My periods stopped, should I do a pregnancy test?

Yes. Pregnancy is the most common reason periods stop, so a test is a sensible first step before considering other causes.

Is it a problem if my periods never started?

Periods that haven't started by the expected age warrant review, as there are treatable causes. A specialist can assess this.

Absent Periods: Reasons & When to Review

Absent periods: reasons and when to see someone

An absent period (amenorrhoea) means periods have stopped, or have never started. There are several possible reasons.

The most common reason for periods stopping is pregnancy, so that's usually worth checking first. This page explains other causes and when to seek advice.

Key points

Pregnancy is the most common reason periods stop, worth checking first.
Other causes include hormonal, thyroid and weight-related factors.
Periods that have never started also warrant review.
A specialist can identify the reason and options.

Last reviewed 5 July 2026

Possible reasons

Absent periods can have a range of causes.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Hormonal conditions such as PCOS (also known as PMOS)
Thyroid problems and some other hormonal causes, such as raised prolactin
Significant weight change, intensive exercise, or stress
Perimenopause or menopause
Periods that have not started by the expected age

Diagnosis: what to expect

After excluding pregnancy, a specialist may arrange hormone and thyroid blood tests and a pelvic ultrasound, guided by your history.

When to see a specialist

If periods have stopped for several months (and pregnancy is excluded), or have never started by the expected age, it's worth seeking review.

Frequently asked questions

Sources & further reading

This page is structured around information from reputable Australian health bodies:

More plain-language reading from Dr Sivadas.

Menstrual & BleedingIrregular periods PCOSPCOS diagnosis PCOSSymptoms & management Adolescent GynaecologyPuberty: early & delayed

Written & medically reviewed by

Dr Priya Sivadas

FRANZCOG, CREI, MMed · Fertility and Gynaecology Specialist

Last reviewed: 5 July 2026

Read Dr Sivadas's profile

drpriyasivadas.com.au

Periods stopped or never started?

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Consulting locations

Parramatta

Monash IVF

Level 2, 1 Fennell Street
Parramatta NSW 2151

Bella Vista

Norwest Private Hospital

Suite 106, 11 Norbrik Drive
Bella Vista NSW 2153

Penrith

Somerset Specialist Centre

Level 3/38 Somerset St
Penrith NSW 2747