Published on: 3/5/2025
Missing two periods when you're not pregnant can be due to factors that disrupt your body’s hormone signals, such as stress, weight changes, or too much exercise.
When you miss two periods, your body might be experiencing a condition known as hypothalamic amenorrhea. This happens when the part of your brain that helps control your menstrual cycle doesn't send the correct signals to your ovaries. Stress, sudden weight loss, extreme exercise, or not getting enough calories can all lead the body to switch off your cycle temporarily. Additionally, weight loss can affect your hormones, making it harder for your uterus to build up the lining needed for a period. Conditions that affect hormone balance, even if not as severe as polycystic ovary syndrome, can also lead to missed periods. Even though missing two periods does not necessarily mean something is seriously wrong, it is a sign that your hormones might be off balance. If this pattern continues or if you experience other symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, or unusual weight fluctuations, it could be helpful to talk with a healthcare provider. They can run tests to check your hormone levels and overall health to find out what might be causing the missed cycles.
(References)
Shufelt CL, Torbati T, Dutra E. Hypothalamic Amenorrhea and the Long-Term Health Consequences. Semin Reprod Med. 2017 May;35(3):256-262. doi: 10.1055/s-0037-1603581. Epub 2017 Jun 28. PMID: 28658709; PMCID: PMC6374026.
Gasner A, Rehman A. Primary Amenorrhea. [Updated 2023 Dec 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Chen L, Lu Y, Zhou YF, Wang Y, Zhan HF, Zhao YT, Wang YL, Zhang FF, Chen H, Li X. The effects of weight loss-related amenorrhea on women's health and the therapeutic approaches: a narrative review. Ann Transl Med. 2023 Jan 31;11(2):132. doi: 10.21037/atm-22-6366. PMID: 36819572; PMCID: PMC9929756.
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