Is there a time when you should worry about missing your period? "The most common reason for missing a period is still pregnancy," said Dr. Stephanie Long, MD, with One Medical. "If you miss a period, and you've been sexually active in a way that could get you pregnant, it's a good thought to take a pregnancy test. We want to make sure we are diagnosing pregnancy early."
But what if you're not pregnant — or you're not even sexually active? Aside from pregnancy, there are some other reasons that could cause you to miss a period, primarily related to hormones, medications, and weight. Here are signs to look for — and if you fall into any of these three categories, definitely schedule an appointment with your doctor:
Dr. Long reiterated that if there's a chance you could be pregnant, the earlier you take the pregnancy test, the better. If you're sexually active and you've skipped a period, "Take a pregnancy test the first month that it's missed," she said. And good rule of thumb? Build a relationship with your doctor. Keep your visits regular so you can stay on top of all aspects of your health, periods included.