And suddenly your period stops - is that a cause for concern or is it completely normal? The absence of a period, which is also known in technical terms as amenorrhea, can have a variety of causes. The same is true for an irregular cycle. Since these can be harmless but also worrying causes, it is important to get to the bottom of the matter.

Amenorrhea describes the absence of menstruation. A distinction is made between primary and secondary amenorrhea. primary amenorrhea is spoken when the Bleeding with a data subject has not yet taken place by the 16th birthday. In most cases, this is a congenital cause. secondary amenorrhea describes the Absence of period that lasts longer than three months.

The absence of bleeding can be due to natural causes, but physiological and psychological factors can also have a major impact on the regularity of periods. Natural causes that lead to the absence of periods include pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause.

There are a whole range of physical causes that can lead to the absence of menstruation. Diet, for example, has a particularly large influence on periods, but so do weight fluctuations that can potentially accompany them. Being overweight, but also underweight, can disrupt the regularity of the cycle. Sudden changes in diet, especially those that accompany a restrictive diet, can lead to the absence of periods. People who suffer from eating disorders are also often affected by amenorrhea.

Apart from diet and possible weight fluctuations, diseases such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can also lead to the absence of a period.

Yes, the absence of a period can be really stressful! Often, thoughts like "Am I pregnant?", "But I used contraception!" or "I hope I don't have a serious illness!" run through the minds of those affected. But first of all, it is important to note that stress can also be a reason for the absence of bleeding. That is why it is particularly unfortunate if those affected then stress out about the fact that their period is missing. Even if it is easier said than done, it is particularly important to remain calm in such a situation in order to then find the reason for the absence of a period.

It can be particularly helpful if you use various relaxation techniques such as yoga, progressive muscle relaxation and meditation. If you find relaxation through sport, it is advisable to ensure that you do not do it too excessively, as high-performance sport in particular can encourage amenorrhea. Otherwise, you can also have your symptoms checked out by a doctor.

A particularly reliable way to keep an eye on your cycle and any fluctuations is to use a cycle calendar. This way, you are always prepared for the big question mark in your head that arises when the gynecologist asks you: “When was your last period?”