Missing periods, also known as amenorrhea or irregular periods, can be due to a variety of factors ranging from natural life changes to underlying medical conditions.
Here's a breakdown of potential reasons:
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Pregnancy: This is the most common reason for a missed period, especially in women of childbearing age. Take a pregnancy test to confirm or rule out pregnancy.
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Stress: Significant stress can disrupt your hormonal balance, impacting ovulation and menstruation.
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Lifestyle Factors:
- Weight Changes: Both significant weight loss and weight gain can affect your periods.
- Excessive Exercise: Strenuous physical activity, especially when combined with low body fat, can lead to missed periods.
- Poor Nutrition: An unbalanced diet can disrupt your hormonal cycles.
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Hormonal Imbalances:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This hormonal disorder can cause irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and cysts on the ovaries.
- Thyroid Problems: Both an overactive (hyperthyroidism) and underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid can affect menstruation.
- Hyperprolactinemia: High levels of prolactin (the hormone that stimulates milk production) can interfere with ovulation and periods.
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Medications: Certain medications can cause missed or irregular periods, including:
- Birth control pills (especially when starting or stopping)
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Chemotherapy drugs
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Perimenopause/Menopause: As you approach menopause (typically in your 40s or 50s), your periods may become irregular before stopping completely.
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Medical Conditions: While less common, some underlying medical conditions can contribute to amenorrhea, including:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Cushing's syndrome
- Premature ovarian failure
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Structural Problems: Scarring of the uterine lining (Asherman's syndrome) or problems with the reproductive organs can also lead to missed periods.
What to do:
If you've missed a period, it's important to consider the possible causes. If you are sexually active, taking a pregnancy test should be your first step. If the test is negative, or if you are experiencing other symptoms like pelvic pain, unusual discharge, or significant changes in weight or mood, consult a healthcare professional. They can perform a physical exam, order blood tests, and conduct other necessary evaluations to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
