Can your menstrual cycle change after being sexually inactive

A woman’s menstrual cycle is approximately 28 days long, however, cycles can vary quite dramatically between 21 to 40 days. 

In general, most woman develop a regular menstrual cycle, with a similar amount of time in between periods, and their monthly bleed lasting between two and seven days.

For some less fortunate woman, their periods can be irregular, with some not even knowing when or if they will get a bleed each cycle. 

Why are my periods so irregular?

An irregular period can refer to variations in the time between your periods, the amount of blood you lose and even the number of days each period lasts.

There are many reasons why a woman’s cycle might become irregular. This might be a temporary upset, or a more long-term issue, depending on several factors which may occur between puberty and menopause. 

If you have recently changed your method of contraception or just given birth, then this can disrupt your period cycle for a few weeks or even months. Usually things should even out after a couple of months, back to a more regular cycle, however, for some women this can be much longer. 

Hormone imbalances can cause irregular periods because the reproductive hormones oestrogen and progesterone fluctuate, causing various symptoms as a result.

What can cause hormone imbalance?

Many factors can cause a hormone imbalance, including:

• Stress
• Dietary problems
• Too much exercise
• Sexual activity
• Depression and anxiety
• Illness
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Medical conditions e.g. polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

if you are worried about your irregular periods, or you are experiencing irregularity long-term, you should consult your healthcare practitioner at the earliest opportunity.

Irregular periods are not always indicative of more serious issues, if concerned however, it never hurts to see a doctor about them as a precaution.

Can you have sex when you are on your period?

Yes, you can have sex when you’re on your period. However, if you experience irregular periods, then it can be very tricky to know whether your bleed is going to affect your sex life or not, as it could crop up unexpectedly, or not come at all. 

How might irregular periods affect your sex life?

You may experience anxiety or fear of being pregnant if your periods don’t arrive on time. This can lead to nervousness about being sexually active with a partner.

One way to ensure that pregnancy doesn’t occur is to use a condom, rather than risk other less reliable methods. This will give added peace of mind, instead of waiting and worrying for a period to arrive.

It is important to remember that no condom is 100% percent effective. You should always remember to read the instructions included on, or in, the box when trying new contraceptives.

How to re-balance hormones and help to regulate your period

While hormone imbalances often go ignored or unknown, it is important to address the reasons why you might be experiencing irregular periods, and this should start with a visit to their GP or gynaecologist.

Health specialists will advise the reasons why they think the irregularity might be occurring, or any underlying medical issues, however, it’s crucial to also pay attention to your own lifestyle choices and make tweaks towards a healthier way of living. 

Enjoying a healthy and balanced diet, as well as reduced alcohol intake, no smoking, and a stress-free environment can all help in regaining a more regular hormonal pattern.

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Most of us have thought it before: Why is my period late? Late periods are the worst! Having to constantly worry about when it will come, and if your bedsheets and underwear will get stained, is a huge bummer. More than that, for some sexually active people, having a late period can be one of life's most stressful experiences, and unprotected sex before a late period can mean it's time to take a pregnancy test. But if you're not sexually active, and you're sure you aren't pregnant, there are still plenty of reasons for a delayed period.

"Many [people], especially young women, have irregular periods. After getting your first period, it can take a few years for them to become regular," explains Dr. Vanessa Cullins, vice president of external medical affairs at Planned Parenthood.

"In teens, missed periods can happen for lots of reasons," Cullins says, "including illness, travel, worry, or stress, marathon running, extensive ballet, gymnastics, track and field, or other strenuous activities or sports."

If your period is late, and you've ruled out pregnancy, here's more on reasons your monthly visitor could be late.

Stress

"Stress or worry, illness, changes in weight or nutrition, or strenuous exercise can all affect your menstrual cycle," Cullins says. "If you’re worried about a missed period, you can get a pregnancy test from your local pharmacy, drugstore, grocery store, or contact your health care provider, who can give you a pregnancy test and help figure out what might be going on with your period."

Thyroid Imbalance

"An overactive thyroid or an underactive thyroid can both affect your period," Cullins says. "Your doctor or nurse will need to perform special tests (blood tests, usually) to determine whether you have thyroid problems."

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is more common than people think, and "yes, it definitely can make you miss your period," Cullins says. "PCOS can cause irregular menstrual periods, infertility, obesity, and excessive hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen, or upper thighs. PCOS can also contribute to excessive oily skin and excessive acne, multiple cysts on the ovaries, velvety darkened skin, called acanthosis nigricans, and insulin resistance (which, if it worsens, can become diabetes). If untreated for years, older women with PCOS can develop uterine (endometrial) cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, all of which may be life-threatening if not managed or controlled."

Lyme, Celiac, or Any Other Chronic Illness

With the recent interest in diseases like Lyme and celiac, it's important to note that these can also contribute to your late period.

"Any chronic illness that is not controlled or managed might affect the regularity of your period or amount of blood flow during your period," Cullins says. So, if you're wondering "Why is my period late?" or, says Cullins, "if you are concerned about changes in your period, see a doctor or nurse who has expertise in women’s health care."

Birth Control

"All birth control methods that release a hormone or hormones can affect the timing and regularity of your period (including the hormonal IUD, implant, shot, pill, patch, and ring)," Cullins says. "In fact, many [people] who have irregular or very painful periods use hormonal birth control to make their periods lighter, more regular, and more manageable." Cullins adds, "The copper IUD (ParaGard) can also affect your period. Barrier methods, like condoms, won’t affect your period at all."

Is it normal for your period cycle to change after becoming sexually active?

Does being sexually inactive affect your hormones?

What causes menstrual cycle to change dates?