I first started missing periods when I was in my teens and later learned it was a cyst issue. Most women think that a missing period immediately means you're pregnant. In some cases it may be true, but what if you aren't even sexually active? An absent period can happen for a variety of reasons and they don't always mean you're pregnant.
In fact, missing your menses can hint at a health problem or some lifestyle changes you may need to make.
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It's easy to think you may be pregnant if you miss a few periods consecutively. However if that pregnancy test you take comes up negative, there are other things going on in your body that you are unaware of. As much as periods can be pains to deal with–literally–it's also a relief to see them each month like clockwork.
If you have been experiencing missed periods and don't know why, perhaps it may have something to do with the reasons below.
Stress: The emotions that come with stress can disrupt the part of the brain that regulates hormones, hence why your flow is missing
Cysts: If you are bleeding at times other than your period, or have pain in your lower belly you may have a cyst. See a doctor if you think you have this problem.
Drastic weight loss or gain: If you've recently gone down many dress sizes or gained weight this could be affecting menstruation. If it consists see your doctor to run exams to verify that you don't have other internal complications.
Menopause: If you're reaching your late 40's or early 50's, there could be a chance that you're experiencing the beginning stages of menopause.
STDs: If you've been having sex with different partners carelessly you may have an STD that's causing a delayed period. Get tested to confirm or eliminate this possibility.
Medication: Perhaps you've been taking antibiotics or are taking a new birth control pill. Any new medication depending on the side effects may delay a period. If you still have concerns, speak to your doctor.
Too much exercise: If you've started a new exercise program or have been exercising for longer periods of time this may disrupt your hormone flow. Give your body time to adjust but if it persists see your medical provider.
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