When a woman misses her period, pregnancy is often the first thought that comes to mind. However, there are several reasons why a period may be delayed or missed that have nothing to do with pregnancy.

Below are some of the common reasons why women may miss their periods:.

1. Stress

High levels of stress can interfere with the hormones responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle. Stress can suppress ovulation, leading to delayed or missed periods.

Additionally, stress can cause changes in the hypothalamus, a gland in the brain that regulates hormones, which can also disrupt the menstrual cycle.

2. Weight Changes

Significant changes in weight, whether weight gain or weight loss, can disrupt the menstrual cycle. Being underweight or experiencing rapid weight loss can lead to an absence of periods, while being overweight or obese can cause irregular periods.

This is because the hormones responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle can be affected by changes in the body’s fat stores.

3. PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects many women. It causes the ovaries to produce too many androgens, which can interfere with ovulation and cause irregular periods or missed periods.

Other symptoms of PCOS include acne, excess body hair, and weight gain.

4. Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, including the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.

When the thyroid gland is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), it can disrupt the menstrual cycle and cause missed periods.

5. Exercise

Excessive exercise or sudden increases in physical activity can cause a disruption in the menstrual cycle. This is because too much exercise can lead to a decrease in body fat, which can reduce estrogen production and interfere with ovulation.

6. Medications

Certain medications can cause a disruption in the menstrual cycle, including hormonal contraceptives, antipsychotics, chemotherapy drugs, and some antidepressants.

These medications can interfere with hormone production or affect the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which can disrupt ovulation and cause missed periods.

7. Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the period of time before menopause when a woman’s hormonal production begins to decline. During perimenopause, periods may become irregular, or a woman may miss her period altogether.

Other symptoms of perimenopause include hot flashes, mood swings, and difficulty sleeping.

8. Premature Ovarian Failure

Premature ovarian failure is a condition where the ovaries stop producing eggs before the age of 40. This can cause missed periods, as well as symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and difficulty getting pregnant.

9. Chronic Illness

Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, celiac disease, and autoimmune disorders can cause missed periods. These conditions can affect hormone regulation or lead to malnutrition, which can cause hormonal imbalances and disrupt the menstrual cycle.