Missed Period With No Pregnancy: Common Causes and What to Do

If your period is late and you know pregnancy isn’t the reason, you’re not alone. There are many factors, like hormonal imbalances, stress, weight changes, or health conditions, that can affect your cycle. In this blog, we’ll gently guide you through the common causes of a late period and offer helpful insights to ease your concerns and support you in finding the right next steps. 

What is a Missed Period, When to See a Doctor and Confirming Your Pregnancy Status

The first step is understanding what a missed period is. The average menstrual cycle typically lasts about 28 days, although cycles ranging from 21 to 35 days are also considered normal. A period is generally considered “missed” when you have not started bleeding within 7 days of your expected start date.

For example, if your menstrual cycle is regularly 28 days, and you haven’t had your period by day 35, it is typically regarded as a missed period. Generally, missing your period by more than a week from your usual cycle length warrants further attention. 

Lifestyle Factors: Stress, Acute Illnesses, and Overexercising Can Cause a Missed Period 

Stress can cause a missed period. 

Stress can disrupt your menstrual cycle, potentially causing a missed period. When you’re stressed, your body produces hormones like cortisol that can interfere with the hormonal balance needed for a regular cycle. This often results in a temporary delay or absence of your period. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and seeking support can help restore your cycle. 

Stress from a Recent Illness, Like the Flu, May Cause a Missed Period

Being recently sick with an acute illness like the flu or a stomach virus, may also cause a missed period.  When you’re dealing with an acute illness, your body experiences significant stress, which can disrupt the hormonal balance necessary for a regular menstrual cycle. This stress can lead to delayed or missed periods as your body prioritizes recovery. While this is usually temporary, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider if you notice persistent changes in your menstrual cycle following an acute illness. 

Overexercising May Lead to Missed Periods 

Overexercising can impact your menstrual cycle by causing disruptions in the hormones that regulate your period. When you engage in intense or excessive physical activity, your body may not have enough energy reserves to maintain regular menstruation. This can lead to missed periods or irregular cycles as your body tries to protect itself from stress. It’s important to find a balanced approach to exercise and listen to your body’s needs.

Changes in Weight, Obesity, and Being Underweight Can Cause A Missed Period 

Changes in weight, whether due to obesity or being underweight, can impact your menstrual cycle and lead to a missed period. Both significant weight gain and weight loss can disrupt the hormonal balance necessary for a regular cycle. 

Missed Periods Due to Obesity 

Obesity can impact your menstrual cycle by causing hormonal imbalances that interfere with regular ovulation. Excess body fat can lead to increased levels of estrogen, which disrupts the balance of reproductive hormones necessary for a regular period. As a result, you may experience missed periods or irregular cycles. 

Missed Periods Due to Being Underweight 

Being underweight or dealing with anorexia or an eating disorder can affect your menstrual cycle as your body may not have the energy or nutrients needed to maintain regular periods. When you’re struggling with extreme weight loss or malnutrition, your body might pause menstruation to protect itself. Seeking support for your eating disorder and working towards a healthier weight can help restore your cycle and improve your overall health. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone—reaching out to healthcare professionals can provide the guidance and support you need. 

Hormonal Imbalances, Such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Thyroid Disorders, Can Contribute to Missed Periods 

Missed Periods are a Common Symptom of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition where hormonal imbalances interfere with your menstrual cycle, causing missed periods due to irregular ovulation. The hormonal disruptions associated with PCOS can prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs regularly, causing missed or infrequent periods. Symptoms of PCOS can include irregular or absent periods, excessive hair growth, acne, and weight gain. If you’re experiencing these symptoms or have concerns about your menstrual cycle, consulting a healthcare provider can help you manage PCOS and explore effective treatment options. 

Thyroid and Adrenal Disorders  

Thyroid and adrenal disorders can significantly impact your menstrual cycle, often leading to missed periods. Conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can disrupt the hormonal balance necessary for regular menstruation, causing irregular or absent periods. Similarly, adrenal disorders, like Addison’s disease or Cushing syndrome, can affect your body’s stress response and hormone levels, further contributing to menstrual irregularities. 

Other Health Conditions May Also Affect Your Menstrual Cycle 

Conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and chronic kidney disease can disrupt hormonal balance and overall health, affecting your menstrual regularity. The stress and inflammation associated with chronic illness can also interfere with the hormones that regulate your cycle. If you have a chronic condition and are experiencing missed periods, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to manage your health effectively. 

Missed Periods: Medications, Contraceptives & Birth Control 

Medications May Disrupt Your Cycle 

Certain medications such as antidepressants, and some antipsychotic drugs (such as risperidone, olanzapine, and quetiapine) can alter your menstrual cycle, sometimes causing delays or missed periods. Medications that impact your thyroid or adrenal glands (such as levothyroxine for hypothyroidism and methimazole for hyperthyroidism) can also disrupt regular menstruation.  

Birth Control and Contraceptives May Cause Missed Periods 

Birth control and contraceptives can sometimes lead to missed periods due to their impact on hormonal balance. Methods like birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, and contraceptive implants work by altering your body’s natural hormonal cycle to prevent pregnancy, which can occasionally result in delayed or absent periods. This is often a normal side effect, especially with certain types of hormonal contraceptives, but your provider can help determine if it’s related to your contraceptive method and discuss any adjustments or alternative options to ensure your menstrual health is managed effectively. 

Are You a New Mother? Missed Periods May Be Normal During Postpartum and Breastfeeding

Becoming a new mother can lead to missed periods due to the significant hormonal changes and physical adjustments your body undergoes postpartum. The process of recovering from childbirth and the demands of caring for a newborn can affect your menstrual cycle, especially while breastfeeding. 

Breastfeeding & Missed Periods 

Additionally, breastfeeding can play a role in delaying your periods as your body produces hormones like prolactin, which suppress ovulation. This is a common and natural part of the postpartum period. If you’re a new mother experiencing missed periods and have concerns, talking with your healthcare provider can help you understand these changes and ensure you receive the appropriate care and support. 

Life Stage Changes: Missed Periods are Common During the Transition into Perimenopause & Menopause 

Missed periods can be a common experience during perimenopause, primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), and menopause due to the natural changes in your reproductive system.  

Summary

Missed periods can arise from many factors, often due to changes in your body that affect hormonal balance, such as stress, certain illnesses, or medications. While many of these situations are generally not a major cause for concern, it’s important to seek evaluation if you miss more than one period consistently and you are certain you are not pregnant.