what can cause a missed period besides pregnancy

Common Causes

Thirteen Early Signs of Pregnancy Before Missed Period

• Changes in the Breasts. Breast changes are among the most common early signs of pregnancy. ...
• Elevated Basal Body Temperature. An elevation in your body temperature, also known as your basal body temperature, can be an early signifier of pregnancy as well.
• Back Pain and Headaches. ...

Related Conditions

“Missing a period is a sign of getting pregnant but it can also be caused due to many other factors,” says Dr. Sadhna Singhal, senior consultant in Obstetrics & Gynecologist, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute. Pregnancy aside, there could be other factors responsible for your delayed/missed period.

What are the signs of pregnancy before a missed period?

Why Is My Period Late: 8 Possible Reasons

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.
2. Low body weight. Women with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, may experience missed periods. ...
3. Obesity. ...

More items...

Does a missed period always mean pregnancy?

• Placenta previa. This occurs when the placenta is low in the uterus and partly or completely covers the cervix. ...
• Placental abruption. This occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before or during labor. ...
• Preterm labor. ...

What are the common causes of a missed period?

Why am I still having periods while being pregnant?

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Can you miss a period for no reason?

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.

When should I go to the doctor if my period is late and I not pregnant?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be time to talk to your doctor: You haven't had a period for 90 days. Your period suddenly becomes irregular. You have a period more often than every 21 days.

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 long can a period delay?

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.

How long can stress delay your 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.

Is it possible to miss a period for a month and not be pregnant?

Yes, you may have a missed period for many reasons other than pregnancy. The reasons why you miss your period for a month may include stress, low body weight, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), use of birth control, certain chronic diseases, early perimenopause, and thyroid issues.

How can I make my period come?

Activities and lifestyle changesRelaxation. Stress can sometimes be the cause of a delayed or missed period. ... Warm compress or bath. A warm bath may help relax tight muscles and relieve emotional stress. ... Sex. ... Reducing exercise if you're an athlete. ... Birth control.

Can stress delay your period for 3 months?

“When under stress, your body produces cortisol. Depending on how your body tolerates stress, the cortisol may lead to delayed or light periods — or no period at all (amenorrhea),” says Dr. Kollikonda. “If stress continues, you can go without a period for a long time.”

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.

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

The Cleveland Clinic says you should wait five to 10 days after your period is late to take a test. "If your pregnancy test is negative, I always suggest reviewing your symptoms and missed period with your primary care ...

Can stress cause a late period?

The stress is real, and there's science that shows the worry can cause your period to be even more delayed. But there are actually a lot of other reasons for a late or missed period besides pregnancy. Yes, your body works in mysterious ways sometimes. If you're reading this and going "Uh huh, been there," I did us both a solid ...

Does stress affect your period?

Stress REALLY messes with your whole body. "Stress can cause a hormonal imbalance and throw off the regulation of your hypothalamus, a part of your brain that is in charge of regulating your period," Mysore says.

Can you get your period back after you stop breastfeeding?

Department of Health and Human Services), some women might not get their periods back until after they stop breastfeeding. Some might ovulate without realizing it while their baby transitions from breastfeeding. The office suggests that women who are nursing discuss their birth control options with their doctor if they don't want to get pregnant right now.

Can you have a period if you exercise too much?

Extreme Exercise. Yes, sometimes there is such a thing as exercising too much. If you're hitting the gym too hard, you could have low body weight, which we already mentioned can contribute to a missed period.

Can birth control cause irregular periods?

Changes in Birth Control. "When starting a new form of birth control, you can initially have an irregular period, and in fact, some forms of birth control may cause you to lose your blood from your period altogether (progesterone-only IUDs)," Mysore explains.

Can Clotting Be A Sign Of Pregnancy

There are many changes that occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy, and one that may not be so well known is an increase in clotting. While clotting is not necessarily a sign of pregnancy, it is a common occurrence for pregnant women. So, what is clotting, and why does it happen more often during pregnancy

How Late Can You Have A Miscarriage During Pregnancy

Miscarriage is defined as the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks gestation. A pregnancy that ends after 20 weeks is considered a stillbirth.

