Pregnancy Concerns: What to Do When Periods Are Late

Pregnancy issues

Hello Doctor: I would like to ask you about the possibility of pregnancy.
My girlfriend's last menstrual period was on December 12, and her cycle is 31 days.
Our last sexual intercourse was on January 5 (with protection).
Since her period has not arrived yet, we visited a gynecologist on January 18.
The doctor performed an ultrasound and mentioned that the endometrium was thin, and a pregnancy test came back negative.
Subsequently, she was prescribed estrogen and progesterone.
Due to concerns, we tested again on the evening of January 20 and the morning of January 21 (using different brands), and both tests were negative.
There was no sexual intercourse during this period.
I would like to know if it is possible to be pregnant after taking the medication, or if there might be an underlying health issue?

Xiao Jin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/01/27

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Your girlfriend's last menstrual period was on December 12, with a cycle length of 31 days.
Our last sexual intercourse was on January 5 (with protection).
Since her period was delayed, she visited a gynecologist on January 18.
After an ultrasound, the doctor noted a thin endometrial lining and performed a pregnancy test, which came back negative.
The doctor then prescribed estrogen and progesterone.
Due to concerns, she took two additional pregnancy tests on the evening of January 20 and the morning of January 21 (using different brands), both of which were negative, and there was no sexual intercourse during this period.
I would like to know if, after taking the medication, it is still possible to be pregnant or if there might be an underlying health issue.
Answer: If her period has not arrived seven days after finishing the medication, she should consult a gynecologist again.

Reply Date: 2019/01/27

More Info

When dealing with concerns about a missed period and potential pregnancy, it's essential to understand the various factors that can contribute to this situation. Based on your description, your girlfriend's last menstrual period was on December 12, and her cycle is typically 31 days. Given that you had sexual intercourse on January 5 with protection, the likelihood of pregnancy is relatively low, especially since you mentioned that pregnancy tests taken on January 20 and 21 returned negative results.

However, there are several considerations to keep in mind. First, the menstrual cycle can be affected by various factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, changes in weight, and underlying health conditions. The fact that the ultrasound indicated a thin endometrial lining could suggest that her body may not be preparing for a menstrual cycle as expected. This could be due to hormonal fluctuations, which can be influenced by stress or other physiological changes.

The medications prescribed by the doctor, estrogen and progesterone, are often used to help regulate the menstrual cycle and support the endometrial lining. These hormones can sometimes take time to affect the cycle, and it is not uncommon for periods to be delayed or irregular after starting hormonal treatments. It is also important to note that the timing of ovulation can vary, and if ovulation did not occur, this could lead to a missed period.

Given that the pregnancy tests have consistently returned negative results, it is less likely that she is pregnant. However, if her period does not arrive soon, it would be advisable for her to follow up with her healthcare provider. They may want to conduct further evaluations to rule out any underlying conditions that could be affecting her menstrual cycle, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid issues.

In summary, while the chances of pregnancy seem low based on the information provided, it is crucial to monitor her symptoms and menstrual cycle closely. If her period does not return within a reasonable timeframe, or if she experiences any unusual symptoms, a follow-up appointment with her healthcare provider is recommended. They can provide further guidance and possibly adjust her treatment plan if necessary.

In the meantime, it may be helpful for both of you to focus on stress management techniques, as stress can significantly impact hormonal balance and menstrual regularity. Practices such as mindfulness, yoga, or gentle exercise can be beneficial. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet and ensuring adequate sleep can also support overall health and hormonal balance.

If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for personalized advice and support.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Menstrual Irregularities: What to Do When Your Period is Late

I am currently 17 years old. Half a month ago, I engaged in sexual activity, but there was no penetration; it was only with fingers. My boyfriend also took care of himself and cleaned up afterward. Out of fear, I took a pregnancy test on January 10, which came back negative. Howe...

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, any sexual activity, whether internal or external, carries the possibility of pregnancy. If your period is late, please take a pregnancy test. If the result is negative, you can take medication to induce menstruation. The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welf...

Understanding Menstrual Delays: What to Do If Your Period Is Late

If my menstrual cycle hasn't come and I haven't taken any medication to induce it, besides waiting for my period to arrive, could there be other issues? Also, since my last period was on March 27 and hasn't come since, and I've taken a pregnancy test that came...

Dr. Mao Yikun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: If your period is late and you are not pregnant, it could be due to hormonal issues or other problems. It is recommended that you visit a gynecologist for an examination. Remember to use contraception, as pregnancy is always a possibility when your period is late.

Understanding Menstrual Irregularities: What to Do When Your Period is Late

Hello doctor, I had my period last month, but this month I haven't had any sexual intercourse and my period is already four days late. If it doesn't come after today, it will be five days late. What should I do? My cycle has been 33 to 34 days. I'm not sure if the ...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the factors that can affect the menstrual cycle are numerous, including age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraceptive pills, diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, lesions of the uterus or cervix, infections, ovu...

What to Do If Your Period Is Late: Tips and Advice

Hello doctor, if my last menstrual period was on October 18 and I haven't gotten my period this month, and I tested with a home pregnancy test but it was negative, what should I do? Can I take my sister's menstrual regulation medication? Thank you.

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
It is essential to consult a physician for an examination to confirm the diagnosis. Medications that work for others may not be suitable for you, and it is necessary to be evaluated in person by a doctor to determine the appropriate treatment.