Can night shift cause missed periods

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Hi! So I'm a new nurse. 39 years old started 6 months ago at a pretty busy hospital. I really like my job but it is really stressful to be a new nurse. I was switched to nights the first week in January. That month I skipped my period. Then I got a period in February and since have skipped March and April period (not pregnant). My question is whether starting nightshift could actually affect my period to the point of missing it completely? or is this just wishful thinking and I'm most likely headed towards menopause? Was planning to get pregnant towards the end of 20218 so I've basically spent the last two months crying and fretting a loss of fertility. I have a doctors appt coming up and I realize this is a personal issue, but just wondering if any one else had missed periods when starting night shift? Much love thanks!!

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Specializes in Primary Care, LTC, Private Duty.

We're not allowed to give medical advice, per TOS, but...speaking from personal experience:

Mine were on-the-dot regular before starting nights, as in I knew which day they'd start and 95% of the time that they'd start around midday. When I started night shift, I didn't miss any completely, but they started to fluctuate +/- 1 or 2 days and started coming in the middle of my shift (so, basically in the middle of the night, rather than the middle of the day). I was really good about completely shifting my schedule around to accommodate my nights schedule, so maybe that had something to do with it? I'd still err on the side of caution and always consult your PCP/GYN.

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Period or not, 39 is an advanced maternal age and pregnancy does not come "easy" for the majority. Fertility actually drops in a very sharp manner years before menopause ...if I remember correctly, about ten years before. Expect problems ...very expensive problems. If you're financially cabable and motivated, you'll get a baby. It may not be the traditional way, though.

At your age, it would be wisest to go straight to a reproductive endocrinologist. Don't waste time with a regular OB/GYN.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

My periods started getting wonky when I began working nights. But I was also in my late 30s and my hormones were already out of whack, so whether it was that or night shift work, I'll never know. I went into perimenopause a few years later and was done with the whole process by my late 40s. I wasn't trying to have a baby so it didn't matter to me. I agree with Sour Lemon that you should consult a specialist in reproductive endocrinology if you want to try to become pregnant at this late date. It's not impossible but you may need extra help. Best of luck.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

I'm still premenarchal...but I can imagine how that change in your schedule would foul up your cycle; especially if you haven't worked nights before. Good advice above...let the specialist sort it out.

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No but pregnancy can

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I guess I am the odd one out here, I worked night shift for 2 years starting when I was 32, still in the prime of fertility. My periods became so irregular that I had to constantly have supplies at the ready. I do think a specialist is in order if you want to get pregnant, but the stress combined with night shift can cause irregularities. See a doctor and good luck to you!

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Thanks everyone's comments. I actually got my period today and I'm so happy to see it! But it's reassuring to know that night shift CAN mess with your cycle. I'm seeing my doctor in 2 days and will ask about a specialist in reproductive endocrinology. Still hopeful for a little bundle of joy!!!!

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Sour Lemon said:
Period or not, 39 is an advanced maternal age and pregnancy does not come "easy" for the majority. Fertility actually drops in a very sharp manner years before menopause ...if I remember correctly, about ten years before. Expect problems ...very expensive problems. If you're financially cabable and motivated, you'll get a baby. It may not be the traditional way, though.

At your age, it would be wisest to go straight to a reproductive endocrinologist. Don't waste time with a regular OB/GYN.

My fertility actually got better the older I got. My last pregnancy was textbook. Much easier than my first which was in my twenties. Maybe I'm an anomaly. It just always bugged me especially with my last that the only thing people focused on was my age. My OB didn't, but everyone around me did.

OP, I got pregnant on nightshift. My periods were a little off. Not hugely, but a little.

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LovingLife123 said:
My last pregnancy was textbook.

That's not actually what "fertility" is about, though. My last pregnancy was better than my first, too ...but my fertility had definitely not improved.

Age is a very real factor whether we like it, or not. Some are luckier than others, though. That is also very real. ;) Hopefully the OP will be one of the lucky ones.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I'm glad this is being discussed because I've had menstrual issues since starting my night shift job in March '17. My GYN suggested running diagnostic tests to determine if I had issues with my pituitary gland as there was no way I'm pregnant. I had a slightly elevated prolactin level which was drawn 30 min post-night shift (stress apparently raises prolactin levels), so she suggested a brain MRI to rule out prolactinoma. I still haven't heard back from them, so no news is good news I guess? Either way I plan on getting to the bottom of this issue. I took a 10 day progesterone regimen and gained my period back, but only for one month. Not quite sure what's going on but I'm glad there are others that are in the same crappy boat as me!

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I'm still waiting for mine.

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