If you’ve missed your period, you might immediately assume that you’re pregnant.
Medically reviewed by a staff nurse at The Pregnancy Network.
Other factors can also influence missing your menstrual cycle, otherwise known as amenorrhea.
Note: Rule out pregnancy before considering these options! If you’ve missed your period and you’re sexually active, take a pregnancy test.
- Stress: Chronic stress can stop your period due to your hypothalamus not functioning correctly.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A condition where cysts form on ovaries and ovulation can stop, which halts your menstruation.
- Significant weight gain/loss. Both can affect your menstrual cycles.
- Birth control: Some contraceptives cause you to miss or experience light periods. If you’ve stopped birth control, it may take several months for your period to return regularly.
- Your age: If you’ve just started getting your period, you might have irregular periods for a few years. After this time, it’s normal to have a regular monthly period for the next 35 years or so. If you’re between the ages of 45-55, you can expect irregular periods again as you move into perimenopause and eventually menopause.
Concerned about missing your period? Discuss this with your OBGYN!
Need a pregnancy test? We provide free, medical-grade pregnancy tests here at The Pregnancy Network at our Greensboro and Winston-Salem offices.
If you’re unexpectedly pregnant, you can discuss your pregnancy confidentially with a registered nurse and get a free ultrasound in the same appointment.
Adrienne Bergmeier
Adrienne Bergmeier is a Communications Coordinator at The Pregnancy Network.