Excessive exercise can cause missed periods, particularly for people with low body weight or very little body fat. Missing periods due to excessive exercise is called exercise-associated amenorrhea. Prolactin is a hormone that the body usually makes during breastfeeding.
It can halt menstruation and is the reason why most breastfeeding women do not have periods. In people who are not breastfeeding, a milky discharge from the nipples can signify that the body is making an abnormally high amount of prolactin.
Doctors can treat excessive prolactin production with medication. Hypothyroidism , or an underactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid does not produce enough of these hormones. Hyperthyroidism , or an overactive thyroid, results in the levels of thyroid hormones in the body being too high. People with PCOS have a hormonal imbalance that can affect their overall health and appearance in addition to causing ovarian cysts.
Up to 10 percent of women of childbearing age have PCOS and may have enlarged ovaries with clusters of small, benign cysts. Eating disorders, particularly anorexia , can cause periods to stop. People enter menopause when they have not had a period for at least 12 months. The average age of people entering menopause in the United States is 52 years old. However, the transition to menopause, known as perimenopause, may cause symptoms that begin at a younger age. Based on your answers, you may need care soon.
The problem probably will not get better without medical care. Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care. Sometimes people don't want to call They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call for medical transport to the hospital.
There is no home treatment for missed or irregular periods. But the following information may help you find the cause of your missed or irregular periods:. Do a home pregnancy test if you have had sex since your last period.
If the result is positive, practice the following good health habits until you see your doctor:. If the home pregnancy test is negative but you continue to have pregnancy symptoms, it is a good idea to see your doctor to confirm the results. Practice good health habits until you see your doctor. Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:.
If you participate in endurance sports , you may miss periods or stop menstruating. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, and keep track of your periods. Tell your doctor about any changes in your menstrual periods. To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:. Blahd Jr. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines. You are here Home » Missed or Irregular Periods. Topic Overview Most women have between 11 and 13 menstrual periods each year. If you are not pregnant, other causes of missed or irregular periods include: Excessive weight loss or gain.
Although low body weight is a common cause of missed or irregular periods, obesity also can cause menstrual problems. Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia. For more information, see the topic Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa. Increased exercise. Missed periods are common in endurance athletes.
Emotional stress. Medicines such as birth control methods, which may cause lighter, less frequent, more frequent, or skipped periods or no periods at all. Hormone problems. This may cause a change in the levels of the hormones that the body needs to support menstruation. Illegal drug use. Problems with the pelvic organs , such as imperforate hymen , polycystic ovary syndrome , or Asherman's syndrome.
Many women do not resume regular periods until they have completed breastfeeding. Check Your Symptoms Have you missed any periods, or have your periods been irregular? Irregular means different than what is normal for you more or less often, longer or shorter, heavier or lighter.
How old are you? Less than 15 years. Are you male or female? This is because your body is not producing and circulating enough hormones to control your menstrual cycle.
Hyperprolactinemia — Women who have too much of a protein hormone called prolactin in their blood can have irregular periods. Medications — Certain medications, including anti-epileptics and antipsychotics, can cause irregular periods. Polycystic ovary syndrome — PCOS is caused by imbalanced sex hormones, which can disrupt regular menstruation.
Premature ovarian failure — The ovaries of women with POF stop working before the age of 40, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, some women with this condition continue to have occasional periods. Stress — Stress hormones can affect menstruation and prolonged stress can cause your period to be delayed or for you to skip it entirely.
Request an Appointment. Having sex and eating…. For most menstruating people, period cravings are just a part of life. Here's a look at why they happen, whether they're a sign of pregnancy, and how…. Anyone with a period may be looking for a sustainable way to manage menstruation. Read on to see if a menstrual cup like the DivaCup is right for you. COVID may temporarily affect your period, and researchers aren't exactly sure why.
The most common symptoms seem to be light periods or longer…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. How Late Can a Period Be? After 6 weeks without bleeding, you can consider your late period a missed period.
You have PCOS. You have a thyroid condition. You have a chronic condition. You may be pregnant. The bottom line. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.
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