Why Isn't My Girlfriend Having Her Period?

There are several potential reasons why your girlfriend might be missing her period.

It's important to note that if your girlfriend is sexually active, the first and foremost possibility to consider is pregnancy. A pregnancy test is recommended to rule this out. If pregnancy is not the reason, other possible causes include lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and hormonal imbalances.

Potential Causes of a Missed Period

Here's a breakdown of possible causes, incorporating information from the provided reference:

• Lifestyle Factors:

  • Extreme Exercise: Overly strenuous exercise can disrupt the menstrual cycle.
  • Weight Fluctuations: Being significantly underweight or overweight can affect hormone production and lead to irregular or missed periods. This relates to having a very low or high body weight as mentioned in the reference.
  • Calorie Intake: Insufficient calorie intake can also disrupt the hormonal balance needed for regular periods. The reference mentions "not eating enough calories" as a potential cause.
  • Stress: High levels of stress can impact the hormones that regulate menstruation.

• Medical Conditions and Medications:

  • Hormone Imbalances: Conditions affecting hormone levels, such as thyroid disorders (both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism), can cause period irregularities. The reference explicitly mentions that thyroid hormone levels that are too low or too high can cause problems with periods.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This hormonal disorder can cause irregular or missed periods, as well as other symptoms.
  • Certain Medications: The reference notes that some medicines can cause irregular periods. It's important to review any medications she is currently taking with a doctor.
  • Chronic Diseases: Underlying health issues can sometimes impact menstrual cycles.

• Other Factors:

  • Age: Menstrual cycles can be irregular around the time of puberty and during perimenopause (the transition to menopause).
  • Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding often suppresses menstruation.
  • Changes in Contraception: Starting or stopping hormonal birth control can cause temporary irregularities.

What to Do

1. Take a Pregnancy Test: This is the first and most important step if there's a chance of pregnancy.
2. Track Her Cycle: Keep track of when her periods occur (or don't occur) and any other symptoms she experiences. This information will be helpful for a doctor.
3. Consult a Doctor: It's essential for your girlfriend to see a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of her missed period. They can perform necessary tests and recommend appropriate treatment.

Summary Table

Possible Cause	Description
Pregnancy	First possibility to rule out.
Extreme Exercise	Can disrupt the menstrual cycle.
Weight Fluctuations	Being underweight or overweight can affect hormone production.
Insufficient Calories	Can disrupt hormonal balance.
Stress	Impacts hormones regulating menstruation.
Thyroid Disorders	Can cause period irregularities due to hormone imbalances.
PCOS	Hormonal disorder causing irregular periods.
Medications	Some medicines can cause irregular periods.
Age	Cycles can be irregular during puberty and perimenopause.
Breastfeeding	Often suppresses menstruation.
Contraception Changes	Starting or stopping hormonal birth control can cause temporary irregularities.