Other Reasons for a Missed Period

Other Reasons for a Missed Period

Pregnancy is not always the only reason you would miss your period, in fact, there are a host of reasons why your period might be late. Here are some possible reasons you may not have had your period yet:

1. Puberty: Young women who have recently begun their periods often experience light and irregular menstrual cycles as a result of puberty. It could take quite a few months for your body to regulate your cycles.
2. Weight Changes: Obesity, weight gain and weight loss all affect hormone production which, in turn, may affect your menstrual cycle.
3. Stress: Overly stressful situations and lives take a toll on everyone. Sometimes stress can affect hormone levels which in turn can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle.
4. Excessive Exercise: Daily and excessive physical activity may impact your menstrual cycle. This is typically more common with athletes who train heavily for their sport as career.
5. Menopause: As a woman ages, her body will naturally decrease hormone levels as the child-bearing years end. This causes your periods to begin to be irregular until menstruating stops, which can begin in the years leading up to menopause (called perimenopause).
6. Illness or Medication: Chronic or severe illnesses can impact the menstrual cycle as well as medications including birth control pills and implants.
7. Breastfeeding: After giving birth, women may have light periods or none for a time. So if you have recently given birth or have been breastfeeding, it may take some time for your periods to be regular again.