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.
Related Conditions
Not having your period for three months or more is known as secondary amenorrhea. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Natural causes of an absence of menstruation for three months include perimenopause, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Certain lifestyle factors like stress and excessive exercise may also cause it.
What are the reasons for not getting your period?
What can cause brown discharge after a period?
- Dry period blood. Blood that takes longer to exit your body becomes darker, often brown. ...
- Polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels. ...
- Perimenopause. Perimenopause is when your body begins to make the natural transition to menopause. ...
- Birth control implant. ...
- Sexually transmitted infections. ...
Why am I still not having my period?
Some girls, though, might not be getting their first periods for other reasons. Some don't get their periods because of hormone imbalances. Girls who are underweight or who have eating disorders may notice a delay in the start of their periods.
Why do I still have discharge after my period?
Why have not I started my period yet?
Why haven't I got my period but Im not pregnant?
Weight changes, hormonal irregularities, and menopause are among the most common causes if you're not pregnant. With these issues, 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.
Why am I not yet getting my period?
Some don't get their periods because of hormone imbalances. Girls who are underweight or who have eating disorders may notice a delay in the start of their periods. Girls who are very athletic might not get their periods until they stop exercising or competing so vigorously.
How long can a period be late?
“On average, these cycles are 24 to 38 days long.” That means that a 28-day cycle one month and a 26-day cycle the next month is probably nothing to worry about. Your period might be considered late if: It's been more than 38 days since your last period.
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.
What are the causes of a period?
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. Over time, stress can lead to illness or sudden weight gain or loss, all of which can impact your cycle.
Why does my period feel irregular?
Chronic diseases such as diabetes and celiac disease also can affect your menstrual cycle. Changes in blood sugar are linked to hormonal changes, so even though it’s rare, poorly controlled diabetes could cause your period to be irregular.
What causes a male to produce more androgen?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that causes your body to produce more of the male hormone androgen. Cysts form on the ovaries as a result of this hormone imbalance. This can make ovulation irregular or stop it altogether.
How to know if you have a symtom?
If you have the following symptoms, contact a doctor right away: 1 unusually heavy bleeding 2 fever 3 severe pain 4 nausea and vomiting 5 bleeding that lasts longer than seven days 6 bleeding after you’ve already entered menopause and had not periods for a year
Why is my period not every 28 days?
If your period doesn’t fall within these ranges, it could be because of one of the following reasons. 1. Stress.
How long does it take for a period to change after taking birth control?
Birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, which prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs. It can take up to six months for your cycle to become consistent again after stopping the pill. Other types of contraceptives that are implanted or injected can cause missed periods as well.
When is it normal for a woman's period to be irregular?
There are also two times in a woman’s life when it’s totally normal for her period to be irregular: when it first begins, and when menopause starts. As your body goes through the transition , your normal cycle can become irregular.
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.
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 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 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.
How to get rid of cramps in the lower abdomen?
Relieve cramps. Not all women experience cramps and some will only undergo mild discomfort. If you happen to feel intense lower abdominal cramping, try talking to your school nurse. She can give you a heating pad or pain medication to help you feel better. Besides, drinking warm water can help you stay hydrated while relieving bloating and cramps. Chamomile tea is a good choice as it contains an anti-inflammatory agent that's been known to help with cramps.
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.
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 to get rid of blood underwear?
If you notice spots of blood on your underwear and the bathroom does not have a pad dispenser, wrap a few layers of toilet paper around the crotch area of your underwear. The blood will be absorbed by the toilet paper and it will act as a liner temporarily until you get an actual pad.
What to do if you miss your period?
The treatment your healthcare provider recommends depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, contraceptives (the pill) or other hormone therapies can help. In other cases, different drugs or even surgery will be the better choice. It all depends on the reason for missed periods.
What part of the brain controls hormones that keep your menstrual cycle regular?
Mental stress: Stress can temporarily change how the hypothalamus works. 4 It's the part of your brain that controls hormones that keep your menstrual cycle regular.
Can medications cause periods to stop?
Some medications can cause menstrual periods to stop. These include:
Why don't girls get their periods?
Some girls, though, might not be getting their first periods for other reasons. Some don't get their periods because of hormone imbalances. Girls who are underweight or who have eating disorders may notice a delay in the start of their periods.
When do girls start their period?
Breast development is usually the first sign of puberty, but sometimes pubic hair comes first. Girls usually get their first periods between the ages of 8 and 15.
Can a girl get her period if she is athletic?
Girls who are very athletic might not get their periods until they stop exercising or competing so vigorously. Severe stress or some illnesses also can delay menstruation. It's also possible for a girl who has had sex to become pregnant before she gets her first period.
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.