Is Missing Your Period Normal?
Yes, missing your period can be normal in certain situations. Some of the common reasons include:
- Puberty: In the first few years after menstruation begins, cycles may be irregular until hormones settle into a routine.
- Pregnancy and lactation: During pregnancy your periods naturally stop. It may also take some time after giving birth for your cycle to restart, especially if you are breastfeeding.
- Perimenopause: As menopause approaches, cycles may become irregular, skip months or stop altogether. Once you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months you are officially in menopause.
However, if your period suddenly stops and you are not in one of these stages, it’s worth consulting your doctor to rule out underlying causes.
Potential Reasons for a Missed or Late Period
Missing a period doesn’t always mean you are pregnant. Several factors can influence your cycle:
1. Pregnancy
Pregnancy is the most obvious cause of a missed period. Since early pregnancy symptoms, like cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue and breast tenderness can feel similar to PMS, it can be difficult to tell the difference.
- How to confirm: The quickest way is with a home pregnancy test. These detect hCG (the pregnancy hormone) in urine. They are most accurate from the day after your missed period, although some brands claim accuracy up to five days earlier.
2. Stress
Emotional or physical stress can disrupt hormone levels, delaying ovulation and causing late periods. Stress hormones such as cortisol can temporarily shut down non essential body functions, including reproduction
- Chronic stress may cause irregular or absent periods. Once stress reduces your cycle usually returns to normal.
3. Illness
Even a short illness, such as flu or a cold can interfere with ovulation and cause a missed period. Cycles usually return to normal the following month.
4. Changes in Weight
Your hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates hormones, is sensitive to weight changes.
- Extreme weight loss or being underweight may prevent ovulation and stop oestrogen production.
- Rapid weight gain or obesity can lead to excess oestrogen, causing irregular, heavy or missed periods.
Returning to a healthy weight often helps regulate cycles.
5. Over-Exercising
Intense exercise, particularly when paired with low-calorie diets can reduce oestrogen levels and stop ovulation. This is common among athletes, dancers and gymnasts.
Signs of over-exercising include weight loss, fatigue and reduced performance. Balancing activity levels with good nutrition usually restores periods.
6. Changes to Routine
Disruptions to your body’s natural rhythm such as shift work, irregular sleep or travelling across time zones may delay your period until your body adjusts.
7. Breastfeeding
Many breastfeeding mothers experience absent or irregular cycles due to prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production.
- Some women may not menstruate for months, though ovulation can still occur before periods return.
- Most cycles resume within 6–8 weeks after weaning but if your period is absent three months later, check with your doctor.
8. Medications
Hormonal birth control is one of the most common reasons for skipped or lighter periods. Pills, patches, IUDs or injections (like Depo-Provera) control ovulation and can affect bleeding patterns.
Other medications that may disrupt cycles include:
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Corticosteroids
- Chemotherapy drugs
It may take a few months after stopping birth control for cycles to normalise.
9. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
PCOS is a common hormonal imbalance that prevents regular ovulation. Symptoms may include:
- Irregular or absent periods
- Weight gain
- Excessive hair growth and acne
- Ovarian cysts (visible on ultrasound)
If PCOS is suspected, your doctor may suggest hormone tests and treatments often involving birth control or ovulation-inducing medication.
10. Thyroid Conditions
The thyroid regulates metabolism and can also impact menstrual cycles:
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid): May cause weight loss, anxiety, rapid heartbeat.
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid): Can lead to fatigue, weight gain, dry skin and heavier or less frequent periods.
A simple blood test can check thyroid function and medication usually restores hormone balance.
11. Perimenopause
Perimenopause can begin years before menopause (usually around age 51). Symptoms include mood swings, hot flushes, irregular cycles and missed periods.
If you are in your late 30s or 40s and experiencing irregular periods, hormone testing can confirm perimenopause
When to See a Doctor
While a missed period can be frustrating, it is not always serious. Speak with your GP if:
- Your period doesn’t return within a few months
- You experience severe pain, heavy bleeding or concerning symptoms
- You suspect an underlying medical condition such as PCOS or thyroid disease
FAQs About Missed Periods
1. I knew I was pregnant before my missed period, is that possible?
Yes. Many women notice early signs such as tender breasts, fatigue, heightened sense of smell or light spotting before their period is late. These subtle symptoms may be your body’s way of signalling early pregnancy.
2. Missed period but negative pregnancy test, why?
It’s common to miss a period but get a negative result. This can happen if:
- Hormone levels are not high enough to detect yet
- Stress, hormonal imbalances, illness or weight changes have delayed ovulation
- Travel or changes to your routine disrupted your cycle
If your period still hasn’t arrived a week later, repeat the test or consult your doctor.
3. Can a period just be late?
Yes. Although the average menstrual cycle is 28 days, a healthy cycle can range from 21 to 35 days. A period is usually considered “late” if it hasn’t arrived within seven days of when you expected it.
By this point, most home pregnancy tests will give accurate results
4. Is pregnancy discharge before a missed period normal?
Yes. Many women notice an increase in creamy or milky white discharge (known as leukorrhoea) before a missed period. This is caused by rising hormone levels and can be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy