While some women experience menstrual cycles which follow the same pattern month to month, others may find the arrival of their period varies slightly. Although it’s possible to miss a period from time to time, a recurrence of missed periods typically suggests a medical issue which may need attention. While scheduling an appointment with your medical center should be your first order of business upon missing multiple periods, here are some potential explanations to browse through before you go.

5 Potential Explanations for Missing a Period

1. Pregnancy

Because most pregnancy symptoms typically don’t manifest until later in the first trimester, the first sign of pregnancy is typically a missed period. If you suspect you could be pregnant, you can check by using a home pregnancy test. A medical center can also perform a blood test to confirm a positive result.

2. Weight Changes

While low body weight is a common cause for missed periods, obesity may also interfere with the menstrual cycle. Eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia can also contribute to missed periods. This is because weight changes can influence hormone levels, including estrogen, which contributes to building up the uterine lining that gets shed during menses.

3. Extreme Physical or Emotional Stress

Endurance athletes who undergo rigorous training and competitions can miss a period or stop menstruating altogether in what’s known as secondary amenorrhea. The low body fat seen in many extreme athletes can prevent the ovaries from producing sufficient estrogen. Because stress levels can also influence hormones, it’s possible intense emotional stress could also cause a missed period.

4. Certain Medications

Certain types of birth control can cause periods to become exceptionally light or missing altogether. NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and naproxen, may also cause lighter periods, while anti-epilepsy and thyroid medications can influence periods as well.

5. Hormonal Issues

Finally, hormonal imbalances could be responsible for an irregular cycle. These imbalances could be caused by a number of underlying issues, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome or problems with the pelvic organs. Diagnostics are available at many medical centers to help doctors get to the bottom of recurrent missed periods.

Whether you think you could be pregnant or you’re not sure why you’re missing periods, the team from Colquitt Regional Medical Center can help. Specializing in women’s health, this medical center in Colquitt County, GA, is home to experts in obstetrics, gynecology, and urogynecology who provide services to help women enjoy a better quality of life at every age. Learn more about their division for women’s health services online or call (229) 985-3420 to reach a helpful staff member.