Common Causes
Some causes of a missed period other than pregnancy include stress, low body weight, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, use of birth control, chronic diseases, thyroid issues, and early perimenopause. If you’re experiencing a change in the pattern of your regular periods, make sure to contact your health care provider.
Related Conditions
Why might I be skipping every other period? If you are not pregnant, other causes of missed or irregular periods include: Excessive weight loss or gain. Although low body weight is a common cause of missed or irregular periods, obesity also can cause menstrual problems. Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia.
What can cause a missed period?
These Are All The Possible Reasons Why
- You're on or you forgot to take your birth control. Duh, right? ...
- You're pregnant. I know: Pregnancy means missed periods. ...
- You have uterine or cervical polyps or fibroids. ...
- You have an infection down there. ...
- Your thyroid isn't working properly. ...
- You have PCOS. ...
- You have precancerous or cancerous cells. ...
- You're seriously stressed out. ...
- You've been traveling recently. ...
Why might I be skipping every other period?
There are many reasons why your period may stop and then start again, and most of them are completely harmless and nothing to worry about. The most common causes are hormonal imbalances (like estrgoen excess), a tilted or flexed tuerus, liver qi stagnation, emotional blockages and endometrial tissue blocking your cervix.
Why does your period sometimes skip a month?
Why did my period stop and not come back?
How long does it take for a period to be delayed?
How to know if you have a period?
What age do you start menopause?
How long does a woman's period last?
What to do if you have a change in your period?
Can a hormonal pill cause a missed period?
Does obesity cause menstrual cycle?
See 4 more
About this website
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 suddenly skip a period?
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.
Is it possible to miss a period for a month?
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 long can a period be late?
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 much delay is normal in period?
Periods can get delayed by any number of days. If next cycle starts from 28 +/- 7 days from the first date of last menstrual cycle then it is considered a normal cycle. A delay of 10 days is not normal and may need evaluation.
How long until period is late?
Generally, a period is considered late if it's more than five days past due. Although a missed period can be confusing, having an understanding of the menstrual cycle and the body can help clarify this situation.
How much delay is normal in period?
Periods can get delayed by any number of days. If next cycle starts from 28 +/- 7 days from the first date of last menstrual cycle then it is considered a normal cycle. A delay of 10 days is not normal and may need evaluation.
When should you be concerned about missing your period?
You should consult a doctor if: You have not had a period for three months and your periods were previously regular. You have not had a period for 6-9 months but your periods have always been infrequent. You could be pregnant.
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.
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 To Make Your Period Come Back: 3 Reasons You're Missing It - Flo Living
Hey,am 24 years old and my periods has been flowing normally since 2011 till 2016,i have been seeing my gynecologist since then till 2020 January when he told me to try a medicine called chromid and my period came only for two months an since then i haven’t been having them and am worried because i tried to have a child but i was negative.PLEASE help me because am worried about my life and i ...
Missed Period for Three Months, Why? | New Health Advisor
The average length of a normal menstrual cycle is 21 to 35 days. It means most women usually have 11-13 menstrual cycles in a year. However, you may always experience changes to your menstrual cycle due to many factors.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
Should Women With Irregular Periods Panic
Irregular periods are concerning. More so if getting pregnant is on the cards. Missing periods can also be a sign of an underlying medical issue. Theres no need to panic. Take action early. Seek advice from your OB/GYN, as doctors can help increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Reaction To Birth Control
Hormonal birth control introduces hormones into your body. This can affect your menstrual cycle. You may need to try a few different types of birth control to find one that works for you. It also takes a few months for your body to adjust to a new method of birth control.
Put The Clamp On Cramps
Anyone who’s prone to cramps knows just how painful they can be, and that no amount of tea and chocolate really help that much. Sure, wine and ibuprofen can come in handy, but at the end of the day, some cramps are just persistent and they can come back, month after month.
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.
Your Periods Could Become Less Frequent
Before you reach menopause, your body goes through perimenopause, a transition time between normal periods and full menopause , which can last one to five years, says Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su, MD, an ob-gyn in Seattle. Perimenopause is a time thats characterized by irregular menses, which are usually more spaced out.
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.
What Are Regular Periods
Most girls get their first period between the ages of 10 and 15, but some get it earlier and some later. The first period is known as menarche .
Why do women miss their periods?
Women with certain chronic illnesses are more likely to experience irregular or missed menstrual periods due to low weight or a flare in illness. Dr. Brooks shares that diseases such as Crohn’s disease, diabetes, ulcerative colitis, lupus, cystic fibrosis, sickle disease, and certain types of cancer are likely to affect a woman’s menstrual cycle.
How to regulate period?
If you are a college athlete, a marathoner, or just like getting your sweat on , there are things you can do to help regulate your period. Dr. Brooks suggests maximizing calcium and vitamin D intake. She also advises, “Athletes should be followed by a physician routinely as well as have a bone density scan and consequent program created for them.”
How do you know if you have PCOs?
If you think you might have PCOS, there are three signs to look for. The first criterion is known as hyperandrogenism, which manifests itself as acne or excessive hair growth. The second criterion is missing your period and the third criterion is polycystic ovaries, which can only be discovered through an ultrasound. If you suspect you may have PCOS, see a gynecologist to get checked out.
Why do women have amenorrhea?
Dr. Brooks also warns that women tend to be nutritionally deficient if they are losing too much weight. She explains, “When a woman is at a nutritional deficit, she generally has a low fat intake, which can lead to decreased body fat mass, resulting in amenorrhea.” According to the Center for Young Women’s Health at the Boston Children’s Hospital, this is generally why individuals with anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or other disordered eating tend to have amenorrhea.
Does exercise affect your menstrual cycle?
An excessive increase in exercise typically has a similar effect on your menstrual cycle as excessive weight loss. This is because over-exercising usually is one of the causes behind weight loss of more than 10% of an individual’s ideal body weight. Dr. Brooks labels the effects of increased exercise and excessive weight loss as the “female athletic triad,” which consists of disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis/osteopenia.
Does running cause period?
There are certain kinds of exercise that increase the risk of not getting your period. Women who participate in long distance running, ballet, gymnastics, and figure skating tend to experience what is known as athletic amenorrhea. Dr. Brooks explains, “Exercises that really emphasize body type and small size are known to cause amenorrhea. Crew has also been known to be a problem, but really any exercise that gets a woman’s body mass down more than 10% is an issue.”
Can losing weight cause your period to be missed?
Brooks explains, “Weight loss of more than 10% of ideal body weight can cause amenorrhea.” So if your ideal body weight is 130 pounds, losing 13 pounds could put you at risk for missing your period.
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.
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.
Causes
Absence of or missed menstruation after normal menstrual cycle.
Treatment
Risks
Results
Prevention
- If you're coping with an overwhelming situation or experiencing prolonged anxiety, with more than one missed period, talk to your doctor and get a referral for counseling to help you decide what to do about the issues that are causing you stress. Once your stress is back to a manageable level, it can sometimes take a few months or more for your cycles to become regular again. How your m…
Effects
- 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, …
Prognosis
- 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 …
Overview
- Hormonal contraceptives like Depo-Provera, progesterone-only MiniPill, Mirena IUD, and Nexplanon can also influence your cycle.
Diagnosis
- 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.