Why Did You Miss a Period?

/10

Why Did You Miss a Period?

A missed period might make you jump straight to the possibility of pregnancy, and while that can be a possibility, there are also other common reasons for a period to not show up when you’re expecting it. Take this quiz to explore some of the reasons why you might have missed your period.

How are your periods usually?

Regular; predictable

Usually on time; sometimes a little early or late

They just show up whenever, wherever

Do you miss periods often?

No, I can’t remember the last time I skipped a period.

I’m late or early sometimes, but my period usually comes.

I skip periods frequently.

Have you had unprotected sex recently?

No, I’m on birth control/always use protection.

I usually use protection but not always.

Yes, I’ve had unprotected sex recently.

Have you had any major life changes recently, like something at work or with your loved ones?

No, things are going pretty well.

I’m busy but not too stressed.

I’m extremely stressed out.

Do you feel that you’re at a weight that supports your health?

Yes, my weight is supporting my health.

I think I could be over my best weight.

I think I’m under my best weight.

Do you get strenuous exercise?

I get regular exercise but also take rest days.

I don’t really work out at all.

I work out hard every day and am serious about training.

Have you ever been told by a healthcare provider that you have a condition like ovarian cysts or an infection in your reproductive tract?

No, I’ve never had any problems.

I haven’t been diagnosed, but I might have symptoms.

Yes, I know I have cysts or another reproductive health condition.

Do you take any medications?

Just birth control

Yes, I take prescriptions to manage a condition and/or use OTC products/supplements/natural remedies.

Have you had any symptoms like nausea, breast tenderness, cravings, or sensitivity to smells?

Yes, and these are not usual symptoms for me.

Some, but I usually get these symptoms during my cycle.

Nope, nothing out of the ordinary.

Have you taken a pregnancy test at home?

Yes, it was positive.

Yes, but it was negative.

No, I haven’t.

Could you be pregnant?

If you’re sexually active and capable of getting pregnant, a missed period after unprotected sex could certainly suggest the possibility that you’re pregnant. If you’ve also got early symptoms of pregnancy, that’s another clue. If you’ve taken a home pregnancy and gotten a positive result, it might be time to check in with your provider to confirm it.

That said, even if all the signs of pregnancy are there, a missed period could still be from a number of other common causes. If you’re not sure or are getting “mixed signals” from your body, it’s worth reaching out to a healthcare provider to get a more definitive answer.

If you’re nearing the end of your reproductive years, consider the possibility that you’re starting menopause. A missed period or a long time between periods is often a sign that you’re entering perimenopause.

This quiz is not meant to be a diagnostic tool or replace the support of a credentialed health professional, such as your primary care provider.

Learn more about the common reasons for missed periods.

Are you stressed?

The ways that stress affects your body can be super obvious, like tension in your jaw or a bad headache. But they can also be more subtle or creep up on you over time. Your cycle is one of those things that can be influenced by stress without you realizing it.

Maybe you haven’t made the connection, but “randomly missing a period” (or even getting a “random period” when you weren’t expecting to) may not be all that random if you're experiencing something stressful in your personal or professional life. When your body is under stress, you may experience both behavioral and hormonal changes that can affect your cycle.

This quiz is not meant to be a diagnostic tool or replace the support of a credentialed health professional, such as your primary care provider.

Learn more about the common reasons for missed periods.

How's your overall health?

If you’re dealing with any health condition, but especially one that’s related to hormones or your reproductive system, missed periods might be a symptom. Endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and even thyroid problems can all affect your period.

If you haven’t been diagnosed with a specific condition but you have symptoms along with irregular cycles, don’t assume it’s “normal.” Painful sex, heavy bleeding, and cramps that keep you from doing your normal activities are not normal parts of having a menstrual cycle and these are always things to talk to your provider about.

This quiz is not meant to be a diagnostic tool or replace the support of a credentialed health professional, such as your primary care provider.

Learn more about the common reasons for missed periods.