What causes a phantom period?

Pregnancy and menopause can be causes of a phantom period, according to What to Expect and Menopause A to Z, respectively. A phantom period is when a woman experiences the symptoms of a period with no actual bleeding.

A phantom period can be characterized by bloating and cramping with the absence of menstrual bleeding. Mood swings and enlarged breasts can also be a sign of a phantom period. These can also be symptoms of pregnancy, according to What to Expect. The craving for chocolate is also a premenstrual symptom that can occur during a phantom period, according to Project Aware.