Why Have My Periods Stopped at 40

Understanding Midlife Hormone Changes

If you've noticed your periods becoming irregular — or stopping altogether — in your early 40s, you might be feeling a bit confused, worried, or even slightly relieved.It's only natural to wonder: Is this normal? Is it menopause? Is something wrong?

Here are a few of the most common reasons your cycle might pause around this age — and when it’s time to seek support.

1. Perimenopause Might Be Starting Earlier Than Expected

Most women think of menopause as something that happens in their 50s — and that’s true for final menopause (the official end of periods). However,perimenopause, the transition leading up to menopause, can begin quietly in your late 30s or early 40s.

During perimenopause ovulation becomes less reliablebecause Progesterone starts to drop (causing shorter, lighter, or skipped periods) and Oestrogen levels swing up and down wildly.

All of this can lead to:

• Irregular cycles

• Missed periods

• Heavier or lighter bleeding

• Mood swings

• Sleep problems

• Hot flushes (even if you're still getting some periods)

  If your periods stop for a few months and then return, it may simply be part of a natural transition into perimenopause.

  
  

2. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

Sometimes the ovaries slow down earlier than expected — this is called Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), and it affects about 1 in 100 women under 40.

With POI:

• Periods stop (or become very light and irregular)

• Symptoms of low oestrogen show up early (hot flushes, vaginal dryness, mood shifts)

• Fertility may be affected

POI can happen for a variety of reasons (genetics, autoimmunity, environmental factors), but often there's no obvious cause. It’s important to diagnose POI early because low oestrogen over time can impact bone health, heart health, and emotional wellbeing.

3. Chronic Stress and Adrenal Burnout

If you've been under a lot of stress — emotional, physical, or both — your body may press the "pause" button on reproduction.

High cortisol levels from long-term stress can disrupt communication between the brain and ovaries which supresses ovulation and may delay or stop periods altogether

This is called hypothalamic amenorrhoea and is a survival response: your body decides it’s not the right time for pregnancy, so it puts reproductive functions on hold.

The good newsis that with rest, proper nourishment, and nervous system support such as adaptogenic herbs, periods often return naturally.

4. Thyroid Imbalances

Your thyroid is a little butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, it plays a huge role in regulating your menstrual cycle.

Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can cause missed periods, heavier or lighter bleeding and even changes in your cycle length. Other thyroid symptoms might include fatigue, weight changes, hair thining, and feeling cold or too hot,

A simple blood test called a thyroid panel (TSH, Free T4, Free T3, RT3, RT4) can check your thyroid health if your periods have stopped or changed significantly.

5. Nutritional Deficiencies and Over-Dieting

By your 40s, your body becomes especially sensitive to how well you're nourished.Strict dieting, under-eating, or missing key nutrients can send a message of scarcity to your body, causing it to shut down ovulation to conserve energy.

Nutritional factors that can impact your cycle include:

• Too little protein: Without enough protein, your body struggles to produce hormones like progesterone and oestrogen.

• Too little fibre: Fibre helps to clear old oestrogen through the gut. Low fibre = more hormonal imbalance.

• Low healthy fats: Fats are essential for hormone production. Very low-fat diets can disturb your menstrual cycle.

• Missing micronutrients: Especially iron, zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins, which are vital for hormone regulation.

  
  

• If you have been following a strict diet, skipping meals, cutting carbs drastically, or relying heavily on processed foods, your missing periods may be your body's way of asking for deeper nourishment. Skipping meals will also cause a rise in cortisol, which adds further stress on your body as described above.

  
  

6. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Although PCOS is often diagnosed earlier in life, it can emerge or become more noticeable in your 30s or 40s, especially if You've had subtle signs for years such as Insulin resistance or weight changes. Othetr signs might include acne, excess hair growth or thinning hair and ovualtion problems.

Midlife metabolic changes, along with stress and hormonal shifts, can make PCOS symptoms stand out more after 40.

7. Other Health Conditions

Less commonly, other issues can affect your periods around 40, such as:

• Significant weight changes (loss or gain)

• Medications (such as antidepressants or chemotherapy)

• Pituitary tumours (usually benign but can affect hormone regulation)

• Chronic illnesses (like diabetes, autoimmune conditions)

  
  

When Should You See a Practitioner?

If your period has been missing for three months or more — and you’re not pregnant —it’s always a good idea to book in with your GP or naturopath. If you're experiencing strong symptoms like night sweats, severe mood changes, or abnormal bleeding, it’s best to seek support sooner.

Simple blood tests can often provide answers, such as:

• Hormone levels (FSH, LH, Oestradiol)

• Thyroid function

• Blood sugar and insulin levels

• Ovarian reserve markers (like AMH, if needed)

Early information = empowerment.

The Bottom Line

If your periods have paused around 40, you are not broken — your body is communicating with you.It might be part of a natural shift into perimenopause, or it could be a signal that your body needs some extra nourishment and care.

Feeding yourself properly — with enough protein, fibre, healthy fats, and micronutrients — can often help rebalance your cycle naturally.

And if needed, there are many natural and medical options to guide you safely through this transition.

Remember:

Your 40s are not an ending — they’re a powerful new beginning.Your body is wise, even when the changes feel confusing. Trust it, nourish it, and reach out for the right support when you need it.

If you’re experiencing changes to your menstrual cycle or would like support navigating perimenopause naturally,

Book now

 today.