On this page 4 sections
Quick answer
- Pregnancy, stress, weight change, exercise and hormonal medicines are common causes.
- Low energy availability can switch off your cycle.
- Three missed periods in a row means time to see a GP.
Amenorrhoea simply means absent periods. The NHS says most of the time a missed period is nothing to worry about, but it is always worth understanding why.
Common reasons
- Pregnancy (always rule this out first if you could be pregnant)
- Stress
- Sudden weight loss or being overweight
- Lots of intense exercise
- Hormonal contraception such as the pill, injection or IUS
- Breastfeeding
- PCOS (PMOS)
- Thyroid problems or other conditions like diabetes or heart disease
- Perimenopause, usually between 45 and 55
Fuel matters
Your body needs enough energy to run a cycle. Under-eating, a lot of training, or both, can switch periods off. If food or exercise feels controlling or anxious for you, that is worth talking about too, and eating disorders can happen at any weight and to anyone.
MythLosing your period from training means you are super fit.
Losing your period is your body flagging low energy, and it can affect bone health. It is a signal to check in, not a badge.
Sources
Written by the Splash teamSources checked
This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US). How we write and check articles.