Is It Normal to Miss a Period? Experts Share 9 Reasons for a Missed Period
If there’s one thing you’re an expert on, it’s your body. From its aches, pains, idiosyncrasies, and schedules, you’ve lived with it longer than anyone, and have grown rather accustomed to its ways. Which is why when your body does something rather surprising—like miss a period—it can really throw you off-kilter. In fact, says Emily Hu, M.D., N.C.M.P, O.B.G.Y.N., Medical Director at Evernow, missing your period is one of the most common reasons why women visit their doctor. But is it normal to miss a period?
There is a myriad of explanations for going without your time of the month (or a series of missed periods, which more often causes doctors to begin investigation), experts note. While some are totally benign, others may be cause for a little bit of further investigation—though not necessarily cause for concern. If you visit a doctor to ask about missed periods, Dr. Hu notes that your medical professional will likely do a physical exam, ask for your medical history, and in some cases, run some lab tests to better understand your body and learn what is going on. But other times, these measures are not necessary.
In order to better understand whether it is normal to miss a period, we talked to two experts about our body’s natural functions. As tempting as it may be, if you find yourself missing your period, do your best not to panic. Instead, consider the plethora of options that may be behind the change in your body.
1. Pregnancy
“The first thing we want to know when a woman misses her period is if there is any possibility of pregnancy,” says Dr. Hu, noting that pregnancy tends to be one of the more common causes of a missed period. “We have the woman take a pregnancy test first, and then ask about other signs or symptoms that can be a cause of secondary amenorrhea (missing three periods in a row after having regular periods).”
2. Significant weight changes
Both eating disorders and excessive exercise can result in missing your period, says Dr. Hu. This is because extreme or rapid weight loss that results from calorie restriction or high numbers of calories burned causes your body to stop producing the hormones it needs for ovulation. Once those hormones stop, so do your periods. “When your body is under stress, ovulation is sometimes suppressed in order to avoid pregnancy,” says Lyndsey Harper, M.D., CEO and founder of Rosy.
3. Birth control
While birth control for some women helps to encourage more regular periods, Dr. Harper notes that it can also have another effect. “It’s pretty common for hormonal birth control [(think pills or some IUDs)] to cause missed periods, or even cause you to never have a period,” she says. This is entirely normal, and not a cause for concern.
4. Stress
According to the NHS, stress can actually wreak havoc on your menstrual cycle, making the duration of your cycle longer or shorter, or simply causing it to stop for some time. This is due to your body producing cortisol when stressed, and this can lead to lighter periods, or no period at all, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
5. Thyroid problems
Another possible culprit behind missed periods comes in the form of thyroid disorders, says Dr. Hu. “This can be hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and both are diagnosed in the setting of normal Prolactin levels, but abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels,” she continues. “This can be managed with further evaluation, and like hyperprolactinemia, most women respond well to medical treatment.”
6. Hyperprolactinemia
Hyperprolactinemia describes a condition in which the amino acid protein Prolactin is elevated in two separate locations, explains Dr. Hu. “We usually get an MRI to evaluate the pituitary gland for diagnosis,” she continues. Generally, Prolactin levels are elevated in pregnant women (stopping their period), but when levels are raised in non-pregnant women (and some men), medication can be used to treat the condition. “Most women respond well to medical treatment,” Dr. Hu says.
7. Menopause
Another common reason for missed periods could come in the more permanent absence of your monthly cycle. While the symptoms of menopause can be uncomfortable (for example, hot flashes and night sweats), Dr. Hu notes, “Menopause is a normal part of aging and symptoms can often be managed by medications and lifestyle changes.”
8. P.C.O.S.
“Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition of hormonal imbalance that often results in irregular or missed periods,” says Dr. Harper. Doctors can diagnose this condition through physical exams or by blood tests, checking for high serum testosterone. “PCOS can often be managed by weight loss through exercise, and certain medications,” explains Dr. Hu.
9. Asherman’s syndrome
Asherman’s syndrome, a condition in which scar tissue builds up inside the uterus, could be another reason for missed periods. In this case, scar tissue minimizes the amount of open space inside the uterus, resulting in missed periods. Dr. Hu notes that your doctor will likely check for uterine bleeding and, in some cases, perform a hysteroscopy.
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