Advice

Have you missed a period? Don't panic, there's a number of possible explanations. Check them out here, with advice on what to do now...

When will I know I've missed a period?

This depends on how predictable your periods are. If they always arrive bang on time you'll know within a couple of days. For girls who are less regular it often takes longer to notice.

If there's any chance you could be pregnant, don't wait around: see your GP right away.

Does it mean I'm pregnant?

Not necessarily. Even the most predictable periods can be late. There are other reasons why this might happen.

But (and here's the important bit) anyone who has had sex then has a late period needs to know one way or another: Am I pregnant?

See the I Think I'm Pregnant factfile for advice.

I've never had sex: Why else could my period be late?

• If you only started having periods in the last year or so, or your periods are normally irregular, there's nothing unusual about missing periods - even for several months.
• Have you been under a lot of stress? Girls often miss or have late periods around exam time, when they've a lot on their minds, or if they're nervous about something.
• Are you on a strict diet or exercising very heavily? Losing a lot of body fat can make you miss a period. This is a sign you need to eat more or exercise less.
• Girls also sometimes miss periods when they've been ill or taken certain medications.

What should I do about it?

If you've never had sex and you feel well - sit tight. Give it week or so. It'll probably come: Better late than never.

But if you have had sex, or you feel at all unwell make that appointment (in confidence) to see your GP.