Why Not Having a Cycle is a Red Flag
For many women, the menstrual cycle is something we’ve been taught to tolerate, hide or dread. We’re told it’s messy, inconvenient or only important if we’re trying to get pregnant. But what we haven’t been taught, which is an essential for understanding our health, is how our cycles are about so much more than fertility.
It’s a vital sign of our overall health and well-being.
When your cycle goes missing beyond natural reasons like pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause - it’s not something to ignore. It’s actually your body waving a red flag! 🚩 Think of your cycle as a “monthly report card” from your body. It reflects how your brain, ovaries, thyroid, adrenal glands and metabolic health are working together. And when everything is in sync, your cycle shows up regularly. But when it disappears, it often signals that something deeper is out of balance.
Skipping periods may feel like a relief in the short term, but in reality, it’s your body’s way of communicating a deeper need and saying: “I can’t maintain balance right now, I need more care and I can’t keep running at this pace.”
No cycle can mean disrupted levels of estrogen and progesterone - two hormones that do far more than regulate reproduction. Research also shows that chronic hormonal imbalances, especially in midlife, increase the risk of stress overload, anxiety and burnout. In other words, losing your cycle isn’t just about missing a period - it’s about your energy, mood, vitality, longevity, mental health and more!
It’s important to note - women without regular cycles (and therefore lower estrogen exposure) are at greater risk for things like:
Osteoporosis, which weakens bones and increases fracture risk with age.
Cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for women
So this isn’t just about present day health - but our longevity too. Experts call the menstrual cycle the “fifth vital sign,” right alongside heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and breathing rate. Why? Because it’s one of the clearest markers of your body’s resilience, vitality and long-term health.
Remember - your cycle is a mirror of your health. If it goes missing, don’t brush it off. Get curious. Seek guidance. Take action. And if you’re speaking to practitioners that aren’t guiding you towards understanding it’s imperative function in your longevity - it’s time to connect with a new care team and a health coach to guide you towards inside out wellness and restoration!