Other than pregnancy.
Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can cause a disruption in the hypothalamus, the region of the brain that regulates the menstrual cycle. Women who live with high stress can have a higher risk of irregular periods, states Healthline.
Tough physical routines, specifically among athletes, or those who suddenly increase their workouts, can lead to hypothalamic amenorrhea, a condition where periods stop due to low energy availability. Female with sports activities can experience irregular or stopped periods, suggests Medical News Today.
Both rapid weight loss and weight gain affect oestrogen and progesterone levels, leading to irregular periods or missed periods. Women with BMI fluctuation have a 10 per cent risk of irregular periods, says Mayo Clinic.
Ovulation failure because of hormonal imbalancing, can cause higher levels of androgen, leading to disturbances in the menstrual cycle or missed periods, states the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism both can affect metabolism, bring on hormone imbalancing and irregular cycles. Thyroid’s dysfunction leads to irregular periods in 30 per cent women, reports the American Thyroid Association.
Hormonal contraceptives, including pills, IUDs, injections, and hormonal implants, can making menstrual cycles irregular. So can medications like antidepressants, steroids, and chemotherapy drugs, even stopping periods, states WebMD.
Some metabolic disorders -- diabetes, celiac disease, and autoimmune disorders -- can lead to hormonal imbalances that affect menstrual cycles. Women with uncontrolled glucose levels may have disturbed cycles, reports Cleveland Clinic.
Women of reproductive age, maybe only in their 30s and 40s, may face hormonal fluctuations as they get closer to menopause, resulting in irregular or missed periods. Premenopausal conditions can lead to periods ending 10 years earlier, states WebMD.