# Missing periods (amenorrhoea)

> Your period has gone quiet. Here is what might be going on.

Category: Conditions · 4 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/conditions/amenorrhoea

## 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](https://splash.care/learn/glossary#amenorrhoea) simply means absent periods. The NHS says most of the time a [missed period](https://splash.care/learn/cycle-basics/late-period) is nothing to worry about, but it is always worth understanding why.

## Common reasons

- [Pregnancy](https://splash.care/learn/fertility-ttc/early-pregnancy-signs) (always rule this out first if you could be pregnant)
- [Stress](https://splash.care/learn/cycle-basics/stress-travel-illness)
- Sudden weight loss or being overweight
- Lots of intense [exercise](https://splash.care/learn/period-care/exercise-on-period)
- Hormonal [contraception](https://splash.care/learn/contraception/methods-overview) such as the pill, injection or [IUS](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/ius)
- Breastfeeding
- [PCOS](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/pcos) ([PMOS](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/pmos))
- Thyroid problems or other conditions like diabetes or heart disease
- [Perimenopause](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/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.

**Myth:** Losing your period from training means you are super fit.

**Fact:** 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.

> **Splash says:** Splash keeps counting days since your last period, so you can tell your GP exactly how long it has been.

### When to see a doctor

See a GP if you have missed three periods in a row, have not started your periods by 15, your periods have become irregular, or a missed period comes with weight changes, tiredness, new facial hair or skin changes. If you are worried about eating or exercise, Beat and the NHS can help, and you can ask a GP for help without having to “prove” it is bad enough.

## Sources

1. [NHS: Missed or late periods](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/missed-or-late-periods/)
2. [NHS: Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, formerly PCOS)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polyendocrine-metabolic-ovarian-syndrome-pmos/)
3. [NHS: Eating disorders overview](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/eating-disorders/overview/)
4. [Beat (UK eating disorder charity)](https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/)

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).