When should you see a doctor about missed period?

A missed period can follow stress, illness, major changes in weight or exercise, breastfeeding, contraception, or a change in ovulation. Pregnancy should be considered when relevant. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can present with infrequent periods; Hyperprolactinaemia and Hypothalamic Amenorrhoea can also affect menstrual signalling. Perimenopause may cause changing cycle timing during the menopausal transition.

Take a pregnancy test if pregnancy is possible, following the product instructions and repeating it or arranging review if uncertainty remains. Record the date your last period began, usual cycle pattern, contraception, medicines, recent illness, stress, eating or exercise changes, breastfeeding, and symptoms such as discharge, headaches, vision changes, acne, or increased facial hair. Do not start hormone medicines to trigger bleeding without medical advice.

Seek urgent medical help for a missed period with severe or one-sided pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting, marked dizziness, or unusual bleeding when pregnancy is possible. Get prompt care for severe headache with vision changes, or for new breast milk discharge unrelated to breastfeeding together with other hormonal symptoms.

Ask whether pregnancy testing, blood tests, or pelvic imaging is appropriate, and whether your pattern suggests an ovulation or hormone-related cause. Discuss how Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Perimenopause, Hyperprolactinaemia, or Hypothalamic Amenorrhoea would be assessed in your situation.