A late period is when menstruation has not occurred within the usual time frame since the start of the last period. The length of a menstrual cycle can vary from person to person, but normal cycles occur every 28 days, plus or minus a week. If a person has gone over 35 days without their period, that would be considered late. However, a period that is a few days late is not usually a cause for concern. It is common for people to have a little variation in their periods, and some people may have pinpoint predictability. If a persons period has been more than 38 days since their last period or if their cycle is very consistent and their period is more than three days late, it may be a sign of pregnancy or an underlying condition.

In summary, a period is considered late if it has not occurred within the usual time frame since the start of the last period. If a person has gone over 35 days without their period, that would be considered late. However, a period that is a few days late is not usually a cause for concern. If a persons period has been more than 38 days since their last period or if their cycle is very consistent and their period is more than three days late, it may be a sign of pregnancy or an underlying condition.