What Causes Missed Periods?

There are several issues that females can experience related to their period. An issue that you may experience related to your menstrual cycle is missing periods. The medical term for missing periods that are not related to menopause is amenorrhea. You are considered to have amenorrhea if you haven’t had a period for three consecutive months or haven’t had your first period by the age of fifteen years old.

Causes of Amenorrhea

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the most common cause of missed periods. When you are pregnant your periods stop because your ovaries are not releasing eggs and your uterus is carrying a fetus. Ceasing to have a period is a sign of pregnancy. It is normal and expected to not have a period while pregnant.

Breastfeeding

Many women do not have periods while they are breastfeeding. It is normal and expected to not have a period while breastfeeding. It is important to know that you can still become pregnant while breastfeeding. If you do not want to become pregnant you must use a method of birth control while breastfeeding.

Weight

Being under or over a healthy body weight can cause irregular or missed periods. Also, eating disorders can cause body fat to drop so low that ovulation stops. Periods will be irregular or stop all together.

Hormonal Imbalances

There are several medical conditions and disorders that can cause hormonal imbalances. Hormones are highly involved in the menstrual cycle. When hormones are imbalanced it can cause irregular and / or missed periods.

Severe Stress

Severe chronic stress can cause menstrual cycle issues and missing periods. Stress causes the hormone cortisol to increase which can cause period issues.

Medications

Some medications could cause irregularities in your period or missed periods. If you believe this may be the case, speak with the healthcare provider who is prescribing the medication.

What To Do About Missing Periods

If you are missing periods contact your gynecological healthcare provider. They will examine you, ask you questions, and order any testing needed to find the cause of your missed periods.