My period is 4 days late, is that normal?

It happens sometimes: Pregnancy is a common cause of a late or missed period. If not pregnant, other causes of a late or missed period may be excessive weight loss or gain, increased exercising, emotional stress, having an illness, traveling, medicines (such as birth control pills), hormonal disorders, etc... A call to one’s Primary Care or Ob-Gyn doctor is helpful if symptoms are persistent, recurring, or worrisome.

Late period: Reasons for missed / late period include: an anovulatory cycle in which no egg is released, marked v or ^ in weight; eating disorder; Over-exercising (endurance athletics), stress, travel, significant illnesses, oral contraceptives & other meds, Illegal drug use, breast feeding, hormone imbalances and medical problems (i.e., PCOS). Pregnancy is #1 reason.

Do pregnancy test: Conception occurs within day or so of the sex. It takes about 3 weeks for the embryo to make enough HCG for a positive pregnancy test. Blood test may be done a day after a missed period. Home pregnancy tests should be done 4-5 days after the missed period. If the result is negative repeat the test in 4-5 days. Use first morning urine and follow instructions for the test carefully.