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Period irregularities aren’t uncommon, and a missed period need not ring alarm bells when it’s a once-in-a-blue-moon occurrence. Let’s look at why we could miss a period, what it means for our health, and how we can remedy that.
Birth Control
1. When discontinued, birth control pills can cause hormonal imbalances that may lead to missed periods. Approximately 3 to 6 percent of women on the pill experience secondary amenorrhea, or missed periods, once they discontinue the pill. For women with regular periods, missing their periods for up to 3 months is not unusual. Nevertheless, consult your gynecologist if you miss out on your periods after taking birth control pills.
Chronic Stress
1. Acute and chronic stress can seriously impact the reproductive system, resulting in missed periods. Amenorrhea due to physical, mental, or metabolic stress is called hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA).
The normal functioning of the reproductive system depends on the nervous and endocrine systems. The hypothalamus, part of the neuroendocrine system, is responsible for producing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). The gonadotropin-releasing hormone is significant as it is responsible for releasing luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by the pituitary gland. LH and FSH are also responsible for regulating our menstrual cycle and ovarian function.
Stress negatively impacts the functioning of the hypothalamus, the pituitary, and the reproductive organs, causing irregular or missed periods.
Thus, if you are under extreme stress, it could lead to a missed period, but it is advisable to consult a doctor to ensure other factors are not involved.
PCOS
1. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of irregular or missed periods. PCOS is primarily caused by hormonal imbalances and may result in high levels of androgenic hormones. PCOS contributes to weight gain, irregular and painful periods, and the formation of ovarian cysts.
Consulting a gynecologist and taking proper medication can help reduce some of the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome and help maintain regular and healthy periods.
Missing periods can have many different root causes apart from the three reasons above. If your period has been missing, discover the root cause and take the proper steps to preserve your menstrual and hormonal health.
I’m so happy you found me. I’m Oshun and I am a Board Holistic Health Practitioner and Menstrual Cycle Coach who specializes in helping women take control of their hormones and menstrual health. Some people call me the “Womb Priestess”. I believe that every woman has within her the power to naturally reclaim her health, authentic beauty and wellness. My goal isn’t just about teaching you how your feminine body works; it’s also offering insight on the immense power that the phases of your menstrual cycle mean for your emotional, physical and mental well being!