It’s never a fun feeling when your period doesn’t show up when it’s expected. Whether it’s just a day or two, or even longer, the worry can be overwhelming—especially if you’re sexually active. So, if you’re asking, “Why am I 6 days late on my period?” keep reading to explore the possible reasons and answers.
Why Am I 6 Days Late on My Period?
A late period can be stressful, but the first step is simple: take a home pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy. If the test comes back negative, don’t panic. It’s time to look into other potential causes.
Non-Pregnancy Reasons
Your menstrual cycle is a delicate thing, and several factors can mess with its timing. While some irregularities are completely normal, there are a few common culprits. Your doctor will likely tell you not to stress over a missed or late period once or twice a year. Things like stress, a poor diet, excessive exercise, hormonal imbalances, thyroid issues, and even jetlag can cause delays. Traveling, especially across time zones, can throw off your cycle as well.
Pregnancy
For women who are sexually active, pregnancy is the most common reason for a late period. When you’re pregnant, your body’s hormones shift to support the growth of the baby, and this halts your usual menstrual cycle. So, you won’t get your period again until after your baby is born.
How Soon Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
Some pregnancy tests claim to give results as soon as the day you miss your period. However, waiting a week after the missed period is usually the best approach for the most reliable results. This gives the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) enough time to build up in your system for a more accurate reading.
Pregnancy tests look for hCG, which is only produced once a fertilized egg implants itself in the uterine wall. Typically, this happens around six days after conception, but it can take a little longer for some women.
Make sure to follow the instructions carefully when taking the test to avoid false results. If you’re still uncertain, a visit to the doctor for a blood test is the most accurate way to confirm pregnancy.
What Do Others Say About Home Tests?
Home pregnancy tests are pretty reliable, but they’re not foolproof. If you’re still unsure, waiting a few weeks and visiting a doctor for a blood test can clear things up. A blood test will give a much clearer indication of pregnancy.
If you’re past the time when your next period should start, it’s a good idea to visit your healthcare provider for further testing.
Early Signs of Pregnancy
Pregnancy symptoms can start showing up just a few weeks after conception. Here are 10 common early signs to watch for:
- Food aversions
- Mood swings
- Bloating
- Frequent urination
- Extreme fatigue
- Swollen, tender breasts
- Nausea or morning sickness
- Missed period
- Elevated basal body temperature
- Positive pregnancy test
If you notice any of these symptoms, they could point to pregnancy.
What to Do If You’re Not Pregnant But 6 Days Late
If your pregnancy test is negative, but your period is still delayed, there are a few things you can do to help regulate your cycle and stay healthy:
- Track Your Periods: Keep a record of when your periods start and stop. This helps you notice patterns or irregularities and gives you helpful data to share with your doctor.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Good nutrition is key. A healthy diet keeps your body functioning well and helps maintain a healthy weight, both of which support a regular menstrual cycle.
- Ease Up on Exercise: If you’re overexerting yourself in your workouts, try dialing it back. Intense exercise can impact your cycle, so a more moderate approach might help get things back on track.
- Talk to Your Doctor: If you’re still unsure why your period is late, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit. By sharing your period records and any other symptoms, your doctor can help pinpoint the cause and offer advice or treatment options.