Besides Pregnancy What Causes Missed Periods

Will My Period Return

8 Reasons For Missed Period But Not Pregnant | VisitJoy

Typically, your period will return once you treat the underlying cause. However, it may take time to become regular again.

In some cases, you may have a health problem that means youll never have a period. If that is the case, your provider can talk to you about fertility options if you wish to have a baby.

How Many Days Late Can A Period Be Before Worrying About Pregnancy

Everyones cycle is different. Healthy cycles can range in length from 21 to 35 days, and how long a cycle lasts can vary from cycle to cycle. Unless you have irregular cycles due to a medical condition, you probably have at least a rough idea of when to expect your next period.

A period is considered late if it hasnt started within seven days of when you expect it. Most pregnancy tests will be able to give you accurate results by the time your period is late. If you get a negative pregnancy test after missing a period, and your period is more than a week late, you may want to see your health care provider to figure out whats going on.

If you get a negative pregnancy test result, still havent gotten your period, and start to experience early pregnancy symptoms, consider taking another test. Sometimes, home pregnancy tests can give a false-negative result if its taken too early in the pregnancy to detect human chorionic gonadotropin in your urine. In these cases, it can take a bit longer to know youre pregnant after a late period. The earliest hCG detection can be done with an hCG serum test performed by a doctor as early as 8 to 10 days after ovulation.

What You Should Do If You Miss A Period

Unless youre experiencing other symptoms that concern you or you suspect you might be pregnant, theres no need to worry about missing one or two periods. Missing an occasional period now and then is not terribly uncommon, Dr. Stewart said.

If you miss three consecutive periods, you should talk to your primary care physician or OBGYN. Often the source is fairly obvious and a brief discussion with your provider could address the issue, Dr. Stewart said.

Your doctor will start with your medical history and a physical exam. From that information you can work with your doctor to plan next steps, which could be lab tests or imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.

Most of the time, you will find a simple solution to get your periods back on track. But its important to seek medical care, since sometimes missed periods could be signs of serious health problems. Thyroid disease, pituitary dysfunction, ovulatory dysfunction, chronic kidney disease or cancer can all be associated with amenorrhea. And those conditions could be linked with problems like osteoporosis, abnormal pregnancy, or cancer of the uterine lining.

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Possible Causes For A Late Period

If your period is late, you are advised to perform at least 2 pregnancy tests, with a 7-day interval between each test. If both of these yield negative results, likelihood of pregnancy is low, and the delay in period can be a result of other situations like:

  • Excessive physical activity, which is frequent in athletes or people preparing for a sporting competition
  • Very restrictive diets
  • Diseases affecting the hypothalamus or pituitary gland
  • Hormonal changes caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, fibroids or even by the morning-after pill
  • Continuously using a birth control pill
  • Recent curettage or surgery in the pelvic region
  • Proximity of menopause, or possibility of early menopause
  • Postpartum phase, because menstruation should only return after the woman stops breastfeeding
  • Side effect of a contraceptive: there may be no period for 6 months, or 1 year after the use of the quarterly contraceptive injection.
  • These situations can lead to the absence of your menstrual cycle for more than 3 months . You are advised to see your doctor if this happens.

    Menstruation is also considered to be delayed when a girl who has reached the age of 16 has not yet menstruated for the first time. This is also known as primary amenorrhea and should be investigated by a gynecologist. This delayed period may be related to problems such as head trauma, prematurity or defects in the reproductive system such as an imperforate hymen, vaginal septum, or absence of a uterus.

    Symptoms Of Missed Periods In Teens

    What Happens When You Get Your Period Late

    Lack of menstrual bleeding is the main symptom of amenorrhea. The other signs and symptoms may depend on the cause.

    These may include :

    • Weight loss or gain: This can be seen in teenage athletes and those with eating disorders and thyroid problems.
    • Facial hair, hair loss, acne: These symptoms can be associated with polycystic ovarian disease and other hormonal imbalances.
    • Morning sickness: Nausea and vomiting can often be seen in the case of pregnancy.

    These are signs and symptoms of conditions that may contribute to amenorrhea. You may visit your teens healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

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    Types Of Pregnancy Tests

    As recently as the 1970s, you had to miss your period before you took a pregnancy test, and the results could take up to two hours. Today, you can find out that youre pregnant much earlier, faster, and with better accuracy using home pregnancy tests.

    At-home pregnancy tests are easy to use and almost as accurate as those given at the healthcare providers office. However, there are some things to consider when deciding what kind of pregnancy test is right for you.

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    When To Take Early Result Pregnancy Tests

    Early pregnancy tests can be used several days before a missed period. These tests are more accurate for people who conceived earlier in their cycle.

    If you ovulated a little late, you may have conceived later in your cycle. In this case, there may not be enough hCG for these tests to detect until closer to or after your missed period.

