Am I Pregnant? Delayed Periods and Medication Safety

Q: Am I Pregnant? Delayed Periods and Medication Safety

Hello： (1) Currently, pregnancy test kits have very high sensitivity, typically able to detect pregnancy with a B-HCG concentration of 20 mIU/ml or higher in urine, which means pregnancy can be detected 7-10 days after intercourse. <br>Therefore, if you are certain that you have

Is it possible to be pregnant?

Hello Doctor: My last menstrual period started on February 27.
In March, my husband and I did not use contraception.
My menstrual cycles are usually very regular, and I conceived my first child quickly without contraception.
This time, we also did not use contraception, and my period is now 16 days late.
I have taken a pregnancy test, but it was negative, and the ultrasound did not show anything.
Therefore, the doctor prescribed me two types of medication to induce menstruation: EDIOL and NORDRON.
Will these medications affect a fetus? Can I take them safely? Or should I assume that since my period is 16 days late with no positive test or ultrasound results, it is likely just a delayed cycle and not pregnancy? I have family members who experienced similar situations where they were pregnant but had negative tests and inconclusive ultrasounds, only to find out they were over two months pregnant after going to the hospital.
This makes me worried that I might be in the same situation.
Should I take the medication to induce my period, or should I wait and see before going to the obstetrician? I am very concerned because my first child passed away due to a heart condition, and I fear that if I am pregnant and take the medication, it could affect the fetus.
Please advise me, thank you, Doctor.

Shu Yi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/04/18

Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: (1) Currently, pregnancy test kits have very high sensitivity, typically able to detect pregnancy with a B-HCG concentration of 20 mIU/ml or higher in urine, which means pregnancy can be detected 7-10 days after intercourse.
Therefore, if you are certain that you have not had intercourse in the past two weeks, the result you obtained is reliable, and you may take medication to induce menstruation.
(2) EDIOL is an estrogen; if taken during pregnancy, it can cause feminization in male fetuses.
NORDRON is a progestin with weak androgenic effects; if taken during pregnancy, it can cause masculinization in female fetuses.
Therefore, these medications are contraindicated during pregnancy.
Thank you for your inquiry!

Reply Date: 2017/04/18

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you might be pregnant, especially after a delayed period, it's essential to approach the situation with caution and a clear understanding of the implications of any medications you might consider taking. Given your last menstrual period started on February 27 and you have not had a period for 16 days, it is understandable that you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy.
First, it is important to note that home pregnancy tests can sometimes yield false negatives, especially if taken too early or if the hormone levels are not yet high enough to be detected. Additionally, transvaginal ultrasounds can also miss early pregnancies, particularly if the gestational age is very early. Therefore, while it is possible that you are not pregnant, it is also possible that you could be, and further testing may be necessary.

Regarding the medications prescribed to induce menstruation, EDIOL (which contains estradiol) and NORDRON (which contains norethisterone) are hormonal medications that can influence the menstrual cycle. However, both of these medications are classified as Category X in pregnancy, meaning they are contraindicated for use during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus. If you are indeed pregnant, taking these medications could pose risks, including potential harm to the developing fetus.

Given your history of a previous pregnancy with complications, it is understandable that you are particularly cautious about any medications you take. If there is any possibility that you could be pregnant, it would be prudent to avoid taking these medications until you have confirmed your status with a healthcare provider.
Here are some steps you might consider:
1. Wait for a Few Days: If your period does not arrive soon, consider waiting a few more days and then retesting with a home pregnancy test. This may give your body more time to produce detectable levels of hCG (the hormone detected by pregnancy tests).

2. Consult Your Doctor: If you remain uncertain, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may recommend a blood test, which is more sensitive than a urine test and can detect pregnancy earlier.

3. Discuss Medication Risks: If you are confirmed to be pregnant, discuss the implications of any medications you have been prescribed. Your healthcare provider can offer alternatives that are safer for use during pregnancy.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any symptoms you may experience, such as changes in your body or unusual signs that could indicate pregnancy or other health issues.

5. Consider a Specialist: If you have concerns about your reproductive health or previous pregnancy complications, consider consulting a specialist in obstetrics or reproductive endocrinology.

In summary, while it is possible that your delayed period is due to non-pregnancy-related factors, it is crucial to confirm your pregnancy status before taking any hormonal medications. The potential risks associated with these medications in the event of pregnancy warrant a cautious approach. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare provider to ensure the best outcomes for your health and any potential pregnancy.

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