I stopped getting my period: what should I know?

Periods can stop because of pregnancy, breastfeeding, the transition towards menopause, stress, changes in eating or body weight, intense exercise, or hormonal contraception. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome can affect ovulation, while premature ovarian insufficiency can reduce ovarian hormone activity earlier than expected. Some genetic conditions, including Turner syndrome, can also affect menstrual development. A clinician may ask about your cycle pattern, medicines, health changes, and pregnancy possibility before deciding whether examination or tests are needed.

A missed period does not identify one diagnosis by itself. Keep a note of the date your last bleeding started, any spotting, pelvic symptoms, breast changes, or new hair and skin changes. These details can help distinguish a temporary cycle change from a pattern needing assessment.

Take a pregnancy test if pregnancy is possible, following the product instructions. Record your recent periods and any major changes in sleep, stress, exercise, eating, medicines, or contraception. Do not take hormones or supplements to restart bleeding without medical advice. Book an appointment if your periods remain absent, stop repeatedly, or you have other symptoms such as troublesome pelvic pain, unusual discharge, headaches, or vision changes. You can read more about [Periods Stopped](/symptoms/periods-stopped/) and possible conditions such as [Polycystic Ovary Syndrome](/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/) or [Menopause](/conditions/menopause/).

Seek urgent care for severe or one-sided pelvic pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, or pain with a positive pregnancy test. Arrange prompt medical review if you have new severe headaches, vision loss, or sudden marked weakness. Otherwise, contact a clinician for persistent or repeated absent periods, especially if you are concerned about fertility or symptoms began after a new medicine or significant health change. [Premature Ovarian Insufficiency](/conditions/premature-ovarian-insufficiency/) and [Turner Syndrome](/conditions/turner-syndrome/) are examples of conditions a clinician may consider when appropriate.

Could pregnancy, contraception, menopause, or another hormone change explain my symptoms?

Which history details or tests would help identify why ovulation or bleeding has changed?

What symptoms should prompt urgent review, and when should I follow up if my period does not return?