Are you wondering if that missed period means you're pregnant, or if it's just a fluke? (Disclaimer: If you are sexually active and have missed your period, the first step should always be to take a pregnancy test.) Let's explore some other reasons why your menstrual cycle might be out of whack.
Irregular Cycles
Irregular cycles can happen for all sorts of reasons. Stress, changes in weight, and shifts in hormones can all affect the timing of your period. Additionally, certain medications (like birth control) can throw off regularity. If you've recently changed contraceptives, there may also be an adjustment period while your body gets used to the new routine.
If irregular periods are a pattern for you rather than an outlier occurrence (see Fig 1), consider making note of when they occur so that you can keep track over time. It may also help to make lifestyle changes - getting more sleep or exercise could lower stress levels and regulate menstruation.
PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition where women experience multiple cysts within their ovaries which leads to hormonal imbalance resulting in heavy bleeding during periods with longer interval duration between them (Arnold & Denny; 2019). Some common symptoms include: - Acne - Excessive hair growth on face and body areas - Infertility
With such symptoms prevalent it becomes necessary visit doctor once any one symptom persists.
Losing weight suddenly?
Gaining or losing weight too quickly without putting in the required and appropriate effort could cause a hormonal imbalance altering your menstrual cycle (Campbell; 2004). Your body requires an adequate amount of time to adjust accordingly for which you should manage with balanced diets, proper exercise routines or even consult a doctor if necessary.
Ageing and Menopause
It's natural for periods to change as women age. Perimenopause - the time leading up to menopause - causes changes in hormone levels that can impact menstruation patterns. Once menopause sets in, however, periods stop altogether (yay!).
If you're curious about where you are in the process (see Fig 2 for more information on this amazing journey) it may be worth setting up an appointment with your doctor.
The common cold or fever
Just because you have symptoms unrelated to menstruation does not mean they don't affect your cycle! Feverish events impacting health might cause temporary disruptions shifting being late or irregular (Bjelakovic et al.;2013)
Also sickness like stomach flu or travelling across countries creates stupendous effect of vomiting could hamper hormones causing missed/late period. Always remember taking care of yourself is very essential!
Stress less Periods more?
Stress affects us differently so its manifestations differ yet most people tend to claim how their sexuality takes annihilation despite having no underlying health issue thus indirectly inferring stress playing its part revealing that anxiety reduces progesterone levels needed by bodies causing menstrual problems resulting disconcertion over delayed cycles, heavy flows and painful cramps.(Koenig et al.;1999)
Some tips include making sure sleep hygiene measures are optimal, get daily exercise, practice calming activities such as yoga or take up a hobby!
Can I be pregnant without having my periods?
Now back to the question you really came here for. Yes, it's technically possible to be pregnant and not have had your period yet (see Fig 3). However, this isn't super common - most pregnancy tests will accurately detect HCG (the hormone produced by fertilized eggs) in urine about two weeks after ovulation.
It is important at this point to check with a doctor what are the ideal time spans between missed period dates which could vary person to person.
Additionally, don't forget that other things like stress, weight changes, or medication can cause missed periods too. So if you're wondering whether there may be another explanation besides pregnancy keep all possibilities open till your next doctor visit ta-ta!
