Think of your monthly cycle as an inside look into the functioning and health of your body. As females, we’re supposed to get our cycle monthly from the time we start menstruating (known as menarche), until we go through menopause. Unless you were to get pregnant, it’s not normal to miss cycles – although it can be common.
So, while missing your period may seem like a blessing at the time it’s actually a sign that something inside is out of balance and needs attention.
Below are some of the most common reasons why a women might miss one, or more cycles
- You’re pregnant (or trying not to) – if you’re trying to conceive and you’ve missed a period, this could indicate you’ve been successful! If you’re not trying to get pregnant, but have had unprotected sex, you may want to take a pregnancy test to rule this out. It can also be normal to miss periods while on certain forms of hormonal birth control.
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) – this is a common hormonal condition that can impact the ability of a women to ovulate monthly. Women with PCOS often have higher levels of androgens (like testosterone) and insulin which can cause other symptoms like acne, weight gain and facial hair growth.
- Thyroid disease – thyroid conditions can result from both over-, and under-functioning of the thyroid gland. Since the thyroid helps to regulate metabolism, it can cause missed periods as well as changes in flow – either heavier or lighter. Depending on if the thyroid is over- or under-functioning we can experience other symptoms like weight changes, sleep changes, and changes in bowel habits.
- Low body fat – if our brain registers that body fat is too low, it can cause our period to be missed, or stop completely. It should however, return when normal body fat is restored. This is something to look out for in female athletes, or those who suffer from disordered eating behaviors.
- Premature Ovarian Insufficiency – this essentially is when a woman transitions into menopause earlier than she should – before the age of 40. It often comes along with other menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
- Stress – this, like when body fat it too low, is when our body stops ovulating because it does not feel safe, or it does not think it has enough resources to procreate and therefore does not need to ovulate. When we are under extreme stress – either physical or mental – it interrupts the communication from our brain to our ovaries, and it can impact our cycle. This could result in a delayed period, a missed period, or no period at all.
There are many reasons why we may skip or lose our period. In addition to those above other things to consider include: celiac disease, infections, autoimmune disease and trauma. A proper investigation is key to ensure the treatment addresses the underlying cause. Remember, missing a period may be common, but it is not normal, so it’s important to understand want your body is telling you.
Briden, L. (2018). Period repair manual: Natural treatment for better hormones and better periods.
PMID: 25905367
PMID: 23939500
