Period FAQs

why has my period not started

by Mrs. Tanya Armstrong Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Pregnancy is by far the most common cause of a missed period. However, other medical and lifestyle factors can also affect your menstrual cycle making your period late. Weight changes, hormonal irregularities, and menopause are among the most common causes if you're not pregnant.Jun 28, 2022

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

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.

What are the reasons for not getting your period?

They can result from a range of conditions besides pregnancy, including hormonal imbalances, hormonal birth control, stress, weight loss, trauma, and certain health conditions. This article discusses what can cause a person to miss their period and how common this is.

What can cause a missed period?

There may be many different reasons for a negative pregnancy test after a missed period. You may be dealing with an undiagnosed medical condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, or it could be a lifestyle issue, such as extreme stress. After getting a negative test result, you should wait a few days to a week before taking another test.

What can cause no period besides pregnancy?

What a missed period and negative pregnancy test could mean?

How to know if you have a period?

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

What age do you start menopause?

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

How long does a woman's period last?

Can a hormonal pill cause a missed period?

Does obesity cause menstrual cycle?

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Why has my period not come yet this month?

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.

How late can a period be without being pregnant?

If you are 7 days late with no pregnancy symptoms, it still doesn't necessarily mean that you are pregnant (it can, but it's not always the case… take a test, another one). However, if you have a late or missed period with early signs of pregnancy, this is a strong indication of pregnancy.

What are the first signs of pregnancy?

The most common early signs and symptoms of pregnancy might include:Missed period. If you're in your childbearing years and a week or more has passed without the start of an expected menstrual cycle, you might be pregnant. ... Tender, swollen breasts. ... Nausea with or without vomiting. ... Increased urination. ... Fatigue.

Why did I miss my period but not 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.

Should I be worried my period is 5 days late?

It's important to remember that if your period is more than five days late, you should consult your health care provider.

How do you know if your period is coming or your pregnant?

Pregnancy-specific symptoms “The key difference between the two, however, is that with pregnancy, your period doesn't occur.” Nausea is also a symptom that can accompany pregnancy and is often not experienced with PMS. “The nausea in early pregnancy often resolves after the 12th week of gestation, “Giles said.

Two Months Without Having Period, Why? | New Health Advisor

Two months without period may or may not be cause for concern. It may be caused by pregnancy, stress, perimenopause, contraceptive, etc.

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 don't I get my period?

Just because you're, say 14, and asking "why haven't I started my period" does not necessarily mean that there is anything wrong with you. Some girls, however, may not get their first period due to issues with hormone imbalances. Girls who are underweight or struggling with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa may also have delayed periods. Girls who are particularly athletic may not get their periods until they no longer exercise so vigorously. Severe stress and certain illnesses can interfere with menstruation as well.

What Should I Do When I Get My First Period?

What should you do? First, take a deep breath, try to relax, and congratulate yourself on the fact that you 've reached this milestone.

When do girls start their period?

Usually, girls get their first periods at some point between the ages of 8 and 15. However, there are some girls who begin puberty earlier or later than others.

How long before your period do you have to check your underwear?

Vaginal discharge is a clear or white colored mucus-like fluid that typically appears 6-12 months before your period does.

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.

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.

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.

Why does my period stop?

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.

What does it mean when a woman doesn't have her period?

Absent menstruation, or amenorrhea, is the absence of menstrual bleeding. It happens when a girl hasn’t had her first menstrual period by age 16. It also occurs then a woman fails to menstruate for 3 to 6 months. Amenorrhea can happen for many reasons.

What causes menstrual irregularities?

