Periods - you hate them when they're there but when they're late it can be the worst thing in the world. So what is a missed period all about and is it really all that bad? That depends. Some girls' periods arrive like clockwork. Others get theirs at different times each month, so before you have a stress attack it is best to give it some time. Read on for a few different reasons why your period might have been delayed.

Stress

Did you just move to a new city and the new school or work environment is freaking you out? Have you just been through an emotional break up? Are you sitting your exams with all the worries and stress that go along with them? All these things, and many more, can cause you major stress. And if that wasn't enough, the stress can sometimes make you miss your period adding on to the stress even more.

Stress makes your body all weird and can do some super strange things to you. It can even stop the chemical that regulates your period (GnRH) from being made by your bod. A good test to see if you stress levels are high is to answer the following questions:

• Are you sleeping properly at night?
• Do you tend to overeat at meal times, or are you too busy to feel hungry?
• Are you getting irritated at the little probs life can throw your way?
• Do you feel disorganised or like everything is happening too fast?
• Are you feeling like you are unable to cope?

If you answered ‘yes’ to most of the above questions you may be having more than just a bad day! So schedule some time to chill out a lil so your body can get back to normal – and so can your periods!

Illness causing missed periods

If you get sick really quickly with flu, fever or stomach bug, there is a good chance that it could cause you to miss your period. When you go see the doctor about being crook, mention that your monthly visitor hasn’t come yet and see if your sickness could be causing that. Yes it can feel a bit funny talking about your period with your doctor, but remember they talk about health stuff all day ☺ Chatting about a missed period is not going to worry them nearly as much as it’s worrying you!

Weight loss or Weight gain causing a missed period

Even though eating healthy and exercise is really great for your health, taking it too far could impact your period. Too much exercise and not eating enough food each day can cause your body to lose fat way too quickly and scare it into not having a period for the month. Likewise if you have been getting over that break up by consoling yourself with a tub of cookies and cream ice-cream and your body can’t deal with all the excess calories you could also miss your period. Anorexia and Bulimia are common eating conditions and they can really tear your body apart, if an eating disorder hits, one of the first systems to shut down can be menstruation cycle. Eating disorders are very serious. If you suspect you or someone you know might be suffering from an eating disorder, make sure you talk to someone you trust. You only get one body for your whole life, so be sure to treat it nicely.

Other reasons for missing your period

If you have been clocking up some serious flying hours to all parts of the world (you jet setter, you!) your internal sleep timer/body clock can get all confused and cause you to miss your period. Changing some medications (like moving from one kind of contraceptive pill to another) can also make you miss a month or so until your body gets used to the new meds. Older women who are going through menopause will start to get missed periods; this might happen to your mum or gran. If you are a young girl and your periods have just started they might come at weird times of the month, don’t worry this is natural and your body will soon adjust. If you have missed your period and none of the things above apply to you it’s best to see your doctor (yeah we know, we said it already!) as there may be something serious going on!

The advice provided in this material is general in nature and is not intended as medical advice. If you need medical advice, please consult your health care professional.