You might be experiencing a ‘phantom period’ without realising - one doctor explains why women get them

If you have a menstrual cycle, chances are you've had a period be late at some time in your life, or it just doesn't appear at all.

Women have been sharing their experience of so-called 'phantom periods', where you get all the pain, cramping and discomfort but no physical sign anything is happening.

What is going on, and when should you be worried about it?

Dr Susanna Unsworth is a women’s health expert for Intimina, the women’s intimate health brand.

Speaking exclusively to Tyla, she explained what a 'phantom period' is and when you should have concerns.

She stressed that despite the popularity online, 'phantom periods' aren't 'a recognised medical diagnosis.'

Dr Unsworth added: "It is a media term used to describe experiencing symptoms commonly associated with a period, such as pelvic cramping, bloating, breast tenderness and mood changes, without any menstrual bleeding."

She tried to reassure any of us who have experienced the phenomenon, saying it's more common than you probably think, and that the time where you bleed is 'only one part of the menstrual cycle.'

'Phantom periods' can be a worry, but one medical expert has tried to put our minds at ease (Getty Stock)

"Throughout the month, hormone levels fluctuate significantly, influencing many different parts of the body, including the brain, breasts, digestive system, muscles and uterus," the expert explained.

"It is these hormonal changes that are responsible for many of the symptoms people associate with an impending period. Following ovulation, hormone levels continue to change; if pregnancy does not occur, menstruation normally follows. However, there are situations where ovulation or hormone production is altered, or menstruation is suppressed, meaning someone may experience familiar cyclical symptoms without a menstrual bleed," she added.

Just because you don't bleed, doesn't mean it wasn't real, she advised: "The symptoms themselves are genuine and reflect hormonal changes occurring within the body, even if menstruation does not follow."

Experiencing cramps with no bleeding can be a concern (Getty Stock)

What causes a phantom period?

Dr Unsworth stressed there is 'no single explanation for why someone may experience cyclical symptoms without menstruation.'

She said some people find ovulation can cause cramping or bloating, which might make you think your period is about to start.

The expert said "Hormonal contraception may reduce or stop menstrual bleeding altogether while cyclical hormonal symptoms may continue."

Then there's the good old menopause, a time that Dr Unsworth says you'll see things change, as 'ovulation becomes less predictable, resulting in fluctuating hormone levels and occasional cycles without menstruation.'

We all know that stress is bad for you, but it can mess around with your cycle too, as can 'significant changes in weight or exercise, thyroid disorders, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, formerly known as PCOS), endometriosis and early pregnancy,' says the doctor.

What can you do about it? "Keeping a symptom diary can be helpful, particularly if symptoms occur repeatedly, as this may identify a cyclical pattern and help distinguish symptoms occurring around ovulation from those that would normally precede menstruation," she advises.

Hormonal contraception can also mess up your cycle, while some women experience cramps around ovulation (Getty Stock)

When do phantom periods become a cause for concern?

The majority of times, these phantom periods are explained by the reasons above or by hormonal fluctuations, assures the doctor.

However, Dr Unsworth stressed that the 'absence of expected menstruation should always prompt consideration of the underlying cause.'

The first check is to ensure you're not expecting: "Pregnancy should be excluded first if there is any possibility of conception, particularly if pelvic pain is present, as it is important not to miss an ectopic pregnancy."

The doctor continued: "Persistent or recurrent symptoms, repeated absence of menstruation, or any other concerning symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional."

That also applies to anyone who is experiencing cyclical symptoms but has 'never had a menstrual period', with the expert advising: "Although uncommon, this may indicate an anatomical abnormality of the reproductive tract or another underlying condition that requires investigation."

Ruling out pregnancy is an important first step, says the doctor (Getty stock)

For patients with PMOS, the doctor warns that 'prolonged infrequent or absent periods can increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and, over time, endometrial cancer if the womb lining is not shed regularly.'

If 'significant weight loss, excessive exercise or chronic stress' is the cause, this can also indicate reduced oestrogen production which the doctor warns can impact 'bone health and cardiovascular health.'

It can also be a sign of early menopause.

One of the most important things is to try and seek an early diagnosis in order to minimise risk.

Dr Unsworth stressed the most important message: it's not about the label, but the symptoms.

"Rather than focusing on the label 'phantom period', it is more important to understand why menstruation has not occurred. While there is often a straightforward physiological explanation, it is important to identify the underlying cause so that any condition requiring treatment or ongoing monitoring is recognised appropriately," she concluded.