Causes of absent menstruation 1 Natural causes most likely to cause amenorrhea include pregnancy, breast-feeding, and menopause. 2 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. 3 Hormonal imbalances may cause amenorrhea. They are usually triggered by tumors on the pituitary gland or the thyroid gland. Low estrogen levels or high testosterone levels can also cause them. 4 Genetic disorders or chromosomal disorders, such as Turner syndrome and Sawyer syndrome, can sometimes cause late menstruation. 5 Medications can cause amenorrhea in some women. 6 Antipsychotics and antidepressants are often involved. 7 Chemotherapy drugs and medications that treat high blood pressure can cause problems with menstruation as well. 8 Suddenly stopping birth control pills may also lead to several months of absent periods before the cycle returns to normal. 9 Physical defects such as structural problems in the female reproductive organs might be responsible for absent or delayed menstruation. 10 These issues can result from birth defects, tumors, or infections that occurred in the womb or shortly after birth. 11 In rare cases, missed periods could be a symptom of Asherman’s syndrome. This occurs due to scarring in the uterus after surgery, which can prevent menstruation.

How to treat amenorrhea?

Treatment for amenorrhea varies depending on the underlying cause. Hormonal imbalances can be treated with supplemental or synthetic hormones, which can help normalize hormone levels.

What causes amenorrhea in women?

Natural causes most likely to cause amenorrhea include pregnancy, breast-feeding, and menopause. Lifestyle factors may include excessive exercise and stress.

What causes late menstruation?

Genetic disorders or chromosomal disorders, such as Turner syndrome and Sawyer syndrome, can sometimes cause late menstruation. Medications can cause amenorrhea in some women. Antipsychotics and antidepressants are often involved.

What tests can help you determine if you have a period?

These diagnostic tests may include: Blood tests, which will allow your doctor to check hormone levels in your body. Prolactin, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone are all related to menstruation. Determining these levels can help your doctor determine or rule out the cause of your absent periods.

Why do periods go awry?

Exams, deaths, certainly the coronavirus pandemic, the current news cycle, and even breakups are all big-time stress-inducing events that can cause periods to go awry. But even more subtle things, like juggling a ton at work, can fuel chronic stress that affects your mind and body, even though you may not realize it.

What happens if you don't release an egg during your period?

This is known as an anovulatory cycle. And if you do not release an egg during a cycle, you won't actually get your period (but you could still get the cramps). Anovulation is more common than you might think: "Ten to 18 percent of all regular cycles are anovulatory,” says Chicago-based ob-gyn Jessica Shepherd, MD.

Why does my pelvic floor hurt during my period?

Just like any other part of your body, your pelvic floor can become weak or injured, particularly after pregnancy and childbirth, and cause symptoms such as pelvic pain, lower back pain, and the feeling of pelvic pressure or fullness that are akin to those during your period.

Why does IBD cause cramps?

While the exact cause is unknown, IBD is thought to be due to your immune system responding incorrectly to triggers that cause inflammation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The cramping and pain associated with IBD differs depending on the diagnosis.

How to get rid of PMS?

Hitting the gym on the regular is one of the best things you can do to help deal with PMS symptoms. However, working out too hard or too often can actually mess up your cycle, and in some cases make you miss your period all together, Dr. Scott says.

Where does endometriosis occur?

Endometriosis occurs when tissue that normally grows inside of the uterus, grows outside of it—typically in the pelvic area, which can cause significant cramping, says Dr. Ross.

What causes anxiety in black women?

Hyperthyroidism, where the body produces too much thyroid hormones and can cause increased anxiety, insomnia, and tremors, affects Black women twice as much as white women. "Asian and Pacific Islander-identifying women had a 78 percent increased risk of Grave's disease compared to white women," adds Dr. Akhunji.

What causes period flow?

Period flow or regularity issues could be affected by a variety of health conditions, including: Fibroids, which are abnormal benign growths that develop in or on the uterus. Endometriosis, which occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus.

What are the factors that affect your period?

Although hormone levels play a major role in your cycle, other factors that can affect your period include: 1 too much stress 2 major weight loss 3 too much exercise 4 pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) 5 pregnancy 6 breastfeeding

How much blood does a woman lose during her period?

