Restoring your life to emotional and physical balance can help. Many women miss periods now and then. Unless you are pregnant, chances are your cycle will return to normal next month. Check your symptoms to decide if and when you should see a doctor. Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need.
These include:. You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home. Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can affect the menstrual cycle. A few examples are:. Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care. Based on your answers, you may need care right away.
The problem is likely to get worse without medical care. Sometimes people don't want to call They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call for medical transport to the hospital. There is no home treatment for missed or irregular periods.
But the following information may help you find the cause of your missed or irregular periods:. Do a home pregnancy test if you have had sex since your last period. If the result is positive, practice the following good health habits until you see your doctor:. If the home pregnancy test is negative but you continue to have pregnancy symptoms, it is a good idea to see your doctor to confirm the results.
Practice good health habits until you see your doctor. Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:. If you participate in endurance sports , you may miss periods or stop menstruating. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, and keep track of your periods.
Tell your doctor about any changes in your menstrual periods. To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment. You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:. Blahd Jr. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
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You are here Home » Missed or Irregular Periods. Topic Overview Most women have between 11 and 13 menstrual periods each year. If you are not pregnant, other causes of missed or irregular periods include: Excessive weight loss or gain. Although low body weight is a common cause of missed or irregular periods, obesity also can cause menstrual problems.
Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia. For more information, see the topic Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa. Increased exercise. Missed periods are common in endurance athletes. Emotional stress. Medicines such as birth control methods, which may cause lighter, less frequent, more frequent, or skipped periods or no periods at all. Women with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia , may experience missed periods.
Getting treatment for your eating disorder and putting on weight in a healthy way can return your cycle to normal. Women who participate in extreme exercise such as marathons may stop their periods as well. Just as low body weight can cause hormonal changes, so can being overweight. Your doctor will recommend a diet and exercise plan if they determine that obesity is a factor in your late or missed periods.
Polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS is a condition that causes your body to produce more of the male hormone androgen. Cysts form on the ovaries as a result of this hormone imbalance. This can make ovulation irregular or stop it altogether. Other hormones, such as insulin , can also get out of balance.
This is due to insulin resistance , which is associated with PCOS. Treatment for PCOS focuses on relieving symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe birth control or other medication to help regulate your cycle. You may experience a change in your cycle when you go on or off birth control. Birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, which prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs. It can take up to six months for your cycle to become consistent again after stopping the pill.
Other types of contraceptives that are implanted or injected can cause missed periods as well. If the egg is fertilized, the egg and sperm unite to form a one-celled entity called a zygote.
As the zygote travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus, it begins dividing rapidly to form a cluster of cells called a blastocyst, which resembles a tiny raspberry. When the blastocyst reaches the uterus, it implants in the lining of the uterus and pregnancy begins. If the egg isn't fertilized, it's simply reabsorbed by the body — perhaps before it even reaches the uterus. About two weeks later, the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina.
This is known as menstruation. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.
This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Amenorrhea uh-men-o-REE-uh is the absence of menstruation, often defined as missing one or more menstrual periods. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Female reproductive system Open pop-up dialog box Close.
If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner. Seek Care Now Based on your answers, you may need care right away. Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care. If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care in the next hour. You do not need to call an ambulance unless: You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.
You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down. Make an Appointment Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care. Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks. If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment. If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. Call Now Based on your answers, you need emergency care.
Home Treatment There is no home treatment for missed or irregular periods. But the following information may help you find the cause of your missed or irregular periods: Eat a balanced diet. Being underweight or overweight can cause missed and irregular periods. If you are an endurance athlete , you may have to cut back on your training. Be sure to talk with your doctor about hormone and calcium supplements to protect against bone loss if you are missing periods. For more information, see the topic Fitness.
If you think you might be pregnant Do a home pregnancy test if you have had sex since your last period. If the result is positive, practice the following good health habits until you see your doctor: Eat a balanced diet.
Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Do not use alcohol or drugs. Avoid caffeine , or limit your intake to about 1 cup of coffee or tea each day. Do not clean a cat litter box, to avoid the risk of toxoplasmosis. Avoid people who are ill. Take a vitamin that contains folic acid or a prenatal vitamin. Symptoms to watch for during home treatment Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment: You have early symptoms of pregnancy, such as: Missed periods. Increased urination.
Breast tenderness or enlargement. Nausea and vomiting. You have missed more than two menstrual periods in a row. Prevention Here are some steps you can take to help prevent missed or irregular periods. Avoid fad diets that greatly restrict calories and food variety, and avoid rapid weight loss. To maintain a healthy weight, focus on eating a variety of low-fat foods.
Use contraception consistently, as directed by your doctor. For more information, see the topic Birth Control. Increase exercise gradually. Learn and practice relaxation exercises to reduce and cope with stress.
For more information, see the topic Stress Management. You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions: What was the date of your last menstrual period? When was your previous period? Was it normal? If you are a teen, do you have regular cycles, such as a period every 21 to 45 days? If you are an adult, do you have regular cycles, such as a period every 21 to 35 days? How old were you when your periods began?
Are you sexually active? What type of birth control are you using? How long have you been using it? Have you missed any birth control pills or failed to have your hormonal injection according to schedule?
Have you done a home pregnancy test? When did you do the test? What was the result?
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