Could I Be Pregnant? Irregular Periods and Symptoms

I would like to confirm if this is pregnancy?

Hello Doctor, my menstrual period was from April 12 to April 14 with normal flow, and it decreased until it ended on April 16.
In May, my period was supposed to start on May 12, but it didn't come.
Thirteen days later, I went to the hospital for a urine test, which came back negative.
The doctor did not recommend an ultrasound and prescribed medication to induce my period.
I took two pills but forgot to continue due to work.
On the early morning of May 31, my period started, but the color was very dark and the flow was light.
The next morning, the flow became normal, but by the evening it stopped.
Until June 5, I experienced continuous light bleeding, just a few spots on a panty liner, and when I wiped after using the restroom, there was pink and bright red blood.
Recently, I have been experiencing discomfort such as excessive sleepiness, increased appetite, a feeling of bloating in my stomach, and mild nausea, though it’s not acid reflux.
I have also been coughing for no apparent reason, to the point of vomiting.
Additionally, I have been frequently anemic, experiencing headaches, and shortness of breath.
I have been disappointed many times before, and I have never had a positive pregnancy test.
Therefore, I have no expectations, so it seems unlikely that my symptoms are due to a false hope of pregnancy.
Is it possible that I could be pregnant? I would like to hear your advice before going to the hospital for further examination...
I look forward to your reply, thank you.

RQ, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/06

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Menstruation occurred from April 12 to April 14 with normal flow, but from April 15 to April 16, the flow decreased until it ended.
In May, when my period was expected on May 12, it did not come.
Thirteen days later, I went to the hospital for a urine test, which came back negative.
The doctor did not recommend an ultrasound and prescribed medication to induce menstruation.
I took two pills but forgot to continue due to work commitments.
On the early morning of May 31, I started menstruating, but the color was very dark and the flow was light.
The next morning, the flow became normal, but by evening it stopped.
Until June 5, there was only light spotting, with just a few drops of blood on a panty liner.
When I wiped after using the restroom, there was pink and bright red blood.
Recently, I have experienced discomfort, including excessive sleepiness, increased appetite, a feeling of bloating in my stomach, slight nausea (not related to acid), and persistent unexplained coughing that sometimes leads to vomiting.
Additionally, I have been feeling frequently anemic, experiencing headaches, and having shortness of breath.
After being disappointed many times without ever seeing two lines on a pregnancy test, I have no expectations this time, so it seems unlikely that my symptoms are due to a false pregnancy from being overly hopeful.
Is it possible that I am pregnant? Answer: It is unlikely that you are pregnant.

Reply Date: 2017/06/06

More Info

When considering the possibility of pregnancy, especially with irregular menstrual cycles, it's essential to evaluate the symptoms and timing of your menstrual cycle carefully. Based on your description, you experienced a normal menstrual period from April 12 to April 14, followed by a lighter flow that ended on April 16. However, you did not get your expected period in May, which can be concerning.

You mentioned that you took a urine pregnancy test 13 days after your missed period, which returned negative. This is a crucial point because home pregnancy tests are generally reliable when taken after a missed period. However, if your cycles are irregular, the timing of ovulation can vary, and it’s possible that you tested too early if ovulation occurred later than expected.

The symptoms you are experiencing—such as excessive sleepiness, increased appetite, bloating, mild nausea, persistent cough, anemia, headaches, and shortness of breath—can be attributed to various factors, including hormonal changes, stress, or other underlying health issues. While some of these symptoms can be associated with early pregnancy, they are not definitive indicators on their own, especially since you have had negative pregnancy tests.

The fact that you experienced a late period in May, which was characterized by a deep color and light flow, followed by a few days of spotting, could suggest a few possibilities. It might indicate a hormonal imbalance or an anovulatory cycle, where ovulation does not occur, leading to irregular bleeding. Additionally, the use of medication to induce menstruation can sometimes lead to changes in menstrual flow and timing.

Given your history of disappointment with negative pregnancy tests, it’s understandable that you might feel hesitant to get your hopes up. However, if you continue to experience symptoms that concern you, or if your menstrual irregularities persist, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may recommend a blood test for pregnancy, which is more sensitive than urine tests, or an ultrasound to assess your reproductive health.

In summary, while your symptoms could suggest pregnancy, the negative urine test and the nature of your menstrual cycle make it less likely. It’s essential to keep track of your symptoms and menstrual patterns and seek medical advice if you have ongoing concerns. A healthcare professional can provide a more comprehensive evaluation and guide you on the next steps, whether it involves further testing or treatment for any underlying conditions.

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