The short explanation
Early menopause is one possibility, but it is not the most common reason for periods to stop at 29. More frequent causes include PCOS, thyroid problems, a raised level of the hormone prolactin, stress, weight change and recently stopping hormonal contraception. Once pregnancy is ruled out, six months without a period is a clear reason for a medical check-up. Periods stopping before 40 because the ovaries are no longer working normally is called premature ovarian insufficiency. It is less common, but it matters because it can affect fertility and bone and heart health, and treatment is usually recommended. Blood tests can help tell these causes apart.
What depends on your situation
The parts of this that change from woman to woman. Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.
- The doctor will likely ask about hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, milky discharge from the nipples, headaches, changes in hair or skin, and any family history of early menopause.
- Common tests include a pregnancy test, thyroid function, prolactin and hormones that reflect ovarian function, sometimes repeated, and possibly a pelvic ultrasound.
- If you hope to have children, mention it early so your doctor can plan with that in mind.
What this answer cannot determine
The boundary of online education. These need a clinician who can see you.
- This answer cannot tell why your periods have stopped. That needs blood tests and an examination by a doctor.
Questions for your clinician
Take these with you. You can add any of them to an appointment card.
- What tests will help find out why my periods stopped?
- Could this be premature ovarian insufficiency?
- Does this affect my chances of getting pregnant?
- Do I need treatment to protect my bones while we find the cause?
When to seek help
Clinician-approved guidance for this topic. When in doubt, being seen is never the wrong choice.
Book an appointment soon
- See a doctor within a few days if you have severe headaches or changes in your vision along with the missed periods.
Raise it at a routine appointment
- Book an appointment soon if your periods have stopped for three months or more and you are not pregnant.
Sources
The evidence this explanation is built on.
Who wrote and reviewed this
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- Author
- AskHer Editorial (AI-assisted draft) AskHer's editorial team — not an individual clinician Works in English, தமிழ், हिन्दी
- Clinical reviewer
- Nobody yet No clinician has signed this answer off, and no person on the editorial team has read it yet. That is what the “Written with AI assistance” label means. It is queued for an editor to read, and then for a clinician who works in this area. The sources it was drafted against are listed above.
- Review status
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- Last reviewed
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- Version
- 1
Correction history
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