My period is fairly consistent, yet its start date can vary by a day or two (being irregular is what’s regular for me). So, I’m not really sure of the answer to this…maybe our health expert Molly can provide a more definite answer.
I don’t know if there’s any medical basis for it (Molly could answer that better than I can), but I’ve experienced the same thing. Usually, my periods are long and heavy, and I don’t have one every four weeks. But on the rare occasion that my period is shorter than normal, I’ll get my next one sooner — usually within the more typical 28 days.
First, I am assuming you aren’t sexually active, since the most common reason for being late is being pregnant. So assuming you aren’t pregnant, it is possible that your cycle is undergoing a little change right now. Since your period last time lasted longer, it means either that you had a thicker lining to shed because your time between periods last month was longer, or that the ramp up in hormones to start the new cycle wasn’t as robust as usual. If you didn’t start your new cycle with a strong surge in estrogen, you would bleed a little longer, and it would then take longer in the next cycle for you to get to the hormone levels needed to ovulate. Some months pass without ovulation, and in those cases, your period may come later than expected, too. Either way, it sounds like this cycle was a little off in the hormone department and hopefully after your next reboot with your period, you’ll be back to your normal self. If you go for several cycles with things seeming off kilter, you should see your healthcare provider.
By Dr. Staci Tanouye OB/GYN, MD Are you curious about vaginal discharge and wondering if it’s normal or not? The good news, it’s completely normal and healthy. In fact, vaginal discharge...
Learn MoreThis is not intended to be medical advice. Everybody is different so please make sure to consult your physician if you're having issues. Do not delay or refrain from seeking professional medical advice from your physician because of something you have read on this site.
No matter what time of the month it is, U by Kotex® has something that's right for you.
Allnighter® Ultra-Thin Pads with Wings, Extra Heavy Overnight
U by Kotex® Allnighter® Ultra Thin Extra Heavy Overnight Pads with Wings provide up to 100% leak free...
Security® Ultra-Thin Pads with Wings, Overnight
For all night protection in any sleep position, try U by Kotex® Security® Ultra Thin Overnight Pads with a 60% larger back*.
Teen® Ultra-Thin Pads with Wings, Overnight Protection
Get up to 100% leak free protection with U by Kotex® Ultra Thin Teen Overnight Pads with Wings.
Teen® Pads - Extra Absorbency
Get up to 100% leak free protection with U by Kotex® Extra Absorbency Ultra Thin Teen Pads with Wings, the ONLY pad uniquely sized for teens*.
Cleanwear® Ultra Thin Pads - Heavy Flow With Wings
Get the ultra thin pad that keeps up with you and your day. U by Kotex® CleanWear® Ultra Thin Pads....
Click® Tampons Super - Compact Applicator
Try the #1 compact Tampon and get up to 100% leak free XPRESS-DRI® protection.
Security® Ultra Thin Pads - Long with Wings
Get up to 10 hours of XPRESS-DRI® protection and no harsh ingredients with U by Kotex® Security® Ultra Thin pads.
Tracking is simple! Use our FREE Period Calculator to figure out when your next period starts.