Delayed Menstruation: Possible Causes and Concerns - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Menstruation is delayed by two months?


Hello doctor, my last menstrual period started on August 1.
I usually have a few days of delay, and I have experienced delays of over a week before.
A few days before my period, I often have breast tenderness.
I had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend on September 1, with ejaculation outside.
Since then, my period has not arrived.
I took home pregnancy tests in mid-September and on October 3, both of which were negative.
During this time, I have had some discharge resembling leukorrhea, and in the past few days, my breasts have started to feel a bit swollen and painful to touch, with sensitive nipples.
Additionally, I sometimes experience mild lower abdominal pain, and I have had diarrhea in the past few days.
Could my missed period indicate pregnancy?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/10/07

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


The last menstrual period started on August 1.
I usually have a few days of delay and have experienced delays of over a week before.
A few days before my period, my breasts become swollen.
I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend on September 1 without using a condom, and he ejaculated externally.
Since then, my period has not arrived.
I took home pregnancy tests in mid-September and on October 3, both of which were negative.
During this time, I have had discharge resembling leukorrhea, and in the past few days, my breasts have started to feel a bit swollen and painful to touch, with sensitive nipples.
Additionally, I have experienced some lower abdominal pain and diarrhea in the past few days.
Could the absence of my period indicate pregnancy? Answer: The last menstrual period was on August 1, and I tested negative for pregnancy in mid-September and on October 3.
It is advisable to see a doctor for menstrual induction.

Reply Date: 2017/10/07

More Info


Delayed menstruation can be a source of concern for many individuals, especially when accompanied by various symptoms. In your case, it appears that you have experienced a delay in your menstrual cycle following unprotected sexual intercourse on September 1st. While you have taken home pregnancy tests that returned negative results, it is important to consider several factors that could contribute to your delayed menstruation and the symptoms you are experiencing.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that menstrual cycles can be influenced by a variety of factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, changes in weight, and underlying medical conditions. Stress, in particular, can significantly impact your menstrual cycle. If you have been experiencing increased stress or anxiety, this could lead to a delay in your period. Hormonal fluctuations, which can occur due to changes in diet, exercise, or lifestyle, can also affect the regularity of your menstrual cycle.

Regarding your symptoms, breast tenderness and sensitivity, as well as abdominal discomfort, can be associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or other hormonal changes. The presence of discharge and abdominal pain may also indicate other conditions, such as an infection or ovulation-related discomfort. It is not uncommon for individuals to experience changes in their menstrual cycle and associated symptoms after a period of stress or hormonal fluctuation.

Given that you have taken pregnancy tests that have returned negative results, it is less likely that you are pregnant, especially if the tests were taken correctly and at the appropriate time. However, it is important to note that home pregnancy tests are not infallible, and false negatives can occur, particularly if the test is taken too early. If your period does not arrive soon, it may be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

A healthcare provider may recommend additional testing, such as a blood test for pregnancy, which can provide more accurate results than home tests. They may also evaluate for other potential causes of your symptoms, such as hormonal imbalances or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can affect menstrual regularity.

In summary, while the symptoms you are experiencing may be concerning, they can be attributed to various factors, including stress and hormonal changes. It is important to monitor your symptoms and seek medical advice if your period does not arrive soon or if your symptoms worsen. A healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause of your delayed menstruation and provide appropriate guidance and treatment options. Remember, it is always better to consult with a professional when it comes to your health and well-being.

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