoms. Many of the signs—such as bloating, appetite loss, and changes in bowel habits—are vague and can easily be mistaken for more common digestive issues. This often leads to delayed diagnoses and limited treatment options.

Urgent Need for Research

With no definitive causes identified, scientists are calling for more research into environmental exposures, genetic factors, and molecular changes that might contribute to the development of appendix cancer. Understanding these elements could help in early detection and potentially lower the rising risk among younger populations.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, over 1.2 billion people ages 30 to 79 have hypertension. The number has increased from 650 million in 1990 to 1.2 billion in 2021. This increase is attributed to many factors, including lifestyle factors, which include salty indulgence, stress, and screen time which has been increased. These three impact your blood pressure levels, know how.

What Are The Three S Worsening Your Blood Pressure?

Salt

As per the Harvard Heart Publishing, an average American consumes the equivalent of about 1 1/2 teaspoon of salt per day, which is 50% more than the recommended amount.

About a third of healthy people and about 60% of people with high blood pressure are salt sensitive.

How does salt affects blood pressure?

When you consume too much sodium, your body holds on to extra water to balance the sodium levels. This added fluid increases the volume of blood in your vessels, which in turn raises your blood pressure and forces your heart to work harder. High sodium intake can also reduce the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medications. For example, diuretics help eliminate excess sodium and water, while vasodilators work by relaxing the blood vessels. However, a high-sodium diet makes your body retain fluid again, refilling those relaxed vessels and undoing the medication's effects.

Stress

As per the official publication of State Medical Society of Wisconsin, stress can cause hypertension through repeated blood pressure elevations as well as by stimulation of the nervous system to produce large amounts of vasoconstricting hormones that increase blood pressure. Factors affecting blood pressure through stress include white coat hypertension, job strain, race, social environment, and emotional distress.

As per National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, around 50 million American adults live with hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure over 139 mm Hg or diastolic pressure over 89 mm Hg. In about 95% of these cases, the condition is classified as "essential" hypertension, meaning there’s no single identifiable cause. However, experts agree that multiple factors—including stress—can contribute to rising blood pressure in these individuals.

Screentime

As per a 2024 study published in Cureus, hypertension is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease. The study links the increased accessibility of smartphones with the increasing hypertension.

This study explored the relationship between screen time and blood pressure (BP) among young adults.

The study also noted that higher screen time was more common among individuals using multiple devices. The prevalence of elevated BP in the sample was 35.8%, aligning with national data and raising concerns about the cardiovascular health of young adults.

Previous studies support these concerns. For instance, Nang et al. and Martinez-Gomez et al. linked prolonged TV viewing to higher BP and an adverse cardiovascular risk profile in adolescents. However, these relied on self-reported data. Other risk factors, such as age, gender, obesity, inactivity, and substance use, have also been linked to hypertension.