The reasons for a missed period are often harmless, but many women understandably experience anxiety at first.
If your period doesn't start as usual, there's no need to worry. Every woman's menstrual cycle is different and is closely linked to her hormonal balance. To ease your anxiety, here are the most common causes of missed periods.
What are the most common causes of a missed period?
puberty
Missed periods are not uncommon among young women. Once the first menstrual period begins, the body needs up to two years to normalize the female cycle. Bleeding can become more frequent or less frequent. This process is completely natural. During this time, it is important and helpful to learn about menstruation and familiarize yourself with the wide range of products available.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
In many cases, a missed period indicates pregnancy. When a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, the female body undergoes hormonal changes. This results in a missed period. While bleeding may occur immediately after delivery, this has nothing to do with the normal cycle. After birth, it takes at least three weeks for hormones to settle and the uterus to recover sufficiently to resume its normal function. This process can take significantly longer, as every body reacts differently.
Mothers who choose to breastfeed have to wait longer for their period. A side effect of prolactin, a hormone that promotes breast milk production, is that, depending on the intensity of breastfeeding, it inhibits or completely prevents ovulation. This leads to the absence of a period. However, there are exceptions to the rule: even breastfeeding mothers can get their period.
stress
A missed period can also be triggered by stress. This happens more often than you might think. If the stress is acute, your period may start later or even last longer. Chronic stress can even cause your cycle to stop for several months. In these cases, it's important to try to minimize stressors. It's not just your period that will thank you.
Weight
Severe underweight disrupts hormonal balance and can cause menstrual cycles to become irregular or even stop altogether. Even at a normal weight, irregularities can occur due to a calorie deficit. Weight control through exercise and regular physical activity is much healthier for you and your body. But it's not just weight loss that can lead to problems. Overweight women can also experience menstrual irregularities.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also known as PCOS, is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women. It leads to a variety of symptoms such as acne or increased body and facial hair. Menstruation occurs less frequently or even completely in PCOS. This makes it very difficult for women with this hormonal disorder to fulfill their desire to have children. Not all symptoms always occur, but if you suspect a condition, you should definitely consult a doctor.
Menopause
During menopause, a woman's hormone levels change. This can cause her cycle to shift or even stop completely. Menopause begins on average at age 51. Some women experience this period earlier, others later, but ultimately, every woman goes through this process. Premature menopause can also occur. This is defined as beginning before the age of 40. At the end of menopause, a woman no longer has her period and is therefore infertile.
Medications
Medications can also cause irregular or absent periods. These include chemotherapy drugs, antidepressants, or medications for high blood pressure. Women who stop taking the contraceptive pill also often experience a delayed cycle. However, this usually resolves after a few months.
The absence of menstruation is often referred to as amenorrhea. There are two different forms.
Primary amenorrhea
Primary amenorrhea occurs when a girl has not had a period after turning 15. Such a case should definitely be examined by a gynecologist to rule out any other diseases.
Secondary amenorrhea
Secondary amenorrhea refers to the absence of a period in women who previously had a normal cycle. The most common causes are stress, pregnancy, or medication. If menstruation is missed three times in a row or if other symptoms occur, it is advisable to seek medical advice.
Oligomenorrhea
Oligomenorrhea refers to irregular or infrequent menstrual bleeding. In this case, the intervals between cycles often become increasingly longer or periods eventually stop altogether. In this situation, too, it's advisable to seek medical advice. It may be something harmless like menopause, but it could also be PCOS or another condition that requires treatment.
In general, there is one important rule: If something seems strange to you, do not hesitate to see your gynecologist.
Our menstrual hygiene products
If your period returns after a missed period, you'll need products for your period. With our menstrual hygiene range, we want to offer you a practical alternative to conventional hygiene products that you can use for both light and heavy periods. Discover our menstrual cups and soft tampons here!
Always seek medical advice
Important note: This article contains only general information and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a doctor.
The absence of menstruation doesn't always have serious causes, as demonstrated in the upper part of this article. However, it can also be a symptom indicating a serious condition. Therefore, sometimes a visit to the doctor is the only sensible solution.
A missed cycle can have many causes. Possible triggers include stress, medication, menopause, or PCOS.
If your period is absent for several months and you experience other symptoms such as severe pain or unusual discharge, it is important that you see a doctor to rule out possible illnesses.
Herbal remedies such as yarrow or chasteberry can delay your period. If you take the pill, you can alter your cycle by delaying your dose. However, interfering with your hormonal cycle should remain an exception and not become a habit, unless your gynecologist recommends otherwise.
After stopping the pill, it's normal for periods to be absent or irregular. Your cycle should return to normal on its own after a few weeks.
If your period doesn't come during the pill break, you should consult your gynecologist.
A missed period can have causes that aren't necessarily dangerous, such as stress, medication, or hormonal fluctuations. However, it can sometimes indicate pregnancy, PCOS, or a medical condition.
Amenorrhea is the medical term for the absence of a period and is therefore not necessarily dangerous. However, if your period is absent for an extended period, it is important to determine the cause, as in some cases it can be a serious condition.
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