Period FAQs

what does it mean when you miss your period

by Sienna Kiehn Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Acute illness, such as pneumonia, a heart attack, kidney failure, or meningitis, can result in rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiency, or hormone dysfunction. These conditions can also result in a missed period. Many illnesses and disorders can interfere with your cycle until they are treated.

Missed or late periods happen for many reasons other than pregnancy. Common causes can range from hormonal imbalances to serious medical conditions. There are also two times when it's typical for your period to be irregular: when it first begins, and when the menopause transition starts.

Full Answer

What are the reasons for not getting your period?

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...

What can make you miss a period?

  • 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 could cause a missed 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

Why am I not getting my 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.

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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 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.

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.

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.

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.

When should I worry about a 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 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.

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.

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 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.

Is missing your period for 2 months normal?

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. Visit your physician if your missed periods persist.

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.

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:

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 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.

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 hormones are involved in ovulation?

Stress. Intense stress interrupts the production of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone ( GnRH)—a hormone that regulates ovulation and the menstrual cycle. 1. Both physical and psychological stress can cause a delayed period.

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.

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.

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 many women have PCOs?

Little is known about what causes this disease, but about five million women in the United States may be affected by PCOS. Like thyroid dysfunction, PCOS can cause a hormonal imbalance in your body, causing missed periods.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What are the causes of ovulation?

Eating disorders are diseases that disrupt your eating habits and weight. While there are several types, two that are known to cause hormone issues that affect periods are anorexia and bulimia: 1 Anorexia is when you do not eat enough, causing you to become severely underweight. When you have anorexia, your body might not produce or circulate enough hormones to cause ovulation. 2 Bulimia is when you binge (eat a lot at once) and then purge (making yourself get rid of the food, often by vomiting or taking laxatives). Binges usually involve foods that are high in fat and carbohydrates, which can cause high levels of insulin — something that's known to influence ovulation and cause irregular periods.

Why do I miss my period?

"One of the main things to keep in mind about the causes of missed periods is that your hormones stimulate ovulation. When your hormones are out of balance, you could have trouble ovulating. No ovulation means no period," she explains.

What happens when you don't eat enough?

Anorexia is when you do not eat enough, causing you to become severely underweight. When you have anorexia, your body might not produce or circulate enough hormones to cause ovulation.

What are the causes of periods?

While there are several types, two that are known to cause hormone issues that affect periods are anorexia and bulimia: Anorexia is when you do not eat enough, causing you to become severely underweight.

What gland produces luteinizing hormone?

The pituitary gland is a tiny gland at the base of your brain. It produces many types of hormones, including two that stimulate ovulation — follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone.

What gland controls metabolism?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the bottom of your neck. It produces the thyroid hormone, which controls certain aspects of your metabolism, such as how fast you burn calories.

Why do binges cause irregular periods?

Binges usually involve foods that are high in fat and carbohydrates, which can cause high levels of insulin — something that's known to influence ovulation and cause irregular periods. Also, it's not uncommon for people with eating disorders to over-exercise.

Does a Missed Period for 2 Months Mean I'm Pregnant?

When you are pregnant, your menstrual periods will stop. However, a missed period doesn't always mean you're pregnant. If you're wondering whether you might be pregnant, there are a few points that point to a possible pregnancy. These include:

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Other symptoms include hair loss, shaky hands, weight loss or gain, fatigue, and brain fog ( memory loss or trouble thinking clearly).

How many days does a woman have her period?

On average, women have a period every 28 days give or take a few days. A menstrual cycle can last anywhere from 21 to 35 days. If you have longer cycles closer to 35 days, you may only have around 11 cycles in a year and if you have shorter cycles, you may have as many as 13. It is possible due to other reasons to have late periods, including:

Why does my period stop?

This is because stress can cause the hypothalamus to stop producing hormones associated with the menstrual cycle. 3. Obesity or Extreme Weight Loss.

What is the name of the disorder that prevents ovulation?

6. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Also known as PCOS, This hormonal disorder prevents ovulation and may even prevent a regular monthly period. Other symptoms of this disorder include elevated blood sugar, obesity in some women, excess body hair growth and infertility.

How do you know if you're pregnant?

