Missing periods have always been a concern for women but when you miss your period with a negative pregnancy test, it becomes more traumatic and stressful. As we all know pregnancy is a common aspect or reason for missed periods but if you are not pregnant. Here in this article, we’ll explore the top 10 reasons for a missed period with a negative pregnancy test.
One of the leading causes of delayed or missed periods is stress. When you take high stress or your body is under stress, it produces the hormone cortisol, which interferes with the normal functioning of the reproductive system. Moreover, if you are prone to chronic stress, it disrupts the release of hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and becomes the central aspect of missed or irregular periods.
Extreme fluctuation in weight or changes in weight either due to weight gain or loss, it significantly impacts your menstrual cycle. It is quite common among women who are facing eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia. However, this can also take place with substantial or rapid changes in the body weight.
PCOS is proved to be another reason for irregular periods among other symptoms as it affects the ovaries. In this situation, many women who are diagnosed with PCOS experience prolonged cycles or missed periods even though they are not pregnant.
Both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) have an immense impact on your menstrual cycle. These conditions among women affect their hormonal production which controls reproduction and metabolism.
To maintain and keep your health, you need to exercise regularly. However, intense and excessive exercise leads to hormonal disruption which affects your menstrual cycle directly. Majorly these are seen among athletes or women who are highly engaged into intense physical exercise without adequate rest or nutrition.
At the ages of 45 and 55, as women grow, they approach a certain age of menopause. In this, they enter a phase called perimenopause, standard in every woman. During this transitional period, women have to go through ceterian changes as ovaries begin to produce less estrogen which leads to missed cycles, irregular periods, or other changes in menstruation.
Your menstrual cycle is also affected by certain medications whether you take them directly or indirectly. For example, if you have taken any hormonal contraceptives, it can cause changes in your menstruation. It includes antidepressants, antipsychotics, and chemotherapy drugs.
Women who are engaged in restrictive or extreme diets have low body fat percentages, leading to the stoppage of menstruation. Particularly this is true for models, dancers, and athletes who are highly active in such diets and stay on low body fat.
If you are prone to chronic illnesses such as celiac disease, diabetes or autoimmune disorders interferes with the production of hormones which affects the menstrual cycle. Such conditions lead to irregular periods which affects your overall health.
Traveling, especially across multiple time zones, can sometimes affect the menstrual cycle. This is commonly seen in people who travel frequently for work or pleasure. Changes in your routine, sleep patterns, and diet can throw off your hormonal balance.
A missed period with a negative pregnancy test can be frustrating, but it is not always a sign of something serious. There are many reasons for a delayed or missed period beyond pregnancy, including stress, hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, or lifestyle changes. If your period is late or irregular, it is important to track your cycle and consult a healthcare provider if necessary. A doctor can help identify any underlying issues and recommend appropriate treatment or lifestyle changes to restore menstrual regularity.
Medical Reviewed by Dr. Arzoo Chadha