Getting your period in a timely manner is usually a blessing, but at the same time, you have to deal with so many issues such as bloating, cramps and mood swings. Getting your period regularly is also a relief because you know you are not pregnant. However, it is natural to freak out when you miss a period for no apparent reason. This makes many women ask, "Is it normal to miss a period?" The truth is that you do not always miss a period because of pregnancy. There are some other factors to blame as well.

Is It Normal to Miss a Period?

Yes, it is normal. Most women have between 11 and 13 menstrual periods a year, but you may be different. You can have more than 13 or less than 11. And in most cases, it is perfectly normal. Your periods are more likely to be irregular during the first few years after menstruation starts. That is mainly because it takes those hormones quite a few years to find a balance and control menstruation properly.

Your menstrual periods may again become irregular when you are close to menopause, which occurs when a year goes by without a menstrual period.

Why Your Period Is Missing?

As mentioned, you may miss a period due to a number of different reasons. For instance:

1. Strenuous Exercise

If you lose weight rapidly through strenuous exercise, your period may become irregular. Training for a marathon may also affect levels of estrogen in your body that will result in a missed period.

2. Stress

The hypothalamus is an area in your brain with lots of hormones that regulate your period. It gets affected due to stress caused by a big scary event. This may lead to a missed period.

3. A Thyroid Irregularity

Any thyroid irregularity may also cause a missed period. It can happen whether you have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

4. Polycystic Ovary Symptom

The condition refers to hormone imbalance caused by a lack of ovulation. This affects the balance of progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone in your body and causes you to miss a period. Fertility issues, difficulty losing weight, and hair growth on the chest or face are some of the typical symptoms of PCOS.

5. Celiac Disease

Any chronic disease like Celiac disease (gluten intolerance) can affect your menstrual cycle because it works as a stressor to your whole body.

6. Birth Control

A missed period may be the outcome of using birth control pills or taking other measures to avoid pregnancy. Low-dose pills often cause you to miss a period. The same is true for implants, IUD, and shots.

Can I Be Pregnant?

If you suspect that you may be pregnant, please check the early pregnancy signs HERE and also take a pregnancy test to make sure. 

When to Worry

Is it normal to miss a period? The answer is yes, but not always. You should check with your doctor if you do not have a period for three straight months. You may miss several periods in a row due to decreased estrogen levels. Your doctor will also help confirm if you have any serious health condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome. In some cases, the uterine lining builds up but does not shed every month. It thickens up over time and brings about cancerous changes. You should also consult with a doctor if you have missed a couple of periods and experience symptoms such a pelvic pain, persistent bloating, persistent backache, difficulty eating, extreme fatigue, diarrhea, and discomfort during sex. This could be due to tumors, so confirm it with your doctor.