Periods without actual flow, also known as phantom periods or phantom flow, have symptoms that are very similar to those of a normal periods except that there is no actual blood release. Phantom periods can occur due to a variety of reasons including stress and endometriosis.
You're experiencing something common called anovulation.
Women typically ovulate each month, but when anovulation occurs, the ovaries do not release an egg. Meaning, you'll still feel like you have your period, but you won't actually be ovulating or experience bleeding.
Because menstruation = blood, it's extremely rare to have a period without blood. One way you might not see period blood is if your hymen is still intact, Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, family physician at One Medical, says. This is called an imperforate hymen, and can be remedied with a simple procedure.
What Causes Cramps with No Period? Lots of women get pelvic pain and cramping, but your period isn't always to blame. Cysts, constipation, pregnancy -- even cancer -- can make it feel like your monthly visitor is about to stop by.
Menstrual irregularities, such as missed or late periods, occur in 14–25% of women of childbearing age. They can result from a range of conditions besides pregnancy, including hormonal imbalances, hormonal birth control, stress, weight loss, trauma, and certain health conditions.
If your period is very late, or you've skipped your period, and you get a negative result, you are unlikely to be pregnant. If you are testing before the date of your expected period, you may be pregnant but your hCG levels are too low for the test to detect.
The symptoms of phantom periods include abdominal cramps, fatigue, tenderness in the breasts, mood swings, bloating, and overall discomfort.
However, healthy cycles typically range from 21 to 35 days (three to five weeks). Unless a medical condition causes irregular cycles, most women probably have at least a rough idea of when to expect their next period. A period is considered late if it has not started within seven days (one week) of when it is expected.
If your period feels stuck or doesn't seem to be coming out, it could be due to hormonal changes or from some type of obstruction. If your period feels unusual or different than normal, it's best to contact a gynecologist for an evaluation.
Most people notice spotting as a few drops of blood on their underwear or toilet paper when wiping. In most cases, spotting should not cause concern. Often, hormonal changes due to birth control, pregnancy, or menopause can trigger it.
There are lots of conditions that can contribute to cramping but no period, outside of the period cycle—stress, hormonal imbalances, and even pregnancy can be culprits.
If the stress is short-lived, you may miss a period or be a few days late. However, if the stress is chronic, more erratic or absent menstruation can occur. Extreme weight changes and physical activity are also common culprits of a delayed cycle.
It's completely normal for menstrual cycles to vary slightly from month to month, but if you've noticed unusual changes right around the time you had COVID-19 or the vaccination or booster shots that help prevent it, it's not all in your head.
The most common time to have a first appointment is around eight weeks gestation or about a month after that first missed period and positive pregnancy test. That said, many pregnant people should be seen earlier than that.
At the beginning and the end, your period could look more like discolored discharge ranging from pink to brown than the very red blood that you see on the heavier days of bleeding. Mark your first day on the day you see this color change and the last day according to this same description.
Delayed or halted periods are not recognized as a symptom of endometriosis but a way to regulate the overall period irregularity and pain is with contraceptives. Contraception could also mean that you may not get periods altogether to help alleviate the pain.
Top things to know about why your period might be late:
If you've had unprotected sex and your period is 10 or more days late, you should take a pregnancy test and talk to a healthcare provider regardless of the result. Speak to a healthcare provider if you haven't had a period for more than 90 days.
Symptoms of early pregnancy include missed periods, nausea and vomiting, breast changes, tiredness and frequent urination. Many of these symptoms can also be caused by other factors such as stress or illness. If you suspect you may be pregnant, see your doctor.
Cramps and white discharge without a period can sometimes be a sign of pregnancy. Other possible causes include pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, and an infection. Vaginal discharge is normal, and it typically changes texture and color throughout the menstrual cycle.
Healthy cardio and workout routines can help lighten your period. Exercising also alleviates cramps and bloating because it pumps you up with happy chemicals and lessens water retention. Working out may also reduce the length of your period because stronger muscles help your cycle function faster.