The average woman loses about two to three tablespoons of blood during her period. The menstrual blood is partly blood and partly tissue from the endometrial lining on the inside of the uterus. It passes from the uterus through the cervix and out of the body through the vagina.

When does estrogen start to increase?

Between days 5 and 7, estrogen levels typically crest, your pituitary gland releases a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH), and your progesterone levels start to increase. A shift in hormone levels could create the appearance of a stop-and-start pattern.

What percentage of women have irregular periods?

Takeaway. If your period is starting, stopping, and starting again, you’re not alone. About 14 to 25 percent of women have irregular menstrual cycles, according to the National Institutes of Health. Irregular menstrual cycles may be: shorter or longer than normal. heavier or lighter than normal.

How long does a period last?

You have a period that lasts more than 7 days. Your periods stop for more than 3 months and you’re not pregnant.

How long does a period last after toxic shock?

If you experience serious changes such as the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, unusually heavy bleeding, or a period that lasts for more than 7 days, see your doctor right away.

Why do women have periods?

The powerful mix of stress and poor sleep is the reason for many women’s period problems. Trying to do it all and have it all leaves us stressed out, overworked, over-caffeinated, sugared up and fatigued. Our high-stress lifestyles take a toll on our kidney/adrenal organ system.

Why does my obgyn not come back?

There are many reasons – stress, pregnancy, hormonal imabalance. If it doesn’t come back regularly, please schedule an appointment with your Obgyn.

What does it mean when you have cramps?

Cramps indicate not enough progesterone(the “soothing” hormone) produced to balance out high estrogen levels.

What happens if you don't have ovulation?

Communication between your ovaries, uterus, and pituitary gland (the hormone pump in your brain) goes awry.

How to get ovulation going?

To get ovulation going, you need to rebuild energy in your kidneys. At your local health food store you’ll find plenty of herbal remedies and supplements for building kidney energy, but your body won’t effectively process the delicate herb essences if your diet and lifestyle do not also support you.

What happens when you lose a link in your cycle?

When this chain reaction loses a link you get symptoms that show up in your period or at another time in your cycle. Ovulation every cycle is the key to avoiding these health issues. To ovulate, your body needs the right nutrients and the right kind of care.

How do you know if you are not ovulating?

Light, irregular or missing periods are classic signs that you may not be ovulating. If your period isn’t coming and you are a young, active woman with no baby plans on the horizon, you might be thinking, “Why should I care?”

Can you change how fast your period starts?

You cannot really do anything to change how fast it'll start, so just concentrate your energy on your health in general. As long as your body is growing up healthily, you are fine. As far as I can tell, having a period start late is a lot better than, say, stop growing taller beyond 4'2" or something ;-) Reply.

Is it normal for a girl to have her first period late?

Tiggerbubbles, there is nothing for you to be upset about. It is very common for girls to get their first periods late, even much much later than you. However, getting a late first period is NOT an indication of less fertility in your adult life. I am not an expert or anything, but I have done quite some reading and I have never found any studies talking about some correlation between first periods and fertility later in life.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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Causes

Absence of or missed menstruation after normal menstrual cycle.

Common Causes

Amenorrhea is not always related to an underlying condition. It may be caused by:

  • Low body weight
  • Excessive exercises
  • Mental stress
  • Eating problems such as anorexia
  • Taking certain drugs such as birth control injections
  • Pregnancy
  • Hormonal imbalance
Related Conditions
Sometimes amenorrhea may signify an underlying health condition. These conditions include:

Treatment

Risks

Results

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Besides pregnancy, there are a number of possible reasons for a missed period. Pregnancy is by far the most common cause of a missed period, but there are some other medical reasons and lifestyle factors that impact your menstrual cycle. Extreme weight loss, hormonal irregularities, and menopause are among the mo…
See more on verywellhealth.com

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…
See more on verywellhealth.com

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, …
See more on verywellhealth.com

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 …
See more on verywellhealth.com

Overview

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

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.
See more on verywellhealth.com

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