Can A Small Amount Of Sperm Cause Pregnancy

The answer to this question is yes, a small amount of sperm can cause pregnancy. Sperm are microscopic in size, so even a small amount can travel far and fertilize an egg. In fact, it only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg and cause pregnancy.

How Early Can U Detect Pregnancy

Detecting pregnancy early is important to ensure that you receive the necessary prenatal care. However, different women will experience different symptoms at different times. The earliest signs of pregnancy are often missed because they can be mistaken for normal pre-menstrual symptoms.

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

The Cleveland Clinic says you should wait five to 10 days after your period is late to take a test. "If your pregnancy test is negative, I always suggest reviewing your symptoms and missed period with your primary care ...

Can stress cause a late period?

But there are actually a lot of other reasons for a late or missed period besides pregnancy. Yes, your body works in mysterious ways sometimes. Photo: Sally Anscombe/Getty Images.

Can medication cause irregular periods?

Irregular periods can be a side effect of some medications, Texas A&M Health says. Before you start a new medication, make sure to discuss with your doctor the side effects. And if you are on a medication that may cause irregular periods, you should also discuss the potential effects on your cycle.

Can you miss your period if you exercise too much?

Yes, sometimes there is such a thing as exercising too much. If you're hitting the gym too hard, you could have low body weight, which we already mentioned can contribute to a missed period. Texas A&M Health also says that excessive exercising could lead to lower estrogen and that some athletes might experience secondary amenorrhea (no period for six months or longer).

Can you get your period back after you stop breastfeeding?

According to the Office on Women's Health (part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), some women might not get their periods back until after they stop breastfeeding. Some might ovulate without realizing it while their baby transitions from breastfeeding. The office suggests that women who are nursing discuss their birth control options with their doctor if they don't want to get pregnant right now.

Does stress affect your period?

Stress REALLY messes with your whole body. "Stress can cause a hormonal imbalance and throw off the regulation of your hypothalamus, a part of your brain that is in charge of regulating your period," Mysore says.

Does Texas A&M have a menstrual cycle?

Texas A&M Health also says that extreme changes in sleep patterns or your circadian rhythm (like coming off night shifts at work or dealing with jet lag) can confuse your menstrual cycle.

What causes a period to be missed?

A missed or late period can signal an underlying condition, which is why it's important to touch base with an MD to determine what's exactly going on. Some illnesses can make your period late or disappear altogether, such as: 1 polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) 2 thyroid and other hormonal disorders 3 sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Can a divorce cause irregular periods?

Similarly, going through tough times — such a divorce or death of a loved one — takes a physical toll on our bodies, too. Such an abrupt and impactful change can disrupt your hormonal balance, creating delayed and irregular periods. Your doctor will likely conduct a few tests to rule out other causes, but as long as your body can get back on track in a reasonable amount of time (probably a few months), there's no reason to feel even more stressed about your period in addition to what else you've got going on.

Does eating a lot of calories affect your period?

"Specific foods don’t tend to affect your period but not eating a healthy diet or the right amount of calories for extended periods of time will make your late and less frequent," says Dr. Ross.

Does wine affect your period?

The occasional glass of wine won't affect your period, but excessive, heavy alcohol use can increase the levels of estrogen-disrupting hormones enough so to cause late and irregular periods. See a healthcare provider if you feel that you sometimes drink too much alcohol, your drinking is causing problems, or your family is concerned about your drinking, advises the Mayo Clinic.

Possible Causes For A Late Period

MISSED PERIOD? Causes other than pregnancy that can lead to amenorrhea or irregular periods.

A Change In Your Schedule

Changing schedules can throw off your body clock. If you frequently change work shifts from days to nights, or if your schedule is generally all over the place, your period can be fairly unpredictable.

Discontinuing Birth Control Pills May Delay Periods By Months

If you have discontinued birth control pills, it is normal to miss your period.This is because birth control pills prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs and when you stop taking them, your body requires a certain time to rebalance its functioning.It may take a few weeks or even months for your period to resume.

What To Do If Your Period Is Delayed

If your period is late, the first step is to complete out a pregnancy test from the pharmacy. If you havent had a period for more than 3 months and you cannot identify the cause, you should go to a gynecologist so that he or she can identify the cause and treat the problem.

