Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Causes of a Missed Period?

Alex Tree
Alex Tree

The most common cause of a missed period is pregnancy, but a plethora of potential causes exist. Birth control methods, breastfeeding, and emotional stress are also some potential causes for missed periods. Pregnancy is most common when the woman is sexually active and should probably be the first thing to rule out, but an early pregnancy may not register on basic pregnancy tests. Seeing a health professional is generally recommended when a woman experiences an unexplained lapse in her menstrual cycle.

When a period is missed and the woman has been sexually active, pregnancy is typically the first and often correct assumption. Modern pregnancy tests are normally extremely accurate when the instructions are properly followed and can detect pregnancy as early as five days before the missed period. Early detection may not be as accurate as pregnancy tests performed after the missed period, however.

A missed period can be a sign of pregnancy.
A missed period can be a sign of pregnancy.

Birth control methods can result in a missed period for a couple of reasons. Switching birth control methods can sometimes cause a missed period as the body adapts to the new form of regulated cycle. Other forms of birth control or methods for utilizing a certain type of birth control may purposefully suppress periods or cause them to happen much more irregularly than without regulation.

There are medical and emotional reasons for missed periods.
There are medical and emotional reasons for missed periods.

Breastfeeding can prevent the return of periods up until the woman stops breastfeeding. Some women report that they did not experience a regular period until after weening their child, but many women begin menstruating within weeks or months after their child’s birth. This is normal, but also means the woman can become pregnant again. If the lack of fertility due to breastfeeding was used as a method of birth control, the woman will need to turn to other methods to prevent pregnancy.

Breastfeeding can cause missed periods for several months.
Breastfeeding can cause missed periods for several months.

Many causes of emotional, mental, and physical stress can lead to a missed period. When the body is under a lot of stress, it is believed that this can disrupt normal functioning in a way that can cause periods not to happen. The amount of stress that it takes to cause this loss in usual functioning can vary significantly from person to person, and sustained levels of stress can lead to a lack of periods for an extended period of time. Some common examples of the types of stress that may lead to a missed period include a demanding period of time regarding work, severe emotional strain caused by a relationship issue, or the death of someone close.

Discussion Comments

MrsPramm

@bythewell - I do just want to mention that the reasons aren't always sinister. I remember my sister had a huge scare a few years ago because her period just stopped outright and she was convinced there was something wrong. It turned out that it was because of a change in her birth control pills and it was perfectly normal and expected.

bythewell

@Iluviaporos - I hope you have been checked for conditions that might affect the menstruation cycle though, like polycycstic ovarian syndrome, as it's definitely not the norm for women to skip a period without extreme stress.

It might be a normal condition for you, but it's still a good idea to get checked just in case.

I've got to say that I actually think that all girls should have a reproductive health check after they've hit puberty and everything has settled down, because far too many women have conditions and never realize they could be treated. We're told it's normal to be in pain or skip periods occasionally but often it's a symptom and reasons for a missed period should be investigated.

lluviaporos

Stress can definitely lead to missed periods and it doesn't have to be an extraordinary amount of stress either. Honestly, it's kind of a relief to me that this happens, because often the last thing I need is to deal with one more thing so skipping a period when I'm stressed can come in handy.

I guess that it helps that I'm not sexually active right now, so I never have to jump to the conclusion that I might be pregnant. That would increase the stress rather than take it away.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A missed period can be a sign of pregnancy.
      By: Tein
      A missed period can be a sign of pregnancy.
    • There are medical and emotional reasons for missed periods.
      By: auryndrikson
      There are medical and emotional reasons for missed periods.
    • Breastfeeding can cause missed periods for several months.
      By: evgenyatamanenko
      Breastfeeding can cause missed periods for several months.