what are the reasons for a missed period

Common Causes

Why your periods might stop

• Pregnancy. You might be pregnant if you're sexually active and your period is late. ...
• Stress. ...
• Sudden weight loss. ...
• Being overweight. ...
• Doing too much exercise. ...
• Contraceptive pill. ...
• Menopause. ...
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Polycystic ovaries contain a large number of harmless follicles, which are underdeveloped sacs in which eggs develop.

Related Conditions

Some of the causes of missed periods, besides pregnancy, are as follows:

• Stress: This is one of the most common reasons for a missed period. ...
• Low body weight: Low body weight is another potential reason for a missed period. ...
• Obesity: Similarly to low body weight, obesity can also result in hormonal changes, leading to an absence of menstruation.

More items...

Why am I not getting my period?

What Happens To Your Body When You Purposely Skip Your Period

• Breakthrough bleeding can happen. ...
• Ease your endometriosis. ...
• Put the clamp on cramps. ...
• A better mood. ...
• Beat the bloat. ...
• No more night sweats. ...
• Clearer skin for the win. ...
• Bye-bye menstrual migraines. ...
• No more intimacy anxiety. ...
• Lower risks of cysts. ...

More items...

What causes a missed period other than pregnancy?

STIs usually do not cause missed periods until they have progressed to a severe infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which we will discuss in this article. We will also examine the most common STIs, symptoms, and how they can impact your period.

What happens when you miss your period?

Can pelvic inflammatory disease cause a missed period?

How much delay is normal in periods?

If you don't have any known condition affecting your menstrual cycle, your period should start within 21 to 35 days of your last period, depending on your normal cycle. Regular periods can vary. If your regular cycle is 28 days and you still have not had your period on day 29, your period is officially considered late.

Is it normal to miss a period for no reason?

It's normal miss a period once in a while. It could just be your body's response to stress or changes in your eating or exercise habits. But sometimes, it can also be a sign of a larger issue.

What to do if period is not coming?

There are a few measures you can take at home to help regulate your periods:Establish a regular routine.Eat a balanced diet.Get regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.Manage and reduce your stress.Take birth control as prescribed.

Can I miss my period and not be pregnant?

You might miss a period every so often if you're taking the contraceptive pill. This is not usually a cause for concern. Some types of contraception, such as the progestogen-only pill (POP), contraceptive injection and intrauterine system (IUS), particularly Mirena, can cause periods to stop altogether.

Is it possible to skip a period and not be pregnant?

Menstrual irregularities, such as missed or late periods, occur in 14–25% of women of childbearing age. They can result from a range of conditions besides pregnancy, including hormonal imbalances, hormonal birth control, stress, weight loss, trauma, and certain health conditions.

How long can stress delay a period?

Stress can delay your period, but the good news is that stress shouldn't completely stop your period (like, forever). If you've gone more than six weeks (the amount of time it takes to classify a period as fully “missed”) since your last period, it may be time to see a doctor and make sure everything is okay.

When do pregnancy symptoms start?

Some women may begin noticing the first early signs of pregnancy a week or two after conception, while others will start to feel symptoms closer to four or five weeks after conception. Some women may not feel symptoms until their period is noticeably late, or even farther into pregnancy.

Can stress delay your period?

Yep! Stress can affect your hormones in a way that changes your menstrual cycle. Other things can delay your period, too, like being sick, exercising a lot, having a low body weight, using a hormonal birth control method, or taking certain other medications.

Is it normal to miss a period for a month?

It is not uncommon to occasionally miss a period, or for periods to become irregular from time to time. Under some circumstances, periods can even stop altogether. Sometimes these irregularities are due to normal changes, and are not cause for concern.

How late is my period before I should be worried?

It's normal for periods to vary a little in length from month to month. How late can a period be before you should worry? Generally, a period is considered late if it's more than five days past due.

Why haven't I got my period in 2 months but Im not pregnant?

Some medical problems (such as hormone imbalances) and lifestyle changes (such as stress, too much exercise, or large amounts of weight loss or gain) can cause girls to miss their periods. Your doctor will be able to look into the cause of any possible problems.

How many days late can a period be before worrying about pregnancy?

If you've had unprotected sex and your period is 10 or more days late, you should take a pregnancy test and talk to a healthcare provider regardless of the result. Speak to a healthcare provider if you haven't had a period for more than 90 days.

How long does it take for a period to be delayed?

How much of a delay in periods is normal? You can calculate the length of your menstrual cycle by counting from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. Typically, menstrual cycles range from 21 to 35 days. If your periods are within this range, then there’s probably no cause for concern.

How to know if you have a period?

Visit your doctor if you notice the following symptoms: 1 You’ve missed your period three or more times in a year. 2 You get a period more frequently than every 21 days. 3 You get a period less frequently than every 35 days. 4 Bleeding lasts for more than seven days. 5 Bleeding is heavier than normal. 6 You have severe pain during your period. 7 You have a fever. 8 You have postmenopausal bleeding (bleeding after you have entered menopause and not had a period for one year).

