Every woman knows the impending doom of “that time of the month”—the dreaded cramps, fatigue, and malaise that just won’t be wished away.
The only thing worse? When you have all the mental and physical indicators that your period is en route, but it fails to show up. That’s right—dates aren’t the only things that can ghost out of nowhere. Periods can, too.
“Ghost period” is a term describing the phenomenon of experiencing all the usual period symptoms like uterine cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, cravings, and mood changes without any vaginal bleeding. In other words, Aunt Flo without any actual flow. WTF?!
Emily Hu, MD, MSCP is well-versed in this phantom menace and offers a few reasons why they can occur.
Here are some common causes of a ghost period:
- Lack of ovulation
- Pregnancy
- Hysterectomy with ovarian preservation
- Effects of hormonal medications such as an IUD or birth control
- Perimenopausal hormonal changes
“Erratic levels of hormones (estradiol and progesterone) or an imbalance can cause a lack of ovulation. As a result, the shedding of the uterine lining (the period) does not occur,” she explains.
Stress is another factor widely considered to stimulate ghost periods, as it can disrupt the menstrual cycle and cause delayed or missed periods.
Ghostbusters.
So, what should you do if you’re experiencing ghost periods? “First,” Emily says, “if there is any chance of pregnancy, then please take a pregnancy test!” If you’re not with child and you’re experiencing ghost periods, she recommends asking the professionals for help. “Reaching out to your provider is always a good first step to help figure out the cause of a ghost period.” You might have an underlying condition like endometriosis or PCOS, and it’s best to get a doctor’s diagnosis to confirm or rule it out.
Ghost periods can be unnerving, but don’t let them trigger panic or an anxiety spiral. While you shouldn’t obsess, you should take note of them and be vigilant. “Missing a period is not uncommon, but if it happens over several cycles, then definitely reach out to your provider,” Emily advises. “Keeping a journal of your symptoms and their frequency can help you track any abnormalities. And it’s helpful information to give to your healthcare provider.”
If you have an inkling that stress is the culprit or at least part of the problem, try creating a daily routine to engage in mindfulness practices in addition to consulting a medical professional. Try meditation, yoga, or breathwork to reduce external stress and create a sense of inner calm.
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