FOR some, a missed period could be source of panic – especially if you hadn’t planned on having a baby.
For others who’ve had no way of getting pregnant, it might just be a source of bemusement.
Stress or exercise can both affect the regularity of your menstrual cycle
Before you jump to conclusions and start running through different scenarios in your head, Dr Neel Patel – practising GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor – said a missed period is usually nothing to worry about.
“Most periods occur approximately every 28 days, however a normal cycle can be anywhere from 21 to 40 days,” he said.
“It’s also common to have an irregular menstrual cycle which means your period might appear at different times during the month.
“If your period usually follows the same cycle – such as every 28 days – then it is considered late if it doesn’t occur after one day. However, this is not an immediate cause for concern.”
If you have recently had unprotected sex, it might be a good idea to buy a pregnancy test if your period hasn’t arrived when you expected it to.
But Dr Patel said your menstrual cycle by a variety of factors.
“Missing a period can be alarming but it’s actually very common and doesn’t necessarily mean you are pregnant. Various factors can affect your menstrual cycle such as stress, weight changes and the contraceptive method that you use.”
Dr Patel outlined six reasons why your period is late or hasn’t come at all and gave tips on what to do.
1. You’re exercising too much
Have you switched up your exercise routine or ramped up the intensity of your workouts?
Dr Patel said this could be to blame for Aunt Flo’s late visit.
“Too much exercise can place stress on the body which in turn, can affect the hormones responsible for your periods.”
The GP advised: “If your periods become irregular, or stop completely, you may wish to reduce your level of physical activity. Athletes should speak to a specialist doctor who can advise on how to manage exercise and their periods.”
2. You’re stressed
Are you having a hard time at work or are you anxious about personal matters?
“Stress impacts the body in many ways, one of which is the menstrual cycle,” according to Dr Patel.
“If you’re stressed, your periods may become heavier, more painful, longer or shorter. Or they may stop altogether.”
The GP advised trying to avoid stressful settings and practising self-care.
If you need some help easing your anxiety, Dr Patel suggested “talking therapies such as CBT can help you to manage these symptoms”.
3. You’re under- or overweight
If you’ve shed a few pounds quite quickly, this could impact our cycle.
“You may find that your periods stop if you suddenly lose weight,” DR Patel explained.
“This is because restricting calories can stop the production of hormones that are needed for ovulation.
“Alternatively, being overweight can also impact your menstrual cycle, causing the body to overproduce oestrogen which affects how often periods occur.
“If you are over- or underweight, your GP may refer you to a dietitian who will help you to reach a healthy weight.”
4. Your pill is to blame
Dr Patel went on: “Some methods of contraception, such as the coil and injection, can result in a missed period. This is normal and is not usually something to be worried about. The contraceptive pill can also make periods irregular and be used to delay your period if you wish to skip a cycle.”
“Taking packets of the pill back-to-back is perfectly safe and useful for when you want to avoid a bleed such as on your holiday. Period delay medication will also delay your period and can be taken if you’re not already on the combined pill.”
5. You have PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that affects how your ovaries work.
“As many as 1 in 3 people with PCOS experience stopped periods as a result of the condition,” Dr Patel explained.
“This is due to underdeveloped sacs in which the eggs normally grow, causing the body not to ovulate and instead, skip a period.”
Other features of the condition include higher levels androgen – ‘male’ hormones – in your body, which may result in excess facial or body hair.
Your ovaries may also become enlarged and contain many fluid-filled sacs that surround the eggs, according to NHS guidance.
PCOS is thought to affect about one in every 10 women in the UK, though more than half of them don’t have any symptoms.
6. You’re going through the menopause
Dr Patel said: “Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. During this time, your periods will become irregular and eventually stop as a result of hormone levels lowering.”
But you can start going through menopause earlier than that, in a process known as premature menopause.
Should I take a pregnancy test?
Of course, there might still be a chance that you’re pregnant if you’ve missed a period, especially if you’ve been sexually active.
“This can happen even if you have used contraception,” Dr Patel noted.
“It is also possible to get pregnant whilst on your period if ovulation has been delayed.”
“For the most reliable results, take a pregnancy test any time after the first day of your missed period to determine whether or not you are pregnant. You can do this at any time of day. If the test is negative and you think you may be pregnant, wait a few days and take another test.”
It can be helpful to know the early signs of pregnancy, just in case.
Aside from a missed period, these include:
Tender breastsNausea and vomitingTirednessConstipationUrinating more oftenChanges to sense of smell and taste
But Dr Patel noted: “Having one of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you are pregnant, it could be a result of stress, or a late period.”
So what if your test comes back negative?
Dr Patel said it might be worth paying a visit a GP to check out the possible causes for your missed or late period.
“One missed period is normally nothing to worry about, but if your period becomes unpredictable, or you miss three periods in a row, you should seek medical advice,” he said.