Period · 6 min read
Missing period - what are the reasons for this?
The menstrual cycle lasts between 21 and 35 days. If you get your period within this window, everything is completely normal. As you get older, cycles generally become more irregular until they eventually stop altogether with the onset of the menopause.
To keep a better overview of whether and how regularly your period arrives, we recommend keeping a cycle diary. If you'd like to know how best to calculate your cycle, read on here.
Reasons for a missing period
These are the reasons your period might be missing
If your period doesn't arrive on time, there's no need to panic at first. We menstruate around 500 times in our lives, so it's hardly surprising that your period sometimes starts a little later – or indeed earlier. If your period is missing, it also doesn't mean you're pregnant or seriously ill. Let's take a closer look at the factors that can cause your period to stay away.
Stress
Your mind has a major influence on your hormone balance. If you're under too much pressure at work or dealing with worries, anxieties or family problems, this can throw quite a lot in your body out of balance and result in your period not coming.
Colds or flu
When your body is busy fighting off germs, your period may start a few days later than usual.
Weight loss or weight gain
The hormones that control your cycle can react sensitively to fluctuations in weight. Especially if you are severely over- or underweight, your period may stop altogether – after all, it's not a good starting point for a pregnancy.
Puberty
During the very first cycles, everything still needs to settle down. In the first two years after your period starts, it can stop from time to time – sometimes even for a longer stretch.
Menopause
The menopause usually begins around the age of 50: periods become less and less frequent until they finally stop altogether. For some menstruating people, however, the menopause starts considerably earlier.
Extreme amounts of exercise
Extreme physical exertion can put so much stress on your body that it responds by shutting down your period.
Hormone fluctuations
Hormonal imbalances are probably the most common cause of a missing period – either through a lack of female hormones or an excess of male hormones. There are many possible causes of a hormonal imbalance, for example autoimmune diseases or changes to the ovaries such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A thyroid disorder can also affect your cycle.
Breastfeeding
If you're breastfeeding, you may well find that your period comes irregularly or not at all. This can be the case for the entire time you're breastfeeding. But be careful: a missing period doesn't necessarily mean you're not fertile.
Taking the pill irregularly or coming off it
After you stop taking the pill, your body needs a certain amount of time to settle back into its natural cycle. It's not unusual for this to take longer than a year. Taking your pill irregularly can also affect your period – and above all, bear in mind that for the pill to work properly it has to be taken at the same time every day, otherwise a pregnancy can't be ruled out either.
Medication & chemotherapy
Taking certain medications or undergoing chemotherapy can cause your period to stop.
Missing period – when should you see a doctor?
My period is missing – when do I need to see a doctor?
Reusable period products from SELENACARE
As mentioned above, we menstruate around 500 times in our lives – and even if your period occasionally doesn't come, using disposable materials such as pads and tampons creates a huge mountain of waste.
We've made it our mission to make periods more comfortable, with less waste. That's why, alongside reusable period underwear and washable pads, you'll also find menstrual cups in our range. Using them saves not only a great deal of waste but also money.
You can find out more about the benefits of reusable hygiene products in our guide article “Reusable hygiene products for your period”.
Recommended products
Our latest innovation is a true game-changer in period underwear! Our brand-new, self-adhesive material allows for the combination of period panties with interchangeable inserts – a real change in the world of reusable period care has come! A revolutionary material In close collaboration with our product designers and textile experts, SELENACARE has developed a new technology that redefines flexibility during menstruation – a self-adhesive material! This material is sewn into the crotch of the SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties, as well as onto the accompanying absorbent inserts. This material makes changing the inserts easier and without slipping! So, the inserts can be changed easily without having to undress. The self-adhesive material allows the inserts to be inserted into the matching SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties and can be easily replaced when needed, like traditional pads. Unlike traditional pads, our inserts can be reused as they are washable! Say "Goodbye" to the uncomfortable moments of changing and "Hello" to a feeling of absolute flexibility during your period! The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Period Set The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Period Set consists of two parts. The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties are the core of our system and are equipped with the self-adhesive material in the crotch – a brilliant base for the SELENACARE Easy Comfort Inserts, the second part of the period set. Absorbent Easy Comfort Inserts with Wetbag The Easy Comfort Inserts are equipped with the specially developed self-adhesive material on one side and are ideally matched to the Basic Panties. This makes inserting them into the crotch area of the panties incredibly easy. Thanks to this self-adhesive property, the insert stays securely in place and does not slip, without relying on uncomfortable or annoying attachment methods. With various levels of absorbency, they are ready to accompany you in every phase of your period – from light to heavy, we've got you covered. Once the Easy Comfort Inserts are fully saturated, they can be easily removed from the Basic Panties and replaced with a new insert. No need to take off the panties, as with traditional period underwear. Simply transport them in the Wetbag, wash, and reuse.
Feel completely protected and free with SELENACARE Free-Cut period underwear. Invisible under your clothes, it offers you comfort, discretion and maximum absorbency during your period. This underwear in sizes XS-M as well as L-XXL was specially developed for medium days and meets the highest demands. Invisible perfection for you Thanks to the innovative Free-Cut design and the thin material, SELENACARE Free-Cut period underwear does not leave any unsightly marks under tight-fitting garments. You can move freely and feel completely comfortable without worrying about visible marks. With this underwear you stay confident and secure in any situation. Maximum comfort and flexibility for you SELENACARE's Free-Cut period underwear offers you not only protection but also exceptional comfort. The super-stretch microfibre material fits your body perfectly and offers maximum flexibility. Whether you're working, exercising or just relaxing, this underwear ensures an optimal fit and freedom of movement for you. Reliable protection for medium days The period underwear has been specially designed for medium days to provide you with a high level of protection. The absorbent layers inside the underwear safely retain fluid and prevent unwanted leakage. You can trust its reliability every day of your period. It's your perfect companion during menstruation. Experience the comfort, discretion and protection you deserve. Be confident and enjoy your freedom no matter what the day brings.
The Period Panty Hipster convinces with its modern cut and super-comfortable fit. As with all our models, the integrated suction surface is discreetly and invisibly incorporated into the period panty. The menstrual underwear absorbs up to 25 ml of fluid. With its low-slung leg and medium waist, it hugs your body perfectly and gives a feeling of security. Light, medium or heavy days The strength of your period can vary throughout your cycle. The Hipster period underwear is ideal for the light and medium days of your period. It provides a dry feeling and does not allow fluid to leak out. On your heavier days, we recommend using the underwear in combination with a menstrual cup or tampon. If you have periods or spotting, you can use either a period slip or a washable pad, depending on the intensity of the bleeding. No restrictions, always well protected There are really no limits to the use of period underwear. You can use them in your free time, at work or on holiday. In addition to period blood, it also absorbs sweat and other fluids and reliably seals them in. Because the material is absorbent, it also gives you a very safe feeling during sports. After use, you can wash the panties out with cold water, air dry them and reuse them. This makes them a convenient, reusable alternative to tampons and disposable pads. Not only do you reduce waste, but you also save money because of their long life. Hygiene and freshness based on silver chloride (biocide active ingredient according to article 95 list) The absorbent layers of the SELENACARE products are equipped with the antimicrobial, biocidal protective finish SILVERPLUS® from RUDOLF GROUP. It prevents the proliferation of odour-causing bacteria. SILVERPLUS® is the leading silver ion technology and is certified according to the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. OEKO-TEX guarantees that all components have been tested for harmful substances and that the product is harmless to health.
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