Is It Menstruation or Pregnancy? Your Symptoms

Unable to distinguish between menstruation and pregnancy?

Hello Doctor: Due to my previous work, my menstrual cycle has been prolonged to between 34-39 days.
My last period started on September 24.
I had intercourse with my husband in mid-October, and as of November 1, my period has not yet arrived.
However, unlike before, I experienced breast tenderness for two days starting October 26, and around the same time, I felt unusually sleepy.
On October 31, I noticed a small amount of light yellow discharge, which was neither brown nor red.
Could this indicate that my period is about to start?

Ru, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/11/02

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Due to previous work, my menstrual cycle has been extended to between 34-39 days.
The last period started on September 24.
I had intercourse with my husband in mid-October, and as of November 1, my period has not arrived.
However, unlike before, I experienced breast tenderness for two days starting October 26, and around the same time, I felt unusually sleepy.
On October 31, I noticed a small amount of light yellow discharge, which is neither brown nor red.
Could this indicate that my period is about to start? Answer: Since my menstrual cycle is between 34-39 days and my last period started on September 24, it would be advisable to take a pregnancy test.

Reply Date: 2019/11/02

More Info

When it comes to distinguishing between menstruation and pregnancy, it can often be a confusing and stressful experience, especially when your menstrual cycle is irregular. Based on your description, there are several factors to consider that may help clarify your situation.

Firstly, it’s important to note that changes in your menstrual cycle can be influenced by various factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle changes. Since you mentioned that your cycle has been extended to 34-39 days, this irregularity could be a result of the work-related stress you experienced. Stress can significantly affect hormonal levels, leading to changes in your menstrual cycle and symptoms.

The symptoms you are experiencing—such as breast tenderness (specifically nipple pain), fatigue, and the presence of a yellowish discharge—can be indicative of both premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and early pregnancy. Breast tenderness is a common symptom associated with both conditions. In early pregnancy, hormonal changes, particularly the increase in progesterone, can lead to breast sensitivity. Similarly, many women experience breast tenderness in the days leading up to their menstrual period due to hormonal fluctuations.

The yellowish discharge you observed could also be related to hormonal changes. During the luteal phase of your cycle (the time between ovulation and the start of your period), it is common for women to experience changes in vaginal discharge. However, if the discharge has a strong odor or is accompanied by itching or irritation, it may be worth consulting a healthcare provider, as it could indicate an infection.

Given that you had unprotected intercourse around mid-October, it is also important to consider the possibility of pregnancy. The most reliable way to determine if you are pregnant is to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. If you take a pregnancy test and it is positive, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and prenatal care.

If your period does not arrive within a week or so after the expected date, and you continue to experience symptoms such as breast tenderness and fatigue, it would be prudent to take a pregnancy test. If the test is negative and your period still does not come, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider to explore potential underlying causes for your irregular cycle.

In summary, while the symptoms you are experiencing could suggest either the onset of menstruation or early pregnancy, the best course of action is to take a home pregnancy test if your period is late. Regardless of the outcome, if you continue to have irregular cycles or if your symptoms worsen, seeking medical advice is essential. Your healthcare provider can help determine the underlying causes of your symptoms and provide appropriate guidance and treatment options. Remember, it’s always better to consult with a professional when it comes to your health and well-being.

Similar Q&A

Pregnant or Just Menstruating? Understanding Your Symptoms

Hello doctor, a few days ago I had intercourse with my boyfriend, and my period is now 4 days late. I've been feeling down lately, and I currently have lower back pain, a lack of appetite, occasional nausea, and mild abdominal pain. There is no vaginal discharge. What could ...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the factors affecting the menstrual cycle are numerous, and there are not necessarily specific symptoms in the early stages of pregnancy, making it difficult to determine based on subjective symptoms. It is recommended that if your period does not arrive, you should consul...

Could Your Symptoms Indicate Pregnancy? Understanding Early Signs

Hello~~ This month, I had intercourse during my ovulation period, which started on December 17. Since then, I have been experiencing cramping pain on both sides of my abdomen, and now I also feel cramping and dull pain in my uterus. For the past two days, my breasts have started ...

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Your description could occur even without pregnancy. It cannot be used to determine whether or not you are pregnant. You can take a pregnancy test once your expected period is missed.

How to Differentiate Between Pregnancy Symptoms and Menstrual Signs?

Hello, doctor. My question is regarding my menstrual cycle. I usually have a regular cycle of about 28 to 32 days, typically starting around the 1st or 2nd of each month. This month, I am already one or two days late and I am unsure about the possibility of pregnancy. The symptom...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Your menstrual cycle has been regular, occurring approximately every 28 to 32 days, usually around the 1st to 2nd of each month. This month, your period is delayed by one or two days, and you are unsure about the possibility of pregnancy. It is advisable to take a pregnancy test,...

Pregnant or Just Menstruating? Understanding Your Symptoms

I originally had my period on June 13, but then I got it again two weeks later on June 28, and it started with some spotting for 2-3 days before the actual flow began. Now, on July 23, I am experiencing some breast tenderness, and two days ago I had issues with shortness of breat...

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello Ms. Yu: Your period is overdue, and the most likely reasons are menstrual irregularity or early pregnancy. I suggest you not to worry too much and first take a urine test to check for pregnancy. If you are still concerned, consult a doctor for further evaluation.