Symptom Guide · Missed Period
I missed my period — what now?
A missed period makes you think of one thing right away. But pregnancy is only one of many reasons. Here is how to think it through calmly, and when it is time to get checked.
Short answer
A late period isn't always pregnancy. Stress, sudden weight change, hard exercise, PCOS, thyroid problems, and perimenopause can all delay or stop your period. Take a home pregnancy test first. If it's negative and you still have no period after 3 months, see a gynecologist.
What should I do first if my period is late?
If there's any chance you're pregnant, take a home urine test. It's reliable from about the day your period was due, and works best with your first pee of the morning. If it's negative and your period still hasn't come a week later, test again. Two negative tests make pregnancy very unlikely.
What causes a missed period besides pregnancy?
Stress, big weight changes, hard exercise, being sick, travel, PCOS, thyroid problems, a hormone called prolactin being too high, and some medicines (including emergency contraception) can all delay or stop your period. After 40, skipped periods are often the start of perimenopause. Breastfeeding often stops periods too.
How many missed periods are too many?
Missing one period now and then is usually nothing serious. But if you've gone three months with no period, and you're not pregnant or breastfeeding, see a gynecologist. Long gaps aren't just inconvenient — over time they can affect your bones and the womb lining, depending on the cause.
Can PCOS cause missed periods?
Yes. PCOS is the most common cause of missing or rare periods in young women. With PCOS, ovulation happens rarely or not at all, so your periods become unpredictable or stop. Watch for other signs too: acne, extra facial or body hair, weight gain, or thinning hair on your head. An ultrasound and blood tests confirm it.
What will the doctor do for absent periods?
The doctor will ask about your health, do an exam, a pregnancy test if needed, thyroid and hormone blood tests, and a pelvic ultrasound. Treatment depends on the cause. In most cases, your periods return to a normal pattern once we fix the real problem.
See a doctor promptly if you have
- No period for 3 months or more (not pregnant or breastfeeding)
- Missed periods with severe lower abdominal pain (rule out ectopic pregnancy if test is positive)
- Missed periods with milky discharge from the breasts
- Missed periods with acne, excess hair growth, or rapid weight change
- A positive pregnancy test — book an early antenatal visit
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Only a consultation and examination can tell you what is causing your symptoms.
Worried about this symptom?
Consult Dr. Madhumita Das Mazumdar — MD (OBG), 30+ years of experience — at the clinic in Beltola, Guwahati, or on WhatsApp from anywhere.