What age do you start menopause?

If symptoms of menopause start before the age of 40, it’s considered early perimenopause. Early perimenopause means that the supply of your eggs is declining. This can result in a missed period and eventually the end of menstruation.

How long does a woman's period last?

On average, most people get their periods every 28 days . But a healthy person’s menstrual cycle can last from 21 to 35 days. Apart from puberty, menopause, and pregnancy, a missed period may indicate a health issue.

What to do if you have a change in your period?

If you’re experiencing a change in the pattern of your regular periods, make sure to contact your health care provider.

Can a hormonal pill cause a missed period?

Other kinds of hormonal contraceptives that are injected or implanted can also cause missed periods. Chronic diseases: Certain chronic illnesses such as celiac disease and diabetes can also affect your period. Blood sugar changes can affect hormones, and poorly controlled diabetes can lead to irregular periods.

Does obesity cause menstrual cycle?

Obesity: Similarly to low body weight, obesity can also result in hormonal changes, leading to an absence of menstruation.

What are the health problems associated with irregular menstruation?

Common health problems linked to weight and irregular menstruation include eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, and uncontrolled diabetes.

Why does amenorrhea occur when taking birth control?

A study on the effect of antipsychotics on menstruation found that amenorrhea occurred because prolactin levels were imbalanced. Additionally, some birth control medications, such as an IUD, implant or shot, may cease your periods while on them.

How to lower estrogen levels in women?

Increased exercise. Working exercise into your schedule on a daily basis is great, but excessive exercising could lead to lower levels of estrogen, which is the hormone that regulates the female reproductive process.

Is it normal to go without a period?

With the exception of missing your period while on some contraceptives, it is not normal to go without a period for several months and can be harmful to your health.

Is it normal to not have periods after a baby is born?

Your period may not make an appearance after your baby is born, but don’t be alarmed! If you are breastfeeding your little one, a lack of periods is completely normal. Referred to as lactational amenorrhea, this is a phase that disrupts the rhythm of your menstrual cycle.

What causes irregular periods?

PCOS is a fairly common condition that causes irregular periods. This condition causes the body to produce a higher amount of androgen. It also causes small cysts to form on the ovaries when follicles don’t rupture to release eggs. In addition to irregular periods, common symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include:

Why does my thyroid cause my period to be irregular?

The thyroid helps control the menstrual cycle, and a thyroid hormone imbalance may result in a disrupted menstrual cycle. When thyroid hormone levels are too low or too high , it can cause prolonged menstrual bleeding, anovulatory cycles (cycles without ovulation), and irregular periods.

What are the structures that regulate the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex system that includes brain structures (the hypothalamus and pituitary glands), the thyroid gland, the ovaries, and the uterus. Stress can interfere with the body’s cycle regulation by affecting the hypothalamus.

How long does it take for a woman to get her period back after stopping birth control?

These hormones prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs and significantly reduce the odds of becoming pregnant. They can also reduce the frequency of periods. For some people, it may take up to three months before their cycle goes back to normal after they stop using hormonal birth control.

How long is a menstrual cycle?

Find out what you can do with our Health Assistant. Each menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your period and continues until the next period begins. The average menstrual cycle is about 28 days long, but a healthy cycle can be anywhere from 21 to 35 days long.

How does weight affect ovulation?

Excess weight can affect ovulation by altering the body’s levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can cause irregular periods.

When does menopause start?

Menopause usually starts between the ages of 45 and 55. There are, however, some people who begin perimenopause early, experiencing signs and symptoms at 40 and sometimes younger. This means that menopause is approaching and ovulation will no longer be regular. People in perimenopause might still ovulate irregularly.

What are the causes of missed periods?

Medications. A few types of medications can affect the menstrual cycle and cause missed periods. These include antidepressants, antipsychotics and some allergy, chemotherapy, or anti-hypertension drugs. It’s a good idea to alert your doctor if you’re on a new medication and experience a missed period.

How does stress affect your period?

Stress can have a number of impacts on your health. Enough stress can temporarily change how the part of your brain (hypothalamus) that controls the hormones regulating your menstrual cycle works. You can miss one period, then another, and another. Stress reduction techniques, lifestyle changes, and exercise can help reduce stress and the effects it has on your menstrual cycle. When the stress is decreased, your regular cycle resumes. If you are having difficulty managing stress and feel overwhelmed, it’s best to consult your doctor.

Why is diabetes a problem?

Diabetes occurs when your body fails to produce or respond to the hormone insulin. This is a major problem as insulin is essential for the necessary transport of glucose to your body cells, which they use for energy. Excess glucose can damage your blood, increasing your risk for serious complications.

