Missed Period

A missed period can happen for several reasons, including pregnancy, hormone changes, stress, illness, or changes in weight and exercise.

You may notice no bleeding when expected, or a cycle that becomes longer, lighter, or irregular before stopping. Some people have pelvic discomfort, breast tenderness, nausea, acne, extra facial hair, headaches, or milky nipple discharge; others have no additional symptoms. Record the first day of each bleed and any medicines or major health changes.

Seek urgent care for a missed period with severe or one-sided pelvic pain, fainting, shoulder-tip pain, heavy bleeding, or feeling very unwell, particularly if pregnancy is possible. Prompt assessment is also needed for a positive pregnancy test with pain or bleeding. Otherwise, arrange a routine appointment when missed periods recur or concern you.

The causes below are alphabetical, not a likelihood ranking. Hyperprolactinaemia means raised prolactin, which can disrupt the signals that control ovulation. Hypothalamic Amenorrhoea can occur when the brain's reproductive signalling is affected by factors such as low energy availability, intense exercise, or stress. Perimenopause can make cycles irregular as reproductive hormones fluctuate. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can interfere with regular ovulation and may occur with acne or increased hair growth.

The first step is often a pregnancy test when pregnancy is possible. A clinician will ask about cycle history, contraception, sexual activity, recent illness, stress, eating and exercise, medicines, and symptoms such as nipple discharge or excess hair. Depending on the pattern, blood tests may assess reproductive hormones, thyroid function, or prolactin, and an ultrasound may examine the uterus and ovaries.

Treatment may be unnecessary when cycles are briefly disrupted and return to their usual pattern. If pregnancy is confirmed, care changes to pregnancy support. Hyperprolactinaemia may need assessment of medicines or pituitary-related causes. Hypothalamic Amenorrhoea is addressed with nutritional, exercise, and stress support. Perimenopause and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome have different management options, so treatment should follow the assessment rather than the symptom alone.

There is no single way to prevent every missed period. Regular meals, adequate recovery from exercise, manageable stress, and review of medicines can support reproductive hormone signalling. Use contraception consistently if pregnancy is not planned, and keep a cycle record so a change is recognised early. Avoid taking hormone products marketed for cycle control without professional guidance.

Note pelvic pain, unusual bleeding, breast discharge, headaches, visual changes, hot flushes, acne, increased facial hair, weight changes, fatigue, or pregnancy symptoms. These details help distinguish a temporary cycle variation from a condition needing investigation.

A single missed period may settle, but repeated changes deserve assessment because prolonged disruption can affect fertility planning and, in some conditions, bone or uterine health. Arrange follow-up if the cycle does not return or new symptoms appear.