5 Reasons You Could Miss Your Period (Besides Getting Pregnant!)

Your period is like an alarm clock that rings inside you every month. It rings informing you that you are not pregnant (if you're sexually active, of course). Unless you are trying to conceive, your period brings in good news, along with minor discomforts like cramps, bloating, back pain, etc.

However, there are times when our body forgets to ring that alarm clock, making us go into a panic mode. But the fact is, pregnancy is not the only reason you might have missed your period. There are a few other reasons that actually have an effect on your period cycle. Here are a few.

1. Stress

If you have been stressing out a lot, due to an upcoming exam, your promotion or even your wedding, chances are that your period might be late.

Stress causes a lot of bodily changes - and one of them is its effect on your menstrual cycle. When you are under stress, the part of your brain that regulates your body hormones gets affected, causing you to miss your period.

2. Major weight loss or gain

A major weight loss or even weight gain for that matter, can cause your body to skip a cycle. The oestrogen hormone helps your body build the lining of your uterus. However drastic changes in your weight can cause your oestrogen levels to fall or rise dramatically, causing a delay in your cycle or no period for that month.

3. Too much exercise

Have you taken "the gym life" a little too seriously? Chances are that it might be the reason you missed your period.

This is nothing unusual, but just your body's way of telling you that it needs rest. Athletes, and runners, who are under continuous and rigorous training are at a greater risk of experiencing this.

4. Hormones creating havoc

PCOD and thyroid irregularity are known to be the main causes of period irregularity in women.

Too much or too less production from the thyroid gland (known as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) can cause bodily changes along with irregular periods.

The general symptoms in people having PCOD is problem in losing weight, pimples and facial hair, along with missed periods. However, these conditions can definitely be taken care by regular medication from a doctor.

5. Contraceptive Pills

Your daily contraceptive pill could also be one reason you missed your period. Have you noticed that when you get off your contraceptive, even then your body takes time to regulate itself?

The reason being, that the contraceptive pill (sometimes) makes your body miss ovulation and so you don't experience any monthly periods. This however is not a norm and some women do experience their normal menstrual cycle.

So girls, don't panic if you miss your period. Monitor your body and with minor adjustments, your cycle will definitely be back to normal.

However, if that doesn't happen, definitely consult your doctor. It's always better to have an expert opinion.