Reasons for Skipping a Period

Although getting your period is often inconvenient and uncomfortable, it is a natural part of your monthly cycle, and skipping a period may indicate that something has interfered with your hormonal rhythms. Skipping several periods in a row is called secondary amenorrhea.

Pregnancy

• Pregnancy is one of the most common reasons for skipping a period. If you have been sexually active in the last few months before you skip a period, take a pregnancy test.

Body Weight

• When your body mass index drops below 18 percent body fat, normal hormone production can be suppressed, which can cause periods to not occur. Amenorrhea may be caused by excessive exercise, purging or low food intake and is often a complication of anorexia or bulimia. High body weight may also cause amenorrhea.

Post-Pill Amenorrhea

• Many women who use hormonal birth control pills skip periods when they stop taking the pills. Post-pill amenorrhea occurs because the synthetic hormones suppress natural hormone production, and it may take up to six months for natural hormones to be produced and periods to return.

Perimenopause

• Perimenopause is a time of hormonal fluctuations when a woman nears the end of her reproductive years, and one common symptom is skipping periods. Perimenopause usually affects women between ages 40 and 60 but may begin as early as your 30s.

Other Causes

• High stress levels, thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome or other ovarian disorders are other possible reasons for skipping a period. Chemotherapy and other medications for long-term illnesses may also affect your period.