Why has my period suddenly stopped?

If pregnancy is possible, a home test is a useful first check, even when your cycles are usually predictable. Other explanations include menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency, thyroid or other hormone changes, intense exercise, low energy intake, major stress and some medicines. A stopped period is a symptom, not a diagnosis: a period stopped can be a presentation of [Menopause](/conditions/menopause/) or [Polycystic Ovary Syndrome](/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/), but it does not by itself identify the cause.

Record the date of your last period, recent cycle changes, contraception, medicines, illness, stress, exercise and weight changes. Take a pregnancy test if relevant and repeat or seek advice if the result does not fit your symptoms. Arrange a clinician review if periods remain absent, recur irregularly, or you have symptoms such as milky nipple discharge, new facial hair, hot flushes or pelvic pain. The clinician may discuss hormone tests or other checks.

Seek urgent care for severe or one-sided abdominal pain, fainting, shoulder-tip pain, heavy bleeding, or a positive pregnancy test with pain or bleeding. These symptoms can require prompt assessment. If periods stop unexpectedly with headaches or vision changes, arrange medical advice promptly. Do not assume the change is menopause without an assessment; [Premature Ovarian Insufficiency](/conditions/premature-ovarian-insufficiency/) and [Turner Syndrome](/conditions/turner-syndrome/) are among the conditions a clinician may consider in the right context.

Ask what causes fit my age and history, whether I need a pregnancy test or hormone checks, and what symptoms should make me seek urgent help.