Missed Period?

A missed period is usually the most common sign of pregnancy. While there are many other signs, including regular nausea or “morning sickness,” a missed period is many times a woman’s first indicator.   However, a missed period can be a result of a number of factors. A missed period doesn’t necessarily mean you are pregnant. 

 The most common cause for a missed period is an irregular menstrual cycle. For those who are used to an irregular cycle, a missed period may not be a concern. This means that women with an irregular cycle should be aware of the other symptoms of pregnancy. Life Forward has resources for women who wonder if they may be pregnant. If you think you might be pregnant, visit Life Forward to take advantage of our many pregnancy resources. 

 Ultimately, missed periods are often caused by hormonal changes. These hormonal changes can be triggered by common causes like weight gain/loss or stress. If you use oral birth control pills, that may be a contributing factor to a missed period. Because most prescription birth control pills works by affecting hormone levels in the body, any irregularity with your birth control may ultimately lead to a missed period. Finally, another common cause of a missed period are thyroid issues. The thyroid controls the body’s metabolism by releasing hormones. If you have an overactive or underactive thyroid, these hormones may affect your menstrual cycle. 

While a missed period is not a definitive sign of pregnancy, it may be a good idea to get a pregnancy test. Pregnancy testing is one of the many services provided by Life Forward. If you think you may be pregnant or are pregnant, visit Life Forward and get the support you need.