reasons why your cycle can be “off” - or completely missing!

Periods are an amazing reflection of how our body is doing - they are like our second brains! They can tell us how our hormones are doing to stress levels, nutrition, and even how much rest we’re getting. So, when your cycle is “off” — coming late, early, or even disappearing altogether — it’s often a sign that your body is asking for some attention. Let’s talk about some of the most common reasons your cycle might be funky and what you can do about it.

1. Under-Eating

We hear so much about “eating clean”, but sometimes, in trying to eat “perfectly,” we may actually be depriving our bodies of the nutrients it needs. When you’re not eating enough, your body goes into a conservation mode, saving energy for essential functions and sometimes leaving your menstrual cycle out of the equation. This isn’t about going overboard with food, but making sure you’re getting enough calories, especially from protein, fats, and nutrient-rich foods, so your body feels safe and supported.

Try this: Make sure your meals are balanced with protein, healthy fats, and carbs. If eating enough feels tricky, start by adding a bit more to each meal or snack — even something like a handful of nuts or half an avocado.

2. Over-Exercising

Movement is so good for us! But there’s a line where more isn’t always better. High-intensity workouts or exercising too often without enough recovery can lead to hormonal shifts, particularly with cortisol (our stress hormone). High cortisol can disrupt the production of your reproductive hormones, which might be why your cycle is showing up late or skipping a beat.

Try this: Listen to your body’s needs. If you feel exhausted after a workout or find yourself dreading it, it might be a sign to rest or go for something more gentle, like yoga or a walk.

3. Stress

Ah, stress — the cycle disruptor. Life can feel like a rollercoaster sometimes, and your hormones definitely feel the ups and downs. Stress impacts our cycles because, under stress, the body produces more cortisol to keep us “ready” to respond to whatever’s causing the tension. When cortisol rises, it can push down the production of reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to your cycle being way off schedule or just absent all together.

Try this: Start by giving yourself permission to slow down. Incorporating stress-relief activities like deep breathing, journaling, or even just taking 10 minutes to do something you enjoy can make a big difference.

4. Changes in Routine

If you’ve recently switched jobs, moved to a new city, or even just adjusted your sleep schedule, your body may need time to recalibrate. Hormones rely on routine, so even small changes can throw them off balance for a bit. Travel, changing work shifts, or a packed schedule can also cause temporary changes to your cycle. The good news? Your body usually adjusts in time.

Try this: As much as possible, try to keep some daily consistency, like sticking to regular meal times or winding down for bed at a set hour. These little routines help to re-establish rhythm for your body.

5. Underlying Conditions

Sometimes, it’s more than lifestyle factors, and underlying conditions can play a role. Conditions like PCOS, thyroid imbalances, or hypothalamic amenorrhea can impact your cycle in various ways. If you’re noticing prolonged irregularities, it might be worth exploring with your healthcare provider (or someone like myself) to see if something deeper could be causing the changes!

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER - All content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for advice and recommendations provided by your healthcare provider.