How to stop stress during menstrual cycle?

Stress reduction techniques, lifestyle changes, and exercise can help reduce stress and the effects it has on your menstrual cycle. When the stress is decreased, your regular cycle resumes. If you are having difficulty managing stress and feel overwhelmed, it’s best to consult your doctor.

What causes a malabsorption of essential nutrients?

Celiac disease. If you have celiac disease, consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, triggers an immune response in your small intestine. This causes a malabsorption of essential nutrients.

What is the term for a woman who has an excess of androgen?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal condition common in women of reproductive age, resulting in menstrual abnormalities and an excess of androgen testosterone. Period. Premenstrual Syndrome. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has many different symptoms, like bloating, cramping, and mood/behavioral changes.

How long does a woman's period last?

Initial years of menstruation. Menstrual cycles vary from woman to woman. Flow may occur every 21 to 35 days and last for 2 to 7 days. During the first few years of menstruation, cycles tend to be irregular and long cycles are common. However, within a few years, menstrual cycles tend to even out and become more regular.

Why is my period not showing up?

There are a number of reasons why your period may not show up on time — or at all. Missed-period culprits are often as simple as a shift in your schedule or a bout of illness. However, since an irregular or skipped period can also indicate a more serious underlying medical condition, such as thyroid disease or another hormonal imbalance, ...

When do you stop having your period?

You may also skip a period at the end of your menstrual years as you approach menopause. During this time, it’s not unusual for your period to wax and wane, sometimes disappearing for months, until it stops completely (you’re technically in menopause when you’ve gone over 12 months without a menstrual period).

What is the most common medication that causes menstrual changes?

Probably the most common medication to cause menstrual changes is birth control . Hormonal contraceptives such as the pill or patch work by stopping the body from ovulating — and no ovulation means no period. But what about that monthly bleeding you have while using one of these methods? What you're really experiencing is withdrawal bleeding, a “fake” period caused by the drop in hormones when you take the placebo pills in your pack or go patch-free during the fourth week of your cycle.

How old is the average woman when she goes through menopause?

The average age of menopause is 51. Anywhere from two to eight years before that, a woman experiences what's known as perimenopause, a period when the body gradually produces less estrogen. During this time, it's not uncommon to experiences changes in your menstrual cycle — periods may come more or less frequently, be shorter or longer, or be lighter or heavier. But you'll also likely experience hot flashes and night sweats, sleeping difficulties, vaginal dryness and mood swings. If you're concerned about your symptoms, your doctor can check your hormone levels with a blood test.

What does it mean when you have a late period?

Sometimes a late period means exactly what you think: You're pregnant! Because many of the earliest pregnancy symptoms — including cramps, bloating, nausea, spotting, fatigue, breast tenderness and even food aversions — can be similar to what you may experience in the days before menstruation, it can be difficult to tell if your cycle is simply off by a few days or if you're pregnant .

How long before your period can you test for pregnancy?

Pregnancy tests are most reliable the day after your missed period, but some brands claim to be able to detect a pregnancy up to five days before your period is due.

What medications cause irregular periods?

Some other medications that can cause your period to be irregular include antidepressants, some antipsychotics, corticosteroids and chemotherapy drugs.

1. Pregnancy

The most common cause of a missed period is pregnancy. That is, if you did not use birth control and have had unprotected sex. You are pregnant if you have not had your period in a while and have had unprotected intercourse.

2. Stress

Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, a hormone that governs ovulation and the menstrual cycle, is disrupted by high-stress levels. Your body can stay in a switch-mode if you are under a lot of mental or even physical stress, which can cause you to cease ovulating momentarily.

3. Excessive exercise

Excessive activity could be another reason for a missed period. Especially if you have only recently begun exercising and your body is still adjusting to the changes. The menstrual cycle is influenced by exercise since it raises the metabolism.

4. Birth control

The pill and emergency contraception are two different types of birth control. Depending on the birth control technique you use, periods might be longer, shorter, heavier, or lighter. The pill can influence your menstrual cycle because it operates by delivering different hormones into your system.

5. Low body weight

Another reason for a missing period could be low body weight. Eating disorders or even stress might cause this. Missed periods are common among underweight women. Being underweight or having a low body-fat ratio can cause reproductive hormone levels to drop to dangerously low levels, preventing ovulation and menstruation.

6. Menopause

Because you are going through menopause, you can miss your period. The period preceding menopause is known as perimenopause. A change in your normal menstruation pattern is usually the first indicator of menopause. Some subtle and not-so-subtle changes in your body may occur during the menopausal transition.

7. Being overweight

Another possibility for a missing period could be your weight. Obesity might also disrupt your menstrual cycle. If you are overweight, your body may create too much estrogen, a hormone that helps women manage their reproductive systems. Excess estrogen can influence the frequency of your periods and even cause them to cease.

