A missed period is a thing, and several people miss their periods like it’s a regular thing. But a person should know when they should worry about their missed periods. So, here are five sneaky reasons behind a missed period that does not hint at pregnancy.
- A really, really bad diet
In our modern times, it has become such a common thing to eat all kinds of foods that aren’t even… food. These are just things that resemble foods.
This is especially the case with many varieties of snacks available at supermarkets and convenience stores. On top of that, people rely too much on junk foods and even those who still cook at home rely on frozen products.
All of these things are actually very low in nutrients and this can cause all kinds of ailments.
A PubMed Central publication assesses the outcome of a study evaluating the effects of junk food on menstruation among adolescence girls.
It grouped 200 women in equal numbers, with one group having regular cycle, and the other irregular one. The survey asked about their eating habits amongst other factors.
It found that all the young women having irregular menstruation and suffering from dysmenorrhea, indulged in junk food regularly.
The result concludes that eating junk food disturbed menstrual cycle negatively.
One of those things could even involve periods that are very light or even missed.
When your body is lacking proper nutrients, it fails to produce adequate amounts of hormones that are necessary for human health. Without sex hormones, for instance, your body doesn’t ovulate and this can cause a period to be missed.
This could be a sign of bad health as the next time you do get your period, it’s likely to hurt more.
- Being excessively overweight
On another note, in spite of the modern diet very much lacking in nutrients, people who are very busy tend to want to eat a lot of carbs. Of course, some people also go to greasy foods when they are in a bad mood.
The problem with all of this stress from living in a busy society is rapid weight gain. When people are stressed out, they tend to crave deep-fried foods and also sweet carbs.
If you’re somebody who can’t control yourself, you are bound to gain a lot of weight in a relatively short time. When this happens, your hormones are going to suddenly drop and crash. This could cause your body to not get the signal to ovulate.
And as such, when this happens, you miss a period. Women who are overweight also tend to find that their periods are very light, but at the same time, very painful.
- Extreme stress from the workplace
On another occasion, you could also miss a period due to stress. Yeah sure, everybody deals with stress every now and then. But if the stress gets too overwhelming, your body could get the brunt of it.
We are talking about excessive stress that is caused by either conflict at the workplace or demanding deadlines that cause you to not be able to put your health as a priority.
When you are under a lot of pressure, and feel that you must do everything in your power to meet expectations, your body starts to produce a higher amount of cortisol. This is also called the stress hormone.
Chronic stress disrupts the normal hormone functions, resulting in an increased level of cortisol.
Cortisol works to calm the stress, but it’s also destabilizes the normal operations of hypothalamus, responsible for regulating your periods.
As such, per an article published on the Healthline website, the release of suitable ovulation enzymes are delayed, resulting in delayed periods.
Cortisol works to help you be more alert so you can resolve your issues quickly. The problem is when the issues take so long to work out and your body runs on cortisol, female sex hormones drop and this could cause you to miss a period.
- Birth control, duh!
Meanwhile, as strange as it is, your birth control can also cause you to suffer from missing your periods. Actually, birth control is a bit more complicated than people give it credit for.
First of all, birth control for women causes a plethora of health issues. Second of all, most women are not aware of the real risks of using birth control for women and what it implies for their body’s normal functions.
Birth control works by manipulating your hormones so that you do not get to receive a fertilised egg. It releases hormones that trick your brain into thinking you are already pregnant.
The problem is, this whole mechanism messes up with your body’s natural cycle of menstruation. If your body thinks it is pregnant, you do not bleed. Simple as that. With that said, you could totally miss a period when you are on birth control.
- Exercising too much
Physical workouts are also something that can affect the way your body produces hormones. So as you can see, it’s not just foods that produce this kind of result. Well, we all know that physical exercises are good for the body.
We all need to move our bodies every day and avoid living a sedentary life. Exercising in moderation is perfect for the body and even the menstruation.
But the thing is, when we exercise way too much, and on top of that, eat too little, we could disrupt the natural cycle of our menstruation.