    If you received an hCG trigger shot to help with fertility, it’s best to wait two weeks after the shot to take a pregnancy test. The trigger shot can cause a false positive if a pregnancy test is taken before the medication has left your system.

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    Reasons Your Period Is Late

    During your usual morning routine, you open your cabinet, spot a box of tampons in the back, and you suddenly realize youre late. When was my last period? you think as you try to remember the last time you needed to reach for that box. Panic then takes over as your mind shoots straight to pregnancy.

    While being pregnant is a possible reason for a missed period, there may be factors related to your health or lifestyle that are causing the delay, notes Shelley White-Corey, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A& M Health Science Center College of Nursing and a womens health nurse practitioner.

    Breastfeeding

    Your period may not make an appearance after your baby is born, but dont be alarmed! If you are breastfeeding your little one, a lack of periods is completely normal. Referred to as lactational amenorrhea, this is a phase that disrupts the rhythm of your menstrual cycle. After a few months, your monthly period should be right back on track.

    Weight loss or weight gain

    Whether youre overweight or underweight, any change in pounds can affect your monthly cycle. Common health problems linked to weight and irregular menstruation include eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, and uncontrolled diabetes. If you suspect this might be an issue for you, see your health care provider right away.

    Increased exercise

    Suzannah Smith

    Reasons You Missed Your Period

    Pregnancy Symptoms Before & After MIssed Period | 16 Weeks Pregnant

    The experience of having a late or missed period can be pretty stressful, particularly if you’re sexually active but aren’t exactly ready or want to get pregnant at the moment. You start to count your birth control pills, or if you’re not on contraceptives, you obsessively look through your calendar. Then, you might decide to go down the rabbit hole of googling why your period could be late, and well, we all know that looking up symptoms online can be mildly alarming at times and normally does nothing to reduce any fear or anxiety. The stress is real, and there’s science that shows the worry can cause your period to be even more delayed.

    But there are actually a lot of other reasons for a late or missed period besides pregnancy. Yes, your body works in mysterious ways sometimes.

    If you’re reading this and going “Uh huh, been there,” I did us both a solid and reached out to an actual professional, not Quora or Google, to get their take on the causes for a missed period. Here’s what Navya Mysore, MD, a family provider at One Medical, had to say.

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    No Period For Three Months: Is This Normal

    Not having your period for three months or more is known as secondary amenorrhea. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Natural causes of an absence of menstruation for three months include perimenopause, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Certain lifestyle factors like stress and excessive exercise may also cause it. Furthermore, having either excessive or low body fat can also cause a missed period. Tumors on the pituitary gland or a hypoactive/hyperactive thyroid gland can also lead to hormonal imbalances and trigger secondary amenorrhea. Low levels of estrogen or high levels of testosterone can also result in a missed period.

    Genetic disorders such as Swyer syndrome and Turner syndrome result in a lack of menstruation without proper hormone replacement therapy. Some people experience a missed period because of medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or chemotherapy drugs. You could also notice no period for three months or more if you have just stopped taking birth control pills.

    Physical issues like problems in your reproductive organs could also cause delayed or missed periods.

    What Counts As A Late Period

    Despite what you may have thought, a one- or two-day delay in menstruation doesnt actually count as a late period.

    Your period is officially late when its been more than 35 dayssince the start of your last menstrual cycle. Most menstruators have their periods about every 28 days. When its been more than 35 days since youve noticed any menstrual blood in your underwear, it could be a signal that something abnormal is happening within your body and that you may want to start paying closer attention to any other physical changes.1

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    Five Most Common Causes Of Missed Periods

    Have you every waited for your periods to come, and been annoyed when you missed period other than pregnancy?

    The food we eat, our stress levels and general health can all contribute to missed periods. Here are the five most common causes of missed periods.

    The next time you miss your period, run through this list, and check whether any of these factors apply to you!

    Youre Under A Crazy Amount Of Stress

    Pin on Health

    You may have written this one off as an old wives tale but its true. Stress can definitely cause irregular or missing periods in a premenopausal woman, Darko says, as being under a lot of pressure can mess with your hormone levels. Your body figures: If youre this stressed out, then now is not the best time to have a baby, and temporarily shuts the fertility factory down, causing a missed period. These are other symptoms stress is making you sick.

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    Diagnosis Of Amenorrhea In Teens

    Your teens doctor may ask about the symptoms and menstrual history of your teen. They may also do a physical examination, including a pelvic exam, to look for any visible abnormalities or signs of conditions that cause amenorrhea.