Youve Just Started Menstruating

Young women who have only had a few periods may not have regular cycles at first. It can take a few months for cycles to become regular. This is also true if you have just come off of birth control medication that stopped menstrual periods. It makes take a little while for you to get a period every month again.

When To Visit The Doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you can’t pinpoint the reasons for a late period they may want to check for various conditions. It’s also important to note that vaginal bleeding after a late period may not be the monthly visitor you were expecting.

Other Reasons For A Missed Period Besides Pregnancy

If you are not trying for a pregnancy and still end up getting a delayed period, chances are that it could point to an underlying health condition or something as simple as stress

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. According to Dr. Meenakshi, hypothyroidism is one of the common reasons for delayed periods.

Hyperprolactinemia

Hyperprolactinemia is a condition in which a person has higher-than-normal levels of the hormone prolactin in the blood. “Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the brain which can cause changes in your cycle. If you are on antacids or any other medication, it could interfere with normal prolactin levels,” explains Dr Meenakshi.

Use Of Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is taken to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if the contraception you have used has failed. However, you need to keep in mind that it will affect your menstrual cycle. “Use of emergency contraception like i-pill and the like will cause irregularities in your menstrual cycle, which can lead to missed periods.”

Why is my period delayed?

Both physical and psychological stress can cause a delayed period. But the level of stress capable of causing this effect is usually more severe than having a bad hair day.

How long can you miss your period?

You may miss a period for one or two months, or you may experience complete amenorrhea —that is, no period for three or more months in a row. This article explores 10 common reasons your period may be delayed. Verywell / Cindy Chung.

What is the period of transition between reproductive age and non-reproductive age?

Perimenopause is the period of transition between reproductive age to non-reproductive age. Your periods may be lighter, heavier, more frequent, or less frequent during this time. 10 In most cases, they'll just be different than what you're used to.

How long does a period last?

Recently Started Periods. A normal menstrual cycle lasts from 21 to 35 days in healthy women, but it can vary. This is especially true for young women who are just starting to get their periods, or for women who have not had periods for several years and are starting again.

What medications cause a period to be delayed?

Some medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, thyroid medications, anticonvulsants, and some chemotherapy medications, may cause your period to be absent or delayed. 4. Hormonal contraceptives like Depo-Provera, progesterone-only MiniPill, Mirena IUD, and Nexplanon can also influence your cycle.

Why is my period unpredictable?

Changing schedules can throw off your body clock. If you frequently change work shifts from days to nights, or if your schedule is generally all over the place, your period can be fairly unpredictable. 6.

Does BMI affect your period?

Very high body mass index (BMI) is associated with missed periods, and weight loss can help regulate the menstrual cycle for women who are obese.

What are the conditions that can cause late periods?

There are other conditions that can cause late or missed periods other than pregnancy. These conditions include: Perimenopause. Thyroid disease.

How long is a period considered late?

A period is considered late if it hasn’t started within seven days of when you expect it. Most pregnancy tests will be able to give you accurate results by the time your period is late.

How does birth control prevent pregnancy?

One of the ways that hormonal birth control prevents pregnancy is by thinning the uterine lining. This lining, or endometrium, is where an embryo would implant itself if you got pregnant. It’s also the layer that sheds from your uterus during menstruation each month.

What to do if you have a negative pregnancy test?

If you get a negative pregnancy test result, still haven’t gotten your period, and start to experience early pregnancy symptoms, consider taking another test. Sometimes, home pregnancy tests can give a false-negative result if it’s taken too early in the pregnancy to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine.

What is a period tracking app?

A period tracking app like Flo can help. By logging your usual menstrual cycle dates, Flo can predict when you can expect your period. This information can also be very useful if you need to go to your health care provider when you miss your period. Having information about your cycle can help them understand what’s happening inside your body.

How long does it take to know if you're pregnant after a period?

The earliest hCG detection can be done with an hCG serum test performed by a doctor as early as 8 to 10 days after ovulation.

How long is a healthy period?

Everyone’s cycle is different. Healthy cycles can range in length from 21 to 35 days, and how long a cycle lasts can vary from cycle to cycle. Unless you have irregular cycles due to a medical condition, you probably have at least a rough idea of when to expect your next period.