Why? Intense workouts may cause delayed, little or no period discharge. This is due to hormone imbalances. When you exercise too much, for instance, if you are a young athlete, you could bleed at times that aren’t supposed to be your period.
Per an article appearing on the Verywell Health website, too much physical activity could result in weight shedding, which in turn causes a reduction in estrogen levels.
Since this hormone is responsible for ovulation, its deficiency could disrupt ovulation flow.
On the other hand, you could also not bleed at all on the days you are supposed to menstruate. To balance this whole thing, you need to allow your body plenty of rest and be nourished by nutrient-dense foods.
In the end, we discussed how missed periods do not refer to pregnancy only and can hint at several places. Therefore, we hope the sneaky reasons we discussed can make you feel at peace that you are not pregnant.
Why Did I Suddenly Miss My Period But Not Pregnant?
It is a common experience for women to have a regular menstrual cycle, lasting approximately 28 days, with a period occurring every month. However, there are times when one’s period may not arrive as expected, leaving many women anxious and worried. The most common concern for a missed period is pregnancy, but what if one is not pregnant? This situation can be confusing and alarming, causing women to wonder why their period suddenly missed. There can be various reasons for a missed period, and it is essential to understand the possible causes to ease any concerns.
One of the most common reasons for a missed period is stress. Stress can affect the body in many ways, and one of them is by disrupting the menstrual cycle. When the body is under stress, it releases cortisol, a hormone that can interfere with the production of estrogen and progesterone, essential hormones for the menstrual cycle. This hormonal imbalance can lead to a missed period. Stress can also cause changes in eating habits and sleep patterns, which can also contribute to a missed period. Therefore, it is crucial to manage stress levels to maintain a regular menstrual cycle.
Another reason for a missed period could be a sudden change in weight. Significant weight loss or gain can affect hormone levels and disrupt the menstrual cycle. This is because fat cells produce estrogen, and a sudden change in weight can either increase or decrease the amount of estrogen in the body, leading to a missed period. This is commonly seen in women with eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia, or those who follow extreme diets. In contrast, excessive weight gain can result from conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can also cause irregular periods.
The use of certain medications can also cause a missed period. Birth control pills, for example, work by regulating hormone levels to prevent pregnancy. However, stopping or starting these pills can cause a temporary disruption in hormone balance, leading to a missed period. Other medications, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, can also affect hormone levels and cause a missed period. In some cases, the use of antibiotics can also interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills, leading to a missed period.
Underlying health conditions can also be a reason for a missed period. PCOS, mentioned earlier, is a hormonal disorder that can cause irregular periods or missed periods. It is characterized by high levels of androgens (male hormones) and insulin resistance, leading to cysts in the ovaries. Other conditions that can affect the menstrual cycle include thyroid disorders, pelvic inflammatory disease, and uterine fibroids. It is essential to consult a doctor if a missed period is accompanied by other symptoms, such as excessive hair growth, weight gain, or pain in the pelvic region.
Excessive exercise can also cause a missed period. While exercise is beneficial for overall health, overdoing it can lead to an imbalance in hormone levels. This is because intense physical activity can put stress on the body, leading to the release of cortisol, as mentioned earlier. Athletes and women who engage in rigorous exercise routines are more likely to experience irregular periods or missed periods. Maintaining a balance between exercise and rest is crucial for a healthy menstrual cycle.
Lastly, age can also play a role in a missed period. As women age, their menstrual cycle becomes less regular, and periods may become lighter or heavier. Perimenopause, the stage before menopause, can also cause irregular periods or missed periods. During this time, the ovaries produce less estrogen, leading to changes in the menstrual cycle. It is essential to keep track of one’s periods and consult a doctor if there are any significant changes or concerns.
In conclusion, a missed period can be caused by various reasons, and pregnancy is not the only explanation. Stress, weight changes, medication, underlying health conditions, excessive exercise, and age can all contribute to a missed period. It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage stress levels, and consult a doctor if there are any concerns. Keeping track of one’s menstrual cycle can also help identify any changes and seek medical advice if necessary. A missed period may be a cause for concern, but with the right understanding and care, it can be managed effectively.
