4 Reasons You May Have Lost Your Period + How To Get It Back

An abnormal loss of menstruation is what medicine refers to as amenorrhea, and there are a few reasons this can happen. If you have just come off of birth control and are wondering where the heck your period is, let's break down the different types of amenorrhea and some tips for getting your period back stat.    

If you're a woman who has come off of birth control and lost your period, it's important to work with a doctor to get proper lab testing to ensure there isn't another reason for your amenorrhea. Secondary amenorrhea, which is defined by the loss of a regular period for three or more months or the loss of an irregular period for six or more months, can be due to functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, hyperprolactinemia, primary ovarian insufficiency, or chronic conditions.

Among its havoc, the pill depletes nutrients, raises inflammation, disrupts your stress response, affects thyroid hormones, can lead to insulin resistance, and may disturb your gut health. All of these things can affect your post-pill period (or lack thereof). Here are some of the factors I consider when working with a woman to get her period back:

Thyroid disease is a well-recognized cause of amenorrhea. In fact, thyroid disorders are linked to anovulatory cycles (lack of ovulation), missing periods, and even pregnancy loss.

I also see missing periods with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects up to 5 million American women every year3. In fact, this is one of the most common causes of irregular or missing periods.

The Endocrine Society guidelines4 clearly advocate against the use of the pill in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea solely to restore a period or even improve bone mass. They also recommend educating patients who are currently using the pill that it may mask these issues.

If you're worried that your period has gone missing for too long, it's time to go searching for it. You can start doing these eight things right now to help restore your menstrual cycle:

If you've been off the pill for three months or more, and your period is nowhere in sight, talk with your health care practitioner about ordering the following tests:

Balancing hormones and restoring your menstrual cycle starts with what goes on the end of your fork. Whole foods—including the best sources of healthy fats and protein like wild-caught salmon—nourish your body and stabilize your blood sugar. Fill at least half your plate with fiber-rich vegetables. Aim for at least six to nine servings of vegetables per day. (If this sounds like a lot, start slow by adding one serving daily and increase each week.)

Many of my patients track their periods (or lack thereof) and any associated problems or symptoms, which can help your health care professional better understand the overall picture of what's going on with your missing period. For Amanda, we got her going journaling her headaches, acne, energy, and the other symptoms she was experiencing.

Talk to your doctor about your current routine, along with what you're eating to meet your body's needs. It's important to understand how your exercise regimen may be affecting your hormones and your health.

Your liver is a huge player in hormonal health. Its job is to process both the hormones you make and the ones you take (like the pill) so they can be eliminated from the body. Liver-loving foods include beets, cruciferous vegetables, garlic, turmeric, and green tea. Your liver is amazing at naturally processing your hormones and the synthetic ones in birth control, but it does require the proper nutrients to do its job well.

When you're trying to recover a missing period, you want to support your body's circadian rhythm. Sleep quantity and quality are vital. To reset your circadian rhythm, create relaxing bedtime rituals. They might include sipping herbal tea, taking a bath, doing some light reading, stretching, or meditating. Sleep in a completely dark room, and avoid all light-emitting electronics (TV, computer, cellphone) for two hours before bed.

When it comes to things high on the period-stopping list, feeling constantly stressed ranks high. Both emotional stress and stress from illness are well recognized in their ability to make a period disappear. If this is your issue, managing stress can help you recover your missing period and optimize hormones. How you manage stress depends on what works for you. I love sharing a variety of practices with my patients like meditation, prayer, float tanks, acupuncture, massage, and even getting a mani-pedi to help you chill and master your stress response.

But a heads-up: PCOS, PBCS, hypothyroidism, and the loss of your period can be a lot to navigate on your own. I recommend working with a naturopathic or functional medicine practitioner to help you understand the specific needs of your body and help you create an individualized plan for healing.