Missed or irregular period? Learn possible reasons why
A missed or irregular period is usually associated with pregnancy, but sometimes it’s a sign that something else is going on with your health.
The average menstruation period is about five days, and, for most menstruating people, a cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days. It’s estimated that between 14% and 25% of people who menstruate have an irregular menstrual cycle.
“While it’s not abnormal to miss a period every now and then, it can sometimes be a sign of something more serious” says Dr. Nicole Salvo, an OB-GYN physician at Aurora Health Care.
Why you might have a missed or irregular period
“There’s a variety of reasons why someone could have a missing or irregular period,” says Dr. Salvo. “We typically constitute a missed or irregular period as having a cycle that is way shorter or longer than normal, an exceptionally heavy or light flow, or a cycle with additional problems like abdominal cramps.”
Here are some reasons why you might have a missed or irregular period:
- Age: It’s not uncommon to start having irregular or missed periods in adolescence, especially one to two years after you start your period. You also might experience period irregularity near the start of menopause, also known as perimenopause, which usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.
- Hormonal changes: Thyroid issues and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are examples of reasons for intermittent, unpredictable or missing periods. Hormonal changes can also cause heavy, long or painful cycles.
- Sudden weight loss or gain: Your weight and body fat affect your hormones, so any intense weight changes can affect the regularity of your cycle.
- Excessive exercise: Also known as exercise-induced amenorrhea, this condition is more common in athletes and people who regularly engage in intense training.
- Stress: If you’re consistently under a high amount of stress, it can affect your hormones and cause changes in your menstrual cycle.
How are missed menstrual cycles treated?
Treatments for missed or irregular periods can vary depending on the condition. Treating a missed or irregular period often starts with addressing the underlying condition.
“We’ll often start with an in-person discussion to understand your symptoms and concerns,” says Dr. Salvo. “Treating underlying causes could include medication for thyroid disorders, or nutrition counseling for eating disorders or weight management. We may explore contraception options, like birth control pills, which can also be prescribed to treat missed or irregular periods.”
If you’re worried about your cycle, or your missed or irregular periods have gotten worse, talking to your health care provider about your options is the best course of action.
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health enews contributor, is on the digital content team at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. They received their bachelor's degree in Creative Writing and French from Ohio Wesleyan University. Outside of work, they are a writer and comedian and can be found in the mountains during their free time.
