Doctors Note Logo

Back

Published on: 3/5/2025

What Could Be the Reason for Missing 2 Periods If Not Pregnant?

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.

answer background

Explanation

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.

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Learn more about symptoms

Irregular periods

Not sure about the cause of your current symptoms?

AI Symptom Check

Try our AI-based symptom check

With an easy 3-min questionnaire, you can get an free AI-powered report on possible causes


Tips to try:

  • Provide specific, detailed info about all symptoms you have.
  • Give accurate information about yourself including current conditions.
  • Answer all follow-up questions

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes, and the provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical practice. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.