    Amenorrhea is diagnosed in the following scenarios :

    • Absence of menarche by the age of 15 years
    • Lack of menstruation for three months or more in a girl with regular cycles
    • Missed menstruation for six months or more in a girl with irregular cycles

    The following tests may be ordered to identify the underlying cause of amenorrhea :

    • Blood tests: Hormone levels, pregnancy, thyroid disorder
    • Urine analysis: pregnancy and overall health
    • Pelvic ultrasound: Ultrasonographic imaging of the pelvic area can help identify the structural causes of amenorrhea.

    Your teen may also require a few additional tests and consultations to confirm or exclude the diagnosis of possible underlying causes. These tests are usually suggested by your teens doctor.

    Prevention Of Missed Periods In Teenagers

    A few causes of amenorrhea can be prevented with a specific diet or lifestyle modifications. However, these may not always be the reason for missed periods. Therefore, it is good to see a healthcare provider for guidance .

    You may encourage your teen to exercise and follow healthy eating habits from an early age. Do not hesitate to consult a doctor if you notice unusual weight changes, eating disorders, or stress in your teen.

    Missed periods in teens may be common in the first two years of menstruation and may occur due to obesity, underweight, eating disorders, pituitary tumors, etc. Teenagers with missed periods may experience facial hair, gain or loss in weight, and nausea. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and may include hormone therapy, calcium supplements, diet changes, or surgical interventions. You can prevent missed periods with a healthy diet and regular physical activity in many cases. It is also important to provide appropriate sex education to teenagers to prevent unintended teen pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases.

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    A Missed Period Could Mean Youre Pregnant But There Might Be Another Cause

    Pregnancy is by far the most common cause of a missed period. However, other medical and lifestyle factors can also affect your menstrual cycle making your period late.

    Weight changes, hormonal irregularities, and menopause are among the most common causes if youre not pregnant. With these issues, you may miss a period for one or two months, or you may experience complete amenorrheathat is, no period for three or more months in a row.

    A normal menstrual cycle is about 28 days. However, a normal cycle could be up to 40 days. If your cycle is longer than this, or longer than usual for you, its considered late.

    This article explores 10 common reasons your period may be delayed.

    Verywell / Cindy Chung

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    When To Talk To Your Doctor

    Early Signs Of Pregnancy Before Missed Period

    You will need an additional evaluation if you have missed more than three periods in a row and you are not pregnant.

    You should speak with your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms:

    • Difficulty with balance
    • Excessive growth of body hair
    • Producing breast milk without having given birth
    • Being older than 15 without having had a period

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    Being Overweight Or Obese

    Being overweight or obese can also affect your menstrual cycle. If you’re overweight, your body may produce an excess amount of oestrogen, one of the hormones that regulate the reproductive system in women.

    The excess oestrogen can affect how often you have periods, and can also cause your periods to stop. Your GP may refer you to a dietitian if you have a BMI of 30 or more, and it’s affecting your periods. The dietitian will be able to advise you about losing weight safely.

    Youve Been Exercising Excessively

    If youve really ramped up your workout routine, you could see the effects in the timing of your period: Expending a lot of energy may signal to your body that its time to ramp down the production of fertility-related hormones. Excessive exercise can affect the delicate cross talk between the brain and ovaries, Styer says. As a result, the hormone signals from the brain may not be as efficient as usual in directing the selection of an egg from the ovary. That may mean your period is delayed, or that it wont happen at all that month.

    Plenty of women who work out may experience somewhat irregular cycles, but if you stop getting your period altogether for three months or more a condition called amenorrhea its important to see a doctor. Amenorrhea is linked with increased risk for osteoporosis.

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    When To See Your Gp

    See your GP if you’re not pregnant you’ve had a negative pregnancy test and you’ve missed more than 3 periods in a row.

    If you’re sexually active and you have not taken a pregnancy test, your GP may advise you to take one.

    They may also ask you about:

    • your medical history
    • any emotional issues you’re having
    • any recent changes in your weight
    • the amount of exercise you do

    Your GP may recommend waiting to see whether your periods return on their own. In some cases you may need treatment for your periods to return.

    You should also see your GP if your periods stop before you’re 45 or if you’re still bleeding when you’re over 55.

    Treatments For Missed Periods In Teens

    Early Signs Of Pregnancy Before You Missed a Period

    Treatment depends on the cause of amenorrhea and its severity. The symptoms, health status, and age of your teen are also considered to decide the treatment.

    Treatments for missed periods may include :

    • Progesterone hormone therapy
    • Changes in diet and exercise plans
    • Management of eating disorders
    • Calcium supplements

    Your teens doctor may consider the risks, benefits, and side effects of medicines before prescribing them. Surgical treatments are given in the case of uterine scarring, repairable structural anomalies, and pituitary tumors.

    These medications are given based on individual cases, and the type of medicine and dosage may vary for each teen. You should not provide any hormonal or other treatments to your teen without the supervision of a healthcare provider. It may harm their reproductive and general health.

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