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Missed periods (amenorrhea)

Also called: Missed periods, amenorrhea, no period, periods stopped

No period for 3 months or more (or by 15 years old). Pregnancy is the most common cause; stress, weight changes, exercise, and hormone problems are others.

First checkPregnancy test
Common causesPregnancy, stress, PCOS, thyroid, low weight

Overview

Breastfeeding and some birth control stop periods normally.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Missed periods
  • Missed or late period

When to get medical care

Call 911Severe belly pain with a positive pregnancy test.
Get care todayMissed period with severe headache or vision changes.
See a doctor soonNo period for 3 months.

Causes

Pregnancy, hormones, stress.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Athletes
  • PCOS

Possible complications

Diagnosis

Tests find the cause.

Questions you may be asked

  • Weight changes, exercise, stress

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Pregnancy test:
  • Hormone tests:

Treatment

Find the cause.

Self-care

  • Take a pregnancy test
  • Track periods
  • Track periods in an app
  • Note stress, weight changes, and exercise

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

  • Healthy weight
  • Balanced training

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a gynecologist (OB-GYN).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Teens: No period by 15 needs a check.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Usually treatable.

Most causes are treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Do I need hormone tests?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Missed periods (amenorrhea)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.