what does it mean if you miss your period

Common Causes

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...

Related Conditions

• Stress. You already know that stress can trigger a number of unpleasant side effects, like headaches, weight gain and acne, so it should come as no surprise that it can ...
• Illness. ...
• Weight. ...
• Excessive exercise. ...
• Change in schedule. ...
• Breastfeeding. ...
• Medication. ...
• Hormonal imbalance. ...
• Thyroid disorder. ...
• Perimenopause. ...

What are the reasons for not getting your period?

There are several possible causes of delayed or missing periods:

• stress
• low or high body weight
• polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• hormonal contraceptives
• chronic conditions such as diabetes or celiac disease
• thyroid issues
• menopause
• pregnancy

What can make you miss a period?

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.

What could cause a missed period?

Why am I not getting my period?

Is it normal to miss a period and not be pregnant?

There are many reasons why a woman may miss her period, or why periods might stop altogether. Most women have a period every 28 days or so, but it's common to have a slightly shorter or longer cycle than this (from 21 to 40 days). Some women do not always have a regular menstrual cycle.

Is it normal for a period to miss?

The good news is that it's actually very common to miss a period once or twice. And in most cases, it's nothing serious.

What should I do if I miss periods?

As long as you are sure you are not pregnant and you feel well in yourself there is no need for concern if you miss one or two periods. If you don't have a period for 3-6 months, or have other symptoms then you should consult a doctor. Sometimes periods in teenage girls start later than in others.

How late can your period be?

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.

What causes periods to stop?

Causes of absent menstruation Natural causes most likely to cause amenorrhea include pregnancy, breast-feeding, and menopause. Lifestyle factors may include excessive exercise and stress. Also, having too little body fat or too much body fat may also delay or stop menstruation. Hormonal imbalances may cause amenorrhea.

What symptoms do you have at 1 week pregnant?

Pregnancy symptoms in week 1nausea with or without vomiting.breast changes including tenderness, swelling, or tingling feeling, or noticeable blue veins.frequent urination.headache.raised basal body temperature.bloating in the belly or gas.mild pelvic cramping or discomfort without bleeding.tiredness or fatigue.More items...•

How early can you feel pregnant?

Nausea or vomiting This symptom can set in as early as two weeks after conception, which is around the fourth week of pregnancy and right around the time you'd miss your period if you were pregnant. But some may not experience nausea or vomiting at all.

How early 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.

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 should I worry about late period?

Unpredictable periods are common and expected around menarche and menopause. 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 ...

How late should my period be before I worry?

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 period means pregnancy?

You are most likely to get pregnant around 12 to 14 days before your next period starts. Although possible, it's unlikely that you'll get pregnant just after your period. You should take a pregnancy test if you've had unprotected sex, your period is late and you have brown or pink discharge.

Can I Miss My Period For Two Months And Not Be Pregnant

Depending on the cause, yes. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian failure, chronic diseases, and malnutrition can make you miss consecutive periods. Some oral contraceptives can also stop your periods. However, its always a good idea to take a pregnancy test in these cases.

Reasons For A Missed Period On Birth Control

There can be a number of reasons that a person can miss a period while on hormonal birth control.

Reasons Your Period Is Late When You Know Youre Not Pregnant

Have you ever had a late or missed period when you are certain you arent pregnant? It may cause you a moment of panic, but a late period is often caused by factors that have nothing to do with reproduction. If you have a late period and you are sure youre not pregnant, one of the following factors may be to blame.

Referral To A Specialist

If your GP thinks a medical condition might have caused your periods to stop, they may refer you to a specialist.

When To See Your Gp

See your GP if you’re not pregnant you’ve had a negative pregnancy test and you’ve missed more than 3 periods in a row.

Normal Cause Of A Missed Period During The First Year

Skipping periods is common during the first 1 to 2 years after they start. This is due to not releasing an egg each month.

What To Do If You Have A Missed Period For 2 Months

If you miss your period for 2 months in a row, you should connect with your doctor to see if everything is okay. You can also try a few things at home first:

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Causes Of Late Or Skipped Periods

Missing your period can be concerning, whether youre sexually active or not. Many different things can lead to missing or irregular periods, and it can take some time to narrow down exactly whats wrong. That said, there are some common culprits behind this issue, so you have a place to start.

