*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature M: MRSA.

Missed Or Late Periods

Late or missed periods can be caused by many things. Most of the time it's nothing to worry about but see a doctor about them just in case.

Causes of missed or late periods

Many women will have missed or late periods at some time. Missed or late periods can affect anyone who has periods.

Common causes of a missed or late period include:

Sometimes the gap between your periods may just vary each time. Your periods might come early or late. This is known as having irregular periods.

Periods can also sometimes stop as a result of a medical condition, such as heart disease, diabetes or an overactive thyroid.

you've missed your period 3 times in a row
your periods have not started by the time you're 16
you've missed your period and have other symptoms like weight gain or weight loss, tiredness, hair growth on your face and dry or oily skin

Treatment for late or missed period depends on what is causing it.

A GP may refer you to a specialist (gynaecologist or endocrinologist) if you need tests or scans to find out what's causing you to miss your periods.

Examples of treatments include:

the combined contraceptive pill to help make your periods more regular if you have a condition like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if you are starting menopause (perimenopause)

A GP can also provide advice or therapy to help you reduce stress and help you to maintain a healthy weight.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature M: MRSA. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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