If your period has gone MIA, you're probably feeling confused, worried, or maybe a little relieved (we get it). But when your period disappears for 3 months or more—a condition called amenorrhea—it's your body's way of telling you something's up.

Let's talk about some of the most common reasons your period might be missing and what you can do about it.

What Is Amenorrhea?

Amenorrhea is the medical term for when your period is absent for 3 months or more. It's not super rare, and there are actually a bunch of different reasons it can happen.

Common Reasons Your Period Might Be Missing

🥯 Not eating enough (especially carbs)

One of the most common causes is hypothalamic amenorrhea, which can happen when you're not eating enough calories or carbs specifically. When your body doesn't get enough fuel, it drops the production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), the hormone that kicks off your menstrual cycle.

This creates a domino effect where other hormones drop too, including luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Basically, your hypothalamus (the part of your brain that releases hormones) slows down, which can stop your period.

There's also leptin, a hormone your fat cells produce that you need for normal menstrual function. When your carb or calorie intake is too low, leptin levels can drop and mess with your reproductive hormones. This is especially true if you're underweight or lean. One study on teenage girls following an extremely low-carb ketogenic diet for 6 months found that 45% experienced menstrual problems, and 6 developed amenorrhea.

😮‍💨 Too much exercise

Over-exercising without eating enough to support your activity level can also lead to hypothalamic amenorrhea. Your body needs a certain amount of energy to maintain your cycle, and if you're burning more than you're taking in, your period might stop.

😩 Stress

High levels of stress—whether from school, work, relationships, or anything else—can interfere with the hormones that regulate your cycle. Your body basically decides that now isn't a good time for reproduction and hits pause on your period.

⚖️ Weight changes

Significant weight loss or being underweight can stop your period. On the flip side, significant weight gain or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also cause irregular or missing periods.

💊 Hormonal birth control

Some types of birth control, especially hormonal IUDs and certain pills, can make your period lighter or stop it altogether. This is usually normal and nothing to worry about, but it's worth checking in with your doctor if you're unsure.

🩺 Health conditions

Thyroid issues (like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), PCOS, and other hormonal conditions can all affect your cycle. If your period has stopped and you're not sure why, these are things your doctor can check for.

🤰 Pregnancy

If you've been sexually active and your period is late or missing, pregnancy is definitely a possibility worth checking.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

If your period has been missing for 3 months or more, it's time to check in with a healthcare provider. They can help you figure out what's going on and get your cycle back on track.

You should also talk to a doctor if:

• Your periods were regular and suddenly stopped
• You have fewer than 8 periods a year
• You're experiencing other symptoms like excessive hair growth, acne, weight changes, or fatigue
• You're concerned about your eating habits or exercise routine
• You're trying to get pregnant

The Bottom Line

Your period is actually a vital sign, similar to your blood pressure or heart rate. When it goes missing, it's your body telling you something needs attention. Whether it's about how much you're eating, how much you're exercising, stress levels, or an underlying health condition, getting to the bottom of it matters.

Remember, your body needs fuel and balance to function properly, and that includes maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle. If something feels off, trust your gut and reach out to a doctor. You deserve to feel good and have a healthy cycle. 💜