What are the causes of a period?

1. Stress . Stress can throw off your hormones, change your daily routine, and even affect the part of your brain responsible for regulating your period — your hypothalamus. Over time, stress can lead to illness or sudden weight gain or loss, all of which can impact your cycle.

Why is my period not every 28 days?

If your period doesn’t fall within these ranges, it could be because of one of the following reasons. 1. Stress.

Why does my period feel irregular?

Chronic diseases such as diabetes and celiac disease also can affect your menstrual cycle. Changes in blood sugar are linked to hormonal changes, so even though it’s rare, poorly controlled diabetes could cause your period to be irregular.

What causes a male to produce more androgen?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that causes your body to produce more of the male hormone androgen. Cysts form on the ovaries as a result of this hormone imbalance. This can make ovulation irregular or stop it altogether.

How long does it take for a period to change after taking birth control?

Birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, which prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs. It can take up to six months for your cycle to become consistent again after stopping the pill. Other types of contraceptives that are implanted or injected can cause missed periods as well.

When is it normal for a woman's period to be irregular?

There are also two times in a woman’s life when it’s totally normal for her period to be irregular: when it first begins, and when menopause starts. As your body goes through the transition , your normal cycle can become irregular.

When do women start menopause?

Most women begin menopause between ages 45 to 55. Women who develop symptoms around age 40 or earlier are considered to have early peri-menopause. This means your egg supply is winding down, and the result will be missed periods and eventually the end of menstruation.

What happens if you miss your period?

Late or missed periods may be an early sign. You may also experience hot flashes, night sweats, and trouble sleeping.

Why does my period come late?

Extreme increases or decreases in body fat can lead to a chaotic hormonal imbalance that causes your period to come late or stop entirely. In addition, severe calorie restriction affects the part of your brain that “talks” to your endocrine system, giving instructions for the production of reproductive hormones.

How long does it take to get your period back after you missed it?

Missing a period can be alarming, but there’s usually a simple explanation. Still, if your period hasn’t arrived for more than 40 days , it’s best to make an appointment with your healthcare provider to see what’s going on. Last medically reviewed on July 29, 2019.

How soon after your period should you take a pregnancy test?

You’re pregnant. If there’s a chance you may be pregnant and your cycles are typically regular, it may be time to take a pregnancy test. Try to do this about one week after your period was supposed to start. Taking a test too early can result in a false negative.

How long does it take for a pill to stop working?

Similarly, when you stop taking the pill, it can take a few months for your cycle to get back to normal. As your body returns to its baseline hormone levels, you may miss your period for a few months.

What happens if you lose weight and miss your period?

You’ve lost or gained weight. Severe changes in body weight can lead to a condition known as secondary amenorrhea, which means missing your period for three months or more. This is particularly common when your BMI undergoes a rapid change.

Why does Aunt Flo leave you hanging?

It’s normal miss a period once in a while. It could just be your body’s response to stress or changes in your eating or exercise habits. But sometimes, it can also be a sign of a larger issue. Here’s a look at 10 potential reasons why Aunt Flo might leave you hanging. 1.

Why does my period not come on time?

You need the estrogen and progesterone to prepare the uterus to receive a fertilized egg, but if those hormones aren't in balance and you don't end up actually ovulating, the whole system is off. Because of that lapse in timing, your period might not come on time either.

What can disrupt your period?

Significant stress—such as a divorce, death of a loved one, or, I don't know, the effects of a global pandemic —can definitely disrupt your hormonal balance, creating delayed, irregular, and even heavy periods.

What is the medical term for a woman's ovary that is affected by an imbalance of reproductive hormones?

4. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) PCOS is a medical condition caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones, according to the Office on Women's Health.

Why is my period so heavy?

The flow may be extra heavy because when you skip the ovulation stage, your body isn't making the proper amount of progesterone, which regulates the thinning of the uterine lining, she says. If that doesn't happen, your period is likely to shed more of the lining of the uterus, and therefore be heavier than normal. 2.

How long does it take for a period to come back after stopping birth control?

But if you’ve just stopped taking the pill, then take note: Dr. Ross says it might take one to three months to return to your normal cycle. Still, pay attention to what your period looks like when it finally comes back. “It may be once you are off the pill you may find you have an underlying hormonal problem that was masked by taking the birth control pill,” says Dr. Ross.

How often do you have periods with PCOs?

When you have PCOS, Dr. Ross says your periods can come every two weeks, every three to six months, or even just once a year. If you have any other symptoms of PCOS, take note and share them with your MD.

Can birth control cause periods?

Your birth control. “One of the side effects of a low-estrogen birth control pill is a light or non-existent period, ” Dr. Ross says. “For many, this is a welcomed side effect.”. The same goes for methods like hormonal IUDs, implants, or shots, since many of those don't contain estrogen at all.