The only way to truly know if you're pregnant is a positive pregnancy test and confirmation by a doctor. However, there are a few signs that may give clues to a possible pregnancy. If a missed period for 2 months is due to pregnancy, you'll start feeling the symptoms below around the four-week mark.

How long after a period can you have a period?

3. Call Your Doctor. If you don't have a period after two or three months, you need to call your doctor. Going longer than two months is abnormal and you will need to be evaluated. The doctor will diagnose the cause and you may need medical treatment.

What Is Amenorrhea In A Teen?

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

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 ...

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.

What are the complications of amenorrhea?

The possible complications of amenorrhea include (6): Infertility: Pregnancy can become difficult or not possible if missed periods are due to a lack of ovulation or specific structural abnormalities. Bone thinning : Missed periods may occur as a result of low levels of estrogen hormones.

What tests are used to diagnose amenorrhea?

The following tests may be ordered to identify the underlying cause of amenorrhea (7): Blood tests : Hormone levels, pregnancy, thyroid disorder. Urine analysis: pregnancy and overall health. Pelvic ultrasound: Ultrasonographic imaging of the pelvic area can help identify the structural causes of amenorrhea.

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 are the symptoms of polycystic ovarian disease?

Facial hair, hair loss, acne: These symptoms can be associated with polycystic ovarian disease and other hormonal imbalances. Morning sickness: Nausea and vomiting can often be seen in the case of pregnancy. These are signs and symptoms of conditions that may contribute to amenorrhea.

Should we spend less time worrying about how late we might be?

We should spend less time worrying about how late we might be, and more time focusing on our bodies since that is what dictates when our flow comes .

Does exercise help with cramps?

Instagram. Regular exercise is healthy for your body especially during your period, it can help relieve cramps and back pain. On the downside, over exercising can not only lead to spotting in between periods, but can make you skip it all together.

Does worrying about your period make it worse?

You know the saying, "Don't worry about it. Don't think about it, it will make it worse." It turns out that is 100% true. The more you worry (stress) the higher the chance it can affect your period.

Does weight affect period?

Gaining, or losing, weight can have a heavy impact on your hormones and period . For example, gaining weight causes your body to produce extra testosterone according to Mary Jane Minkin, M.D ., a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale School of Medicine.

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Causes

Treatment

Risks

  • Extreme exercise can cause alterations in pituitary hormones and thyroid hormones, resulting in changes in ovulation and menstruation. Don't worry about exercise causing you to miss your cycle if you work out for one or two hours per day. It takes strenuous exercise for hours and hours every day to produces these hormonal changes. If you are planning on exercising for hours every day, …
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Results

  • Changing schedules can throw off your body clock. If you frequently change work shifts, going from days to nights, and particularly if your schedule is erratic, your period can be fairly unpredictable. Generally, changes in schedule shouldn't cause you to completely miss your period but can cause it to start earlier or later than expected. Your cycle can also change by a few days …
See more on verywellhealth.com

Prevention

  • Hormonal contraceptives like Depo-Provera, progesterone-only MiniPill, Mirena IUD, and Nexplanon can also influence your cycle.
See more on verywellhealth.com

Effects

  • Being severely underweight interferes with regular menstrual cycles as well. When the body lacks fat and other nutrients, it cannot produce hormones the way it should. Women with anorexia (very low food intake) or who burn far more calories with exercise than what they consume by eating may experience amenorrhea. Typically, weight gain will help your periods to return.
See more on verywellhealth.com

Prognosis

  • 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. A young woman who has had just a few cycles may go months without another one until a regular pattern begins. And women who have …
See more on verywellhealth.com

Overview

  • Perimenopause is the period of time of transition from reproductive age to non-reproductive age. Your periods may be lighter, heavier, more frequent, or less frequent. In most cases, they'll just be something different than what you're used to. Menopause is when you have reached the point in your life where you will no longer ovulate or menstruate. The average age of menopause is 51 ye…
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Diagnosis

  • If you think that you can't be pregnant because you have an IUD, there is a small chance that your missed period could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy can happen sometimes due to the shape of the device and may not cause you to test positive on a pregnancy test. Your doctor can confirm or exclude this possibility with a pelvic ...
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