Missed or Irregular Periods


Most women have between 11 and 13 menstrual periods each year. However everyone is different, and you may have more or fewer. Missed or irregular periods must be looked at in terms of what is normal for you. Pregnancy is the most common cause of a missed period.

If you are not pregnant, other causes of missed or irregular periods include:
Excessive weight loss or gain
Eating disorders
Increased exercise
Emotional stress
Illness
Travel
Medicines or illegal drug use
Hormone problems
Problems with the pelvic organs
Breastfeeding

Irregular periods are common during puberty or nearing menopause, therefore no treatment is usually necessary. Ask your pharmacist for more advice on missed or irregular periods.