Is it normal to miss a period?

It is normal to miss a period every now and then, according to WebMD. Some reasons a woman might skip a period include excessive exercise, emotional strain, travel or illness. The best way to encourage the body to resume menstruation is to return to normal emotional and physical activity.

A woman might skip a period due to more serious reasons, according to WebMD. Eating disorders, such as anorexia, can interfere with normal menstruation. Medications such as birth control pills can change hormone levels that affect menstruation, and some diseases and medical treatments might stop menstruation temporarily. In rare cases, premature ovarian failure permanently stops menstruation before the age of 40.