Many women may be concerned when they experience missed periods, commonly known as amenorrhea. This is because a woman's menstrual cycle is a significant sign of her reproductive health, and a missed period might reveal a problem.
Knowing the causes of missing periods is essential for taking the appropriate actions to treat any underlying health issues. Here is a list of seven causes of missed periods that you shouldn't neglect.
Pregnancy is the most known cause of a missed period. When a woman becomes pregnant, her body releases more human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that suppresses ovulation and menstruation.
A pregnancy test or a visit to the doctor is needed to confirm pregnancy. However, the fact that other reasons can also induce amenorrhea makes it crucial to keep in mind that a missing period does not automatically mean pregnancy. If there is a risk of pregnancy or if missing periods persist, it is essential to consult with a doctor.
Another major reason for missing periods is menopause. As a woman approaches menopause, her estrogen and progesterone levels begin to decrease, leading the ovaries to stop ovulating and periods to cease. This can take years and is characterized by additional symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and loss of libido.
After 12 months of no menstrual flow, menopause is considered to have happened. It is essential for women to know that menopause is a natural phase and not a disorder. However, if your symptoms are severe, you should see a doctor.
Missed periods can also be caused by changes in birth control use. For example, the pill, patch, and ring are hormonal birth control techniques that function by inhibiting ovulation. These methods might lead to irregular periods or possibly prevent menstruation completely.
Moreover, stopping birth control may result in missed periods since the body needs time to adapt to the shift in hormone levels. Therefore, before beginning or discontinuing any kind of birth control, it is necessary to contact a doctor.
Missed periods can also be linked to medical disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid issues. PCOS is a syndrome in which the ovaries swell and form tiny cysts. This might result in irregular or missed periods, acne, weight gain, and excessive hair growth.
Thyroid issues can also affect periods since the thyroid gland regulates hormones. If a woman suspects she may have PCOS or a thyroid disorder, it is important to visit a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Another issue that might lead to missing periods is stress. Stress can affect the delicate hormonal balance in the body, causing ovulation and periods to stop. Emotional and physical stress can also cause the body to release cortisol, a hormone that suppresses ovulation. In this case, it is essential to seek ways to deal with stress, such as exercise, yoga, meditation, or therapy.
Overexertion can also result in missing periods. Women who participate in high amounts of physical exercises, such as sports, may skip periods due to a reduction in body fat. This is because the body requires a specific amount of fat to create estrogen, a hormone required for ovulation and menstruation. To maintain good hormonal balance, women must maintain a healthy mix of activity and diet.
Missed periods can also be caused by extreme weight loss or growth. Because the body does not have enough energy to maintain these processes, being underweight might lead the body to cease ovulation and menstruation.
On the other hand, being overweight might produce a hormonal imbalance, leading to missing periods. Therefore, It's essential for women to maintain a healthy weight with a balanced diet and exercise routine.
