Is it Normal to Miss Your Period?

Menstrual periods are mostly controlled by hormones, chemicals produced by the body to regulate itself. In most women, menstrual bleeding occurs every 24-32 days. A missed period means that hormones are out of 'normal' balance. There are many causes of missed periods - and pregnancy is only one of them. Two medical terms describe missing periods: amenorrhea, meaning an absence of periods for 3 months or more and oligomenorrhea, meaning irregularity of periods.

Young women who have recently started their period often aren't regular for up to two years after their first menstruation. For young women within this two year span, it is completely normal to miss a period.

But what if you've had regular periods for several years and suddenly you miss one? Is this normal? Yes, it can be, but you should pay attention because your body won't skip a period without a reason. Common non-disease reasons you might miss a period include: Pregnancy, cessation of hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills, patches, shots, implants, and vaginal rings, weight gain or rapid weight loss, very low body fat, stress, high levels of exercise, and obesity. If you've had sex, you could be pregnant and should be tested. If you've been under an unusual amount of stress or just started training for a marathon, then one missed period is not unusual.

In addition to the above causes of skipped periods, there are many medical conditions which can result in missed periods. You cannot diagnose these problems yourself, and one missed period doesn't mean you have a disease. If you have other symptoms or you are missing more than one period, it is important to consult your doctor. Some disorders that can cause missed periods include : polycystic ovarian (ovary) syndrome, mumps, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, menopause, and hyperinsulemia.

So what should you do if you miss a period and you aren't pregnant? Most doctors advise that you should see them if you miss a second period or if you have other symptoms of something going wrong. If you have pain, abnormal hair growth or loss, bleeding outside your period cycle, if you're over 35, if you've gained or lost weight without trying, or if you have other symptoms that started around the same time as you missed your period, make an appointment to see your physician. It is always a good idea to keep a record of your menstrual history because it can be useful to your doctor if you develop a problem in the future.