You’re eating healthy, lifting heavy, running long, and smashing every goal on your wellness tracker. But when your period doesn’t show up again, you wonder if something’s off. You are not alone. More and more young women are discovering that in their quest for a more svelte physique, they may be sabotaging their hormonal balance. “Rapid weight loss or gain can interfere with ovulation,” says Dr Ido Sirota, senior gynaecologist and medical director of the Sirota Center for Minimally Invasive Gynaecologic Surgery and Robotics in Tel Aviv, Israel. “Extreme dieting and excessive exercise are common disruptors.”

That disruption can be so severe that it causes your period to vanish altogether. This condition is hypothalamic amenorrhea, where the hypothalamus, the brain’s command centre for hormones, essentially shuts down your reproductive system to conserve energy. “Lack of sleep, excessive exercise, and extreme dieting can throw your cycle off balance,” adds Sirota.

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It’s tempting to see missed periods as a trivial side effect of your hustle. But a disappearing cycle is never just about periods—it’s a window into your body’s hormonal ecosystem and how well it’s coping. According to Sirota, stress is a major player in disrupting your hormonal balance. “Stress triggers an increase in cortisol, which can interfere with the hormones that regulate ovulation,” he explains. And it doesn’t take a trauma to set things off. Work deadlines, exams, heartbreak, even too many late nights, can cumulatively throw your system into disarray.

Today’s fitspo culture has also added fuel to the fire. Your body might look toned but internally, it’s in crisis mode. A typical menstrual cycle lasts between 21 and 35 days, with most women falling near the 28-day mark. But when your period skips entire months or shows up unpredictably, it could signal deeper issues. “The prevalence of menstrual irregularities ranges from five per cent to 35 per cent worldwide,” notes Sirota.

Calorie-cutting trends like intermittent fasting, juice cleanses, and aggressive macro tracking are popularised as health-conscious behaviours. But taken too far, they can strip the body of vital nutrients and energy. Add in twice-daily HIIT sessions or intensive marathon prep, and the result is a perfect storm for hormonal chaos.

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And it’s not just weight loss that leads to this problem. Gaining weight too quickly, particularly body fat, can also disrupt ovulation. Sirota warns that both ends of the spectrum can wreak havoc on the cycle. However, an irregular period can also be the first sign of something more serious. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects up to one in 10 women globally, with 70 per cent going undiagnosed. “PCOS happens because of an imbalance in androgens (male hormones that females also produce) which can prevent ovulation from occurring regularly,” says Sirota.

Acne, weight gain, lethargy, excess body hair and fertility struggles are other common symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms in addition to irregular periods, it may be worth getting screened, which typically involves blood tests and ultrasound scans.

Thyroid disorders are another culprit. An underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid can interfere with hormone regulation. Warning signs include fatigue, hair loss, unexplained weight changes and sensitivity to cold or heat. Left untreated, thyroid problems can cause periods to become irregular or disappear entirely.

And while it’s rare, perimenopause—the transitional period leading up to menopause when the body’s production of estrogen starts to taper off—can begin earlier than expected, sometimes in a woman’s early 30s or late 20s. “Irregular cycles, hot flashes and mood swings could be early signs of declining estrogen levels,” notes Sirota. “If you’ve gone three months or more without a period (and you’re not pregnant), or your cycle is consistently shorter than 21 days or longer than 35, it’s time to see a doctor.” Also pay attention to sudden changes in weight, energy levels, hair growth, or periods that are unusually heavy, painful or prolonged.

The good news is some of these issues are reversible, especially when they are linked to lifestyle. “Reduce stress, eat a balanced diet with enough healthy fats and protein, and avoid over-exercising,” he advises. “Iron, vitamin D and magnesium can support hormonal health.” Getting enough sleep—at least seven to nine hours a night—is also key, as your hormones rely on rest to recalibrate.

Apps that track your menstrual cycle can help identify patterns and flag unusual shifts. But tech isn’t a substitute for a healthcare professional: Your doctor can recommend targeted medication or therapies to stabilise your hormones and restore ovulation.

At the end of the day, your period isn’t just a monthly inconvenience—it’s a vital indicator of health. “If your cycle is driving you crazy, listen to your body—it might be trying to tell you something important,” says Sirota. And sometimes, the strongest thing you can do for your body isn’t to push harder, but to pull back. Strength isn’t just measured in squats or macros—it’s also measured in balance.