5 Reasons for Late or Skipped Periods Beside Being Pregnant

Late or missing periods are no doubt a matter of concern. It indicates that something isn’t okay within your body. Periods occur when the lining of the uterus sheds as blood flow at intervals of about 28 days. They stop for some time when a woman gets pregnant. If your periods are late, it doesn't always mean you are pregnant. 

 Natural causes of an absence of menstruation for three months can also include perimenopause and breastfeeding. If you’re sexually inactive or your pregnancy test was negative, there can be other reasons behind missed periods. Irregular periods can also occur due to some other problems in your body. Some of these reasons are listed here.

1. Excessive exercise or changes in weight 

Reason for missed period - Excessive exercise or changes in weight 

Exercising or working out is no doubt healthy for your body. But, a sudden increase in exercise or overdoing it can affect your menstrual cycle. Not just excessive workouts, but sudden weight loss can also stop your periods. It is the reason why many young women athletes have irregular periods. Also, poor nutritious diets and eating disorders can cause hormonal imbalances. These hormonal imbalances can be another reason why your periods are late. Like low body weight, obesity can also result in hormonal changes, leading to an absence of menstruation. You should eat a healthy, balanced diet and prevent excessive workouts for regular periods.

 2. Thyroid problems 

Reason for missed period - Thyroid problems

If you happen to have thyroid problems, it can be a reason for delayed menstruation. Women are said to be more vulnerable to thyroid diseases than men. The thyroid gland controls metabolism and the menstrual cycle. Abnormal thyroid levels in the body can cause many difficulties related to menstruation. It can result in irregular periods, heavy periods, and skipped periods. So, if you have thyroid diseases, this can be the reason for delayed periods.

 3. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Reason for missed period - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects your entire life. It can cause a hindrance to your menstrual cycle as well. Heavy periods, irregular periods, or skipped periods are some of the most common menstruation-related symptoms of PCOS. Some other symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome include facial hair growth, scalp hair thinning, and weight gain.

PCOS can disrupt hormones like androgens and insulin.

4. Changes in birth control 

Reason for missed period - Changes in birth control 

The sudden start or stop of birth control can cause hormonal imbalances. It can affect the menstrual cycle making it irregular or delayed. Your period is likely to become regular within three months after you start or stop taking birth control pills. Other hormonal contraceptives that are injected or implanted can also cause skipped periods. 

 5. Extreme stress 

Reason for missed period - Extreme stress 

Stress can cause many issues in your body. One of them is irregular periods. Extreme stress can interfere with menstruation, resulting in irregular periods. It is one of the most common reasons for a missed period. It can cause a hormonal imbalance and even affect the hypothalamus. Hypothalamus is a part of the brain that helps in regulating your periods. Also, stress can lead to weight gain or loss and other illnesses, any of which can affect your cycle. 

 Stress can occur due to many things such as professional and relationship issues, traveling, emotional problems, financial concerns, etc. You can take care of it by trying out some stress reduction activities like meditation and self-care. 

 Conclusion

Irregular or delayed periods can surely make you worry about it. They are a sign that your body is unhealthy. There can be many other reasons for late periods. For example, tumors on such glands a the pituitary gland can trigger secondary amenorrhea and lead to hormonal imbalances. A low level of estrogen can also result in a skipped period. In the same way, genetic disorders such as Turner syndrome and Swyer syndrome can result in a lack of menstruation. 

 Some women may also experience missed periods because of medications like antipsychotics and antidepressants. Physical issues like problems in your reproductive organs could also cause delayed or missed periods. 

 If you are experiencing irregular periods, you are not alone. Studies reveal that about nine to 14 percent of women worldwide are affected by menstrual irregularities. But, you cannot ignore the fact that it is not normal to go on without your period for months. Thus, it is advisable to visit a doctor if your periods are delayed for more than a month. To make your periods regular naturally, eat healthily and stay healthy!

 Read More: 
- Easy Home Remedies to Regulate Your Periods
- Ultimate Guide to Managing Periods When You Travel