Is White Discharge A Sign Of Pregnancy

Thick white discharge at the beginning and late part of your cycle is not a sign of pregnancy. However, if you missed your period and youre experiencing watery discharge then it is likely youre pregnant.

Natural Causes Of A Missed Period

A missed period not caused by pregnancy can also be an indication of menopause.

Things That Delay Your Period

A missed period is often the first sign of pregnancy, but there are other reasons for lateness, too. Here are some other factors that can delay your monthly flow:

An Early Pregnancy Sign

Pregnancy is the most typical cause of absent or delayed period in women.

There Are Many Reasons That Periods Can Be Irregular Or Absent Some Require Treatment And Some Do Not

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. Other times, they are a sign that something is going on, and a call to your doctor is warranted.

Youre In Early Menopause

Early menopause, also known as premature ovarian failure, happens when your ovaries stop working before you turn 40.

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).

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.

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.

How long does a bleed last?

Bleeding lasts for more than seven days.

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.

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.

Causes For 3 Months Without Periods

As mentioned, one of the most common reasons of not having a period on the expected date is pregnancy. However, here are some other reasons why you have had no period for 3 months.

How Much Delay In Periods Is Normal

Menstrual cycles are considered normal if they last anywhere between 21 to 35 days. Your cycle can vary, but your period is considered late after five days from the date when you expected it to come. A period is considered to have been missed if its been six weeks or more since the first day of your last menstruation.

Two Months Without Having Period Why

In most cases, a missed period for 2 months would most likely mean you are pregnant, but that isn’t always the case. Your period being late or even missed can be due to a number of reasons. No matter what, it will inevitably make you a little nervous. This article will help you understand the different reasons that may make you miss your period.

Things That Delay Your Period

A missed period is often the first sign of pregnancy, but there are other reasons for lateness, too. Here are some other factors that can delay your monthly flow:

Period 3 Days Late White Discharge

Missed period for 3 days with increased white colored discharge is most likely pregnancy.

Medicines And Medical Treatment

As discussed above, a number of contraceptive treatments can stop you having periods. Other medicines can affect periods too. Examples are some medicines for schizophrenia , an anti-sickness medicine called metoclopramide and strong painkillers called opiates. A number of operations may result in absent periods.

Stress Is Getting To You

Work has been totally nuts or your class load has you pulling all-nighters. “I describe it to women as whatever stress you’re under, your body decided it was not a good time to get pregnant. It’s your body’s way of protecting you,” says Dr. Goist.

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.

What happens if you are stressed?

A little stress in your life is fine, but chronic stress can throw your body out of balance. Stress activates the hormone cortisol and pushes your body into survival mode. If you are experiencing prolonged stress, your body can induce amenorrhea and will prevent menstruation.

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 is it called when you don't have a period?

The absence of menstrual periods is called amenorrhea. There are two types of amenorrhea (2):

What is the absence of menstrual periods called?

The absence of menstrual periods is called amenorrhea. There are two types of amenorrhea (2): Primary amenorrhea: This refers to the absence of menarche by the age of 15 years. Secondary amenorrhea: This refers to the absence of menstrual periods for three months or more in otherwise healthy menstruating teens.

How old is a girl when she has her first period?

Menarche or the first menstrual cycle, begins at an average age of 12-13 years in most girls. By the age of 15, 98% of girls would have had menarche (1). If your teen girl does not have menstruation by this age or has missed periods for more than three months, you may seek medical attention. Read this post to know about ...

Why is it so hard to get pregnant?

Infertility: Pregnancy can become difficult or not possible if missed periods are due to a lack of ovulation or specific structural abnormalities.

Why is there no menstruation during pregnancy?

Pregnancy: During pregnancy,hormone levels change, and the endometrium is not shed; therefore, there is a natural absence of menstruation. Stress: This may affect the function of the hypothalamus in regulating the menstrual cycle.

When does menarche start?

Menarche or the first menstrual cycle, begins at an average age of 12-13 years in most girls. By the age of 15, 98% of girls would have had menarche (1). If your teen girl does not have menstruation by this age or has missed periods for more than three months, you may seek medical attention.

Does pregnancy cause menstruation?

Pregnancy: During pregnancy,hormone levels change, and the endometrium is not shed; therefore, there is a natural absence of menstruation.

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