We all know that one of the signs of pregnancy is that your periods stop. But what about when they stop although you couldn't possibly be pregnant? Your menstrual cycle can be affected by other factors as well. Your body will shut down your periods if it's under any stress that would make a pregnancy inadvisable. So before you panic that you're pregnant, here are some other reasons why your periods can slow down or stop altogether …
1. Stress
Are you under any serious stress at the moment? Do you have major relationship problems, is your job under threat, or do you have serious health problems? This can cause your periods to stop or be irregular. The reason for this is that your body decides that now is not the time for you to be fertile, so stops you ovulating.
2. Your Birth Control Method
Some methods of birth control will affect your menstrual cycle. For example, if you've been given a contraceptive implant such as a Mirena coil, you may find that you have irregular periods. They may even stop altogether. The contraceptive injection can also have a similar effect.
3. Early Menopause
Women normally begin the menopause in their late 40s or early 50s. But a minority of women have an early menopause, which may be caused by an autoimmune disorder or happen for genetic reasons. If you're getting other symptoms such as hot flashes or mood swings, your doctor may check for indications that you're going into early menopause.
4. PCOS & Other Medical Conditions
There are a number of medical conditions that can cause your periods to slow down or stop altogether. One of the most common is PCOS, or Polycystic ovary syndrome. Thyroid problems may also affect your periods, as can a number of rarer conditions. Some women also suffer from premature ovarian failure, in which the ovaries stop producing eggs.
5. Being Underweight
Your periods may also stop if you're underweight. This is because the brain shuts down the hormones that tell the ovaries to release eggs. It commonly happens in women with an eating disorder. But it can also happen if you're overweight, or if you gain or lose a lot of weight.
6. Medication
If you are taking medication, it can cause your periods to slow down or stop. This may happen if you're taking strong drugs such as antipsychotics. Antidepressants, allergy meds or medication for conditions like high or low blood pressure can also affect your periods.
7. Exercise
Do you lead a very active lifestyle? Women athletes and dancers may find that their periods are affected. This can be down to the fact that their high level of activity means they have low body fat, or because they are using up a lot of energy. Athletes also put their body under a lot of stress, which as I've already mentioned can affect your menstrual cycle.
The body is complicated, and so many things can affect your menstrual cycle. Of course, if you are sexually active then pregnancy is a possible reason why your periods have stopped. But it's not the only one, so do consider what other reasons could be making your periods slow down or stop altogether. And if you're concerned, it's always wise to see your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does my period suddenly become lighter?
- A lighter period can be caused by stress, hormonal changes, or changes in birth control methods.
- Can stress stop my period?
- Yes, high stress levels can disrupt your hormonal balance, leading to missed or delayed periods.
- Is it normal for periods to stop during exercise?
- Intense exercise can lower body fat and affect hormones, sometimes causing your period to slow or stop.
- How does weight affect my menstrual cycle?
- Both significant weight loss and gain can disrupt hormone levels, potentially slowing or stopping your period.
- Can birth control make my period stop?
- Certain birth control methods, like hormonal IUDs or pills, can reduce bleeding or stop your period altogether.
- When should I see a doctor about a stopped period?
- If your period stops for three months or more and you're not pregnant, it's a good idea to consult a healthcare provider.
- Could thyroid problems affect my period?
- Yes, thyroid imbalances can interfere with menstrual cycles and cause irregularities or stoppage.
- Does breastfeeding affect menstrual cycles?
- Breastfeeding releases hormones that can delay the return of your period after childbirth.
- Can polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) slow my period?
- PCOS often causes hormonal imbalances that can lead to irregular, light, or missed periods.
- Is menopause the only reason periods stop completely?
- Menopause causes permanent period stoppage, but other factors like pregnancy or medical conditions can also stop periods temporarily.