I can see why you are confused...missing two periods in-a-row, while taking hormonal contraception and confirming that you are not pregnant with two pregnancy tests would be frustrating.
When women miss three or more periods in-a-row, this is called amenorrhea. You are not technically at this point, but some of the information still applies.
What causes missed periods?
Most commonly, it is pregnancy. But in non-pregnant women, it can result in a variety of factors, including an existing medical condition, lifestyle, emotional distress, hormonal irregularity, or medication (including birth control pills).
You mentioned that your periods are very regular, and I am wondering if you have been taking your birth control pills regularly, too? Even missing a few pills can cause a slight change in your menstrual cycle, to where you experience some brown discharge in-between periods ("breakthrough bleeding"), but there are no long-term harmful effects from this.
Please know--many women miss a period or two, and this is common and can be normal. There are some medical conditions that may cause missed periods, and it would be recommended for you to call your doctor and have these ruled out. However...some doctors may not need to see you until you've missed three or more periods (missing periods really is that common!), but if you are really concerned with missed periods plus your symptoms (you did not describe any troublesome symptoms, such as pain or heavy bleeding), then you can ask for an appointment.
Other causes of amenorrhea (remember...you do not have this, but some causes are the same for a few missed periods also):
* Dramatic weight loss, particularly from drastic diets, eating disorders including anorexia and bulimia , or excessive exercise
* Dramatic weight gain or morbid obesity
* Medical conditions including polycystic ovary syndrome
* Psychological stress—can lead to a hormonal imbalance sufficient to cause amenorrhea.
* Medications—some antidepressants, chemotherapeutics, corticosteroids, certain contraceptives.
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I can see why you are confused...missing two periods in-a-row, while taking hormonal contraception and confirming that you are not pregnant with two pregnancy tests would be frustrating.
When women miss three or more periods in-a-row, this is called amenorrhea. You are not technically at this point, but some of the information still applies.
What causes missed periods?
Most commonly, it is pregnancy. But in non-pregnant women, it can result in a variety of factors, including an existing medical condition, lifestyle, emotional distress, hormonal irregularity, or medication (including birth control pills).
You mentioned that your periods are very regular, and I am wondering if you have been taking your birth control pills regularly, too? Even missing a few pills can cause a slight change in your menstrual cycle, to where you experience some brown discharge in-between periods ("breakthrough bleeding"), but there are no long-term harmful effects from this.
Please know--many women miss a period or two, and this is common and can be normal. There are some medical conditions that may cause missed periods, and it would be recommended for you to call your doctor and have these ruled out. However...some doctors may not need to see you until you've missed three or more periods (missing periods really is that common!), but if you are really concerned with missed periods plus your symptoms (you did not describe any troublesome symptoms, such as pain or heavy bleeding), then you can ask for an appointment.
Other causes of amenorrhea (remember...you do not have this, but some causes are the same for a few missed periods also):
* Dramatic weight loss, particularly from drastic diets, eating disorders including anorexia and bulimia , or excessive exercise
* Dramatic weight gain or morbid obesity
* Medical conditions including polycystic ovary syndrome
* Psychological stress—can lead to a hormonal imbalance sufficient to cause amenorrhea.
* Medications—some antidepressants, chemotherapeutics, corticosteroids, certain contraceptives.
Does this help?
November 19, 2009 - 1:52pmThis Comment
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