What are signs that your period is not coming?

When your period doesn’t arrive on schedule—or disappears entirely—it’s called amenorrhea. Skipping one cycle occasionally happens, but if your period is consistently late or missing, pay attention to your body’s signals.

1. You Haven’t Had a Period by Age 15 (Primary Amenorrhea)

  • Definition: No menstrual bleeding by age 15, despite other signs of puberty (breast development, pubic hair).

  • Signs:

    • Normal breast and pubic hair growth but no bleeding

    • Possible lack of other secondary sexual characteristics

2. You’ve Missed Three Periods in a Row (Secondary Amenorrhea)

  • Definition: Having had at least one period, then skipping three consecutive cycles.

  • Signs:

    • No bleeding for 3+ months

    • No spotting or breakthrough bleeding

3. Changes in Other Menstrual Symptoms

  • Reduced PMS: If symptoms like cramps, bloating, or mood swings vanish, your cycle hormones may be off.

  • Lack of Pre-Period Signs: No breast tenderness or premenstrual cramps when you normally experience them.

4. Physical and Lifestyle Clues

  • Rapid Weight Loss or Gain: Deviations beyond 10–15% of your normal weight can disrupt ovulation.

  • Excessive Exercise: Training more than 5–7 hours a week (especially endurance sports) can shut down periods.

  • High Stress Levels: Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can block reproductive hormones.

  • Nutrition Deficiencies: Low body fat or insufficient calories (eating disorders, extreme dieting) often halt cycles.

5. Other Health-Related Signs

  • Signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Irregular or absent periods, acne, excess hair growth.

  • Thyroid Symptoms: Fatigue, weight changes, cold intolerance (hypothyroidism) or anxiety, heat intolerance (hyperthyroidism).

  • Excessive Prolactin: Galactorrhea (unexpected milk production) or headaches (from a pituitary issue).

6. Possible Pregnancy

  • Early Pregnancy Signs: Missed period is often the first sign—look for nausea, breast tenderness, and fatigue.

  • Take a Pregnancy Test: If you’re sexually active and miss a period, test after one week late.

When to See a Doctor

  • Primary Amenorrhea: No period by 15.

  • Secondary Amenorrhea: Missed 3+ periods after having regular cycles.

  • Other Concerns: Severe weight change, pain, signs of hormonal disorders, or pregnancy worries.

Your doctor may order blood tests for hormones, an ultrasound, or other evaluations to find the cause.

What You Can Do

  • Track Your Cycle: Use a period app or calendar to log bleeding, symptoms, weight, exercise, and stress.

  • Maintain Healthy Habits: Aim for balanced nutrition, moderate exercise, and stress management (yoga, meditation).

  • Seek Support: A registered dietitian, therapist, or OB/GYN can help you restore healthy cycles.

Final Thought

Missing a period occasionally can be normal, but if it becomes a pattern or is accompanied by other health changes, it’s time to investigate. Listen to your body, track your signs, and don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

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