Is Late Menstruation a Sign of Pregnancy? Your Symptoms

Is it possible to be pregnant if my period is two weeks late?

Hello, my previous menstrual periods were on 3/28, 2/27, 1/19, 12/14, and 11/07.
This time, my period has not arrived yet.
Since 4/1, I have had sexual intercourse weekly with full condom use, but I have not been taking oral contraceptives.
I believe the chance of pregnancy is quite low since we used condoms throughout and checked for any leaks afterward.
However, I am concerned that during the process around mid-April, if the male partner had some of my bodily fluid on his hands and then inserted his fingers into me, it might have introduced sperm.
I expected my period to start on 4/26, but it did not come.
On 4/28, I used a pregnancy test (that day I had less urine, and I urinated directly onto the test strip).
While watching the test strip develop, I briefly saw a very faint second line, which only appeared for less than a second.
Once the color fully developed, there was a deep line, but I could not see a second line clearly.
After waiting a week with no period, I tested again around 5/4.
This time, I collected urine in the aluminum foil bag provided for the pregnancy test and placed the test strip in the urine.
Again, there was only a deep line.
I have experienced some physiological and psychological changes: my breasts feel swollen and uncomfortable, and I have developed four large pimples on my face since my period was due.
I have become easily irritated, and I have transitioned from sleeping well to waking up particularly early.
In the last two weeks, I have experienced insomnia three or four times and often wake up due to dreams, feeling tense and sometimes very angry.
On 5/12, I visited a gynecologist and took a urine test.
Upon entering the examination room, the doctor told me I was not pregnant and advised me to wait another week.
If my period still did not come, I would need an ultrasound (I had barely sat down for a minute).
I was very worried, so I asked the doctor if I could take medication to induce my period.
He explained that taking it while pregnant could cause the female fetus's clitoris to be enlarged and that I would need to wait another week after taking the medication for my period to arrive.
He then prescribed three days' worth of NORETHINDRONE, three pills a day, and I have one pill left for tomorrow morning.
Since starting the medication, I have felt discomfort in my lower abdomen, with a sensation of wanting to have diarrhea, and I have a persistent feeling of bloating.
The morning after taking the medication (5/13), my first feeling was stomach discomfort and a bit of nausea (I only took two pills on 5/12 due to a late appointment).
Aside from the brief stomach discomfort and ongoing vague lower abdominal pain (not menstrual cramps) upon waking on 5/13, I have not experienced other symptoms, but I just noticed that my areolas seem to have darkened.
Is it possible that I could be pregnant? What should I do if I still do not get my period after waiting another week?

Rou, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/16

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
The previous menstrual periods were on March 28, February 27, January 19, December 14, and November 7.
Since this period has not yet arrived, and I have had sexual intercourse every week from April 1 until now with full condom use but without taking oral contraceptives, I feel the likelihood of pregnancy is quite low.
However, I am concerned that during the process in mid-April, if the male partner had some of his bodily fluid on his hands and then inserted them into my vagina, could that have potentially introduced sperm? Answer: Unlikely.
2.
I was expecting my period to start on April 26, but it did not come.
On April 28, I used a pregnancy test (that day I had less urine, and I urinated directly on the test strip).
After urinating, I saw a very faint second line flash briefly during the process of the test running, but it appeared for less than a second.
Once the red color finished running, there was a deep line, but I could not see the second line clearly.
After waiting a week with no period, I tested again around May 4, this time collecting urine in the aluminum foil bag provided for the test and placing the test strip in the urine.
Again, there was only a deep line.
Answer: Not pregnant.
3.
There have been some physiological and psychological changes: I have experienced breast tenderness and developed four large pimples on my face since my period was due.
I have become more irritable, and instead of sleeping well, I have been waking up particularly early.
In the last two weeks, I have had insomnia three or four times and often wake up due to dreams, feeling tense and sometimes very angry.
Answer: Not specific to pregnancy.
4.
On May 12, I went to the gynecologist and took a urine test.
As soon as I entered the examination room, the doctor told me I was not pregnant and advised me to wait another week.
If my period still did not come, I would need an ultrasound.
(I had barely sat down for a minute.) Later, because I was very worried, I asked the doctor if I could take medication to induce my period.
He explained that taking it while pregnant could cause the female fetus's clitoris to be enlarged and that I would need to wait another week after taking the medication for my period to start.
He then prescribed three days' worth of norethindrone, three pills a day, and I currently have one pill left for tomorrow morning.
Answer: Appropriate management.
5.
Since starting the medication, I have been experiencing discomfort in my lower abdomen, with a sensation of wanting to have diarrhea, and I feel bloated.
The morning after taking the medication (May 13), my first feeling upon waking was stomach discomfort and a bit of nausea.
(On May 12, I only took two pills because my appointment was later in the day.) Aside from the brief stomach discomfort and persistent lower abdominal pain (not menstrual cramps) upon waking on May 13, I have not experienced any other symptoms, but I just noticed that my areolas seem to have darkened.
Answer: Side effects of the medication to induce menstruation.
6.
Is it currently possible that I could be pregnant? Answer: Unlikely.
7.
What should I do if I still do not get my period after waiting a week? Answer: Consult the doctor again.

