Irregular Periods: Could You Be Pregnant? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Irregular menstrual cycle

Based on your menstrual history, your last period started on July 2nd, and this time it began on July 30th, with an average cycle length of 28-32 days, occasionally being late.
Your periods typically last about 4-5 days, but this time it only lasted a little over a day with bright red flow, which was also lighter than usual.
It suddenly stopped, and on the third day in the afternoon, you noticed a couple of drops of brown discharge.
On the fourth day, after jumping from about 140 cm to the floor, you experienced some abdominal pain and noticed a bit more brown discharge.
On the fifth day, there were only a few drops.
Since the third day, when using the restroom, there has been occasional pinkish discharge and sometimes brown discharge, along with feelings of nausea and bloating.
You found it difficult to eat, only managing to eat a little, and although you felt hungry after mealtime, you had no desire to eat.
You have a history of bloating and belching, which has persisted for six to seven days this time.
You are prone to constipation and had been constipated for two to three days before July 4th.
You had a bowel movement around noon on July 4th but experienced diarrhea later that evening, which was watery.
After taking medication, the diarrhea stopped.
You used a pregnancy test on July 4th, which was negative.
You woke up twice during the night of July 4th to use the restroom after drinking some beverages, with the last visit around 4 AM.
On the morning of July 5th, the pregnancy test was still negative.
You visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner on July 5th, who diagnosed you with gastritis.

Given the information provided, it is unlikely that you are pregnant, especially since you have taken multiple pregnancy tests that have all returned negative results.
However, if your symptoms persist or if you have any concerns, it may be advisable to wait a few weeks and take another pregnancy test or consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/06

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it is likely that you are not pregnant.
If you still experience discomfort, it is recommended to see a gastroenterologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/08/06

More Info

Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing some irregularities in your menstrual cycle, which can understandably lead to confusion regarding the possibility of pregnancy. Let's break down the situation and address your concerns.

Firstly, your last menstrual period (LMP) started on July 2, and you mentioned that your cycles typically range from 28 to 32 days. Given this, your next expected period would have been around July 30 to August 1. However, you noted that this time, your period was unusually short and light, lasting only a day with some subsequent spotting. This could be indicative of several things, including the possibility of pregnancy.

The symptoms you described—such as nausea, bloating, and changes in bowel habits—can also be associated with early pregnancy. However, they can also be attributed to other factors, such as hormonal fluctuations, stress, or gastrointestinal issues. The fact that you have experienced a significant change in your menstrual flow and the presence of unusