Irregular periods: two months late

A late period can follow delayed ovulation or anovulation, when ovulation does not occur in a cycle. Pregnancy is another possibility, including when periods are usually irregular. Stress, major changes in weight or exercise, illness, breastfeeding, and some medicines can affect the cycle. PCOS, thyroid conditions, perimenopause, or premature ovarian insufficiency may also need consideration depending on your age and symptoms. The delay itself does not identify one cause.

Take a home pregnancy test according to its instructions; if it is negative but pregnancy remains possible, repeat it or seek clinical advice. Note the date of your last bleed, usual cycle pattern, contraception, medicines, stress, weight changes, pain, discharge, and symptoms such as acne or hot flushes. Arrange an appointment if the test is negative and the period does not return, or sooner if the change is unusual for you. See [Irregular Periods](/symptoms/irregular-periods/) and [Anovulation](/conditions/anovulation/).

Seek urgent care for severe or one-sided abdominal pain, faintness, shoulder-tip pain, or heavy bleeding when pregnancy is possible. Arrange medical assessment for ongoing absence of periods, milky nipple discharge unrelated to breastfeeding, vision changes, severe headaches, or new excess hair growth. A clinician may decide whether examination, pregnancy testing, blood tests, or ultrasound is appropriate.

When should I repeat a pregnancy test? Could my medicines, stress, thyroid, PCOS, or breastfeeding affect this? What symptoms would change the urgency? Do I need tests to check ovulation or hormone levels?