Reply Date: 2017/05/16

More Info

Late menstruation can indeed be a sign of pregnancy, but it is not the only reason for a missed period. In your case, you have provided a detailed timeline of your menstrual cycle and sexual activity, which is helpful in assessing your situation.
Based on the information you've shared, your last menstrual period was on March 28, and you have had unprotected sexual intercourse since then, although you mentioned using condoms. Condoms are generally effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly, but there is still a slight chance of failure, especially if there was any potential exposure to semen during the process you described.
The faint line you observed on the pregnancy test could indicate a very early pregnancy, but it is also possible that it was a false positive or an evaporation line, especially if it appeared very briefly. The fact that you tested again a week later and only saw one strong line suggests that you may not be pregnant, but it is not definitive.
Your symptoms, such as breast tenderness, mood swings, and skin changes (like acne), can be associated with both premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and early pregnancy. These symptoms can overlap significantly, making it challenging to determine the cause without further testing.
The use of norethindrone, a progestin, is typically prescribed to help regulate menstrual cycles or induce a period. It is essential to follow your doctor's instructions regarding this medication. If you are indeed pregnant, taking norethindrone can pose risks, including potential effects on fetal development. Therefore, it is crucial to confirm whether you are pregnant before continuing with this medication.

If you do not get your period after completing the norethindrone course, it is advisable to take another pregnancy test or consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may recommend a blood test for pregnancy, which is more sensitive and can provide a more accurate result than a home urine test.
In summary, while late menstruation can be a sign of pregnancy, it is not definitive on its own. Given your situation, it would be prudent to monitor your symptoms, complete the course of medication as prescribed, and follow up with your healthcare provider for further testing and guidance. If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain or heavy bleeding, seek medical attention promptly.

Similar Q&A

Is Your Late Period a Sign of Pregnancy? Common Symptoms Explained

My menstrual cycle has always been regular, around 28 days. Last month, my period started on July 14, but this month it is 3-4 days late. The last time I had intercourse was on August 3, and it was through withdrawal. I want to know if I might be pregnant. I read online that ther...

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: Regarding the symptoms you mentioned in your letter that make it difficult to determine if you are pregnant, you can directly visit an obstetrician-gynecologist or purchase a home pregnancy test at a pharmacy. The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare care...

Could Late Menstruation Indicate Pregnancy? Common Symptoms Explained

Hello doctor, my last menstrual period started around May 19. I had intercourse on May 25 and the week before that, and the condom did not break. This week I have been experiencing vaginal discharge, but my period has not arrived. I have symptoms like breast tenderness, mouth sor...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of pregnancy are low, but it is best to take preventive measures at all times. Do not rely on the safe period. If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

Is Late Menstruation a Sign of Pregnancy? Understanding Your Symptoms

Hello, my previous menstrual periods were on 3/28, 2/27, 1/19, 12/14, and 11/07. This time, my period has not arrived yet. Since 4/1, I have had sexual intercourse every week with a condom, but I have not been taking oral contraceptives. Since I used condoms throughout and checke...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
The previous menstrual periods were on 3/28, 2/27, 1/19, 12/14, and 11/07. As of now, my period has not arrived. Since 4/1, I have had sexual intercourse weekly with condom use throughout, but I have not been taking oral contraceptives. Since I used condoms the entire time and ch...

Pregnancy or PMS: Understanding Your Symptoms and Delayed Period

Hello Doctor, my period is 7 days late. I have frequent urination (the urine is very light, almost clear), my lower body feels sore, I have a constant urge to have a bowel movement, and I have a mild fever (38.1°C). I feel nauseous at night after staying up late, but not in the m...

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
It's possible; it's better to see a doctor for a thorough examination.