Two thirds of UK women are missing periods because of stress or poor diet

In fact, new research suggests that a striking majority of UK women are missing periods because of lifestyle factors – and there is a worrying lack of awareness about the implications of this.

According to the NHS, there are a number of reasons why your periods can stop, or you miss one or more periods. It can occur because of pregnancy, hormonal contraception, or sudden weight loss. But there are other factors that cause your periods to stop.

Amenorrhea is the little-known medical disorder where women miss one or more menstrual cycles due to poor health and nutrition. Restricting calories, stress, over-exercising, and not getting enough vitamins and minerals can contribute towards the condition.

New research commissioned by the UK’s National Cherry Association, Love Fresh Cherries has revealed that the health crisis is a growing concern, with two-thirds of British women (62%) experiencing a loss of periods for three months or more, and over half of British women (52%) missing a period at least once in their lifetime.

The survey revealed a huge lack of awareness about the condition among people who menstruate, with 39% never having heard of amenorrhea, and a further 10% believing it was either a sexually transmitted disease, an eating disorder, or a made up word.

As many as 48% of women polled were unable to correctly define a menstrual cycle, with 85% seeking greater education on women’s health, and menstruation cited as the number one subject that they would like more in-depth information about from a younger age.

Despite the recent social movement for more body positivity, the survey also found that UK women still experience social pressures to be a certain weight, with 57% admitting that their number one reason for exercising is for weight loss.

Some women (18%) even admitted to restricting their calories to 1,000 a day, half of what the NHS recommends.