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6 reasons for missing periods while on birth control

6 reasons for missing periods while on birth control

Many women resort to birth control pills to control their pregnancy chances and timings. Some women may experience withdrawal bleeding or spotting. However, in some cases, a lapse in monthly menstruation can occur while consistently using oral contraceptives (OCPs). There are many reasons for this to happen. Fret not! Read on to find out the various factors that could be the cause of missing your period while on birth control pills.

Eating habits
Drastic changes in the amount and type of food being consumed can be one of the reasons for missing your periods while on birth control. Changes in eating habits and patterns can cause significant changes in the levels and functions of your hormones, subsequently leading to changes in the menstrual cycle. The hormonal imbalance and changes in ovulation may lead to missed or delayed periods while on birth control.

Stress
Stress is among the more common causative factors of absent periods. It can also lead to longer or shorter cycles. Studies suggest these changes can be attributed to excessive cortisol secretion in the body. The extra cortisol produced due to stress causes shorter or missed periods that can happen even when on birth control. Regulating missed periods because of stress includes practicing stress-relieving techniques such as meditation, stretching, breathing exercises, and yoga.

Exercise
Anything in excess can have side effects, including excessive exercising. Studies suggest that amenorrhea is a common symptom of an overworked body. This is not true just for people who practice strength training. Gymnasts, dancers, sports enthusiasts, and bodybuilders also experience missed period cycles. One of the reasons that lead to this outcome could be the caloric imbalance. It can be corrected or reversed by laying off intense training for hours each day and compromising on a more balanced workout routine.

Underlying health concerns
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is among the common health concerns leading to missed periods. It is an endocrine disorder in which the ovaries produce a high amount of androgens. Hypothyroidism can also be a possible cause of missing your period while on birth control. The hormonal changes associated with either of these conditions can lead to changes in the lining of the uterus, resulting in abnormal menstrual cycles.

Types of birth control
There are various birth control options available in the market. These include oral contraceptives, injectable contraceptives, physical barriers, and internal devices like the Intra-Uterine Devices or IUDs. Among these, oral contraceptives are some of the most common choices. However, these are further divided based on their action, the number of days they have to be administered, and more. OCPs like Yaz, Seasonique, Seasonale, and more have to be taken for three months, followed by a week of placebo. This can result in 3 months of missed periods while on birth control.

Pregnancy
There is a slight chance that you might be pregnant despite the use of OCPs. The chances of this happening are rare when you are on the pill, but they aren’t non-existent. Missed OCPs can contribute to the increase in the risk of pregnancy.

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