Missing a period can be alarming, especially when pregnancy is not the reason. However, there are several other factors that can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle. One of the most common is stress. Emotional or physical stress can interfere with the hormonal balance that regulates periods, sometimes delaying or even stopping menstruation altogether.
Another major reason is hormonal imbalance, especially involving conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where excess male hormones can disrupt regular ovulation.
Thyroid issues, whether it’s hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can also interfere with your cycle due to the thyroid’s influence on reproductive hormones.
Significant weight changes whether rapid weight loss or gain can affect estrogen production, impacting the menstrual cycle. Women who exercise excessively may also experience missed periods as their body responds to physical strain and low body fat.
Chronic illnesses, certain medications, birth control methods, and even approaching menopause (perimenopause) can lead to irregular or missed periods. Infections or underlying reproductive health issues like uterine fibroids or endometriosis may also play a role.
If missed periods become frequent, it’s important to seek medical advice to rule out any underlying health problems and restore hormonal balance.