Common Causes of Irregular or No Periods

It is estimated that up to 14% of people who menstruate have irregular or no periods. Irregular periods are defined as unexpected changes in the length of the menstrual cycle whilst no periods is simply the absence of a menstrual bleed. Your menstrual cycle is irregular if your period occurs more than every 21 days or less than every 35 days. You may also experience other changes such as bleeding between your periods. Below are some common causes of irregular or no periods.

Stress and Illness

Emotional and physical stress, illness or traumatic events are common causes of missing periods. Your brain can overreact and deem these events "dangerous" which temporarily shuts down communication with your ovaries by suppressing luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Your body makes progesterone from cholesterol which is the same pathway that makes cortisol. When under stress, your body will preferentially make cortisol over progesterone and low levels or no progesterone will cause irregular or no periods.

Thyroid Dysfunction

An increase in thyroid releasing hormone (TRH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) may be seen in thyroid dysfunction. A rise in TRH and TSH can cause prolactin levels to increase which will reduce another hormone called gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH is responsible for regulating LH and follicle stimulating hormone FSH. At this point your brain is not communicating with your ovaries causing impaired ovulation and irregular or no periods.

Low Calorie Diets or Over Exercising

Extremely low calorie diets or over exercising can trick your brain into thinking you (again) are in a dangerous situation and switches off its communication with your ovaries. In order to ovulate and prepare for conception or menstruation you must be well nourished and at a healthy weight. Over exercising is often linked with a condition called Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome. A common condition in menstruating athletes when energy intake does not meet the demands of the body.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a very complex condition so here is a very simplified version of why you're experiencing irregular or no periods. PCOS increases the production of androgens (male hormones) leading to a decrease in FSH. Remember, this is how the brain communicates with your ovaries. A decrease in FSH will reduce follicle (egg) growth and impair ovulation. No ovulation = no progesterone and no periods.

Perimenopause or Menopause

Perimenopause is the duration between the onset of irregular periods and your last period. You will generally experience a myriad of symptoms associated with fluctuating hormone levels. Menopause is diagnosed when 12 months have passed without no period. An increase in FSH and a decrease in oestradiol is indicative of menopause. You can ask your doctor to test these along with LH.

Pregnancy

Don't forget to rule out pregnancy by taking a pregnancy test purchased from a supermarket. If you are sexually active and have had regular periods which suddenly stop then consider taking a test.

We have identified and discussed some of the common causes of irregular or no periods and I really hope that this has been helpful for you. If you need help regulating your periods, please get in touch.

Yours in health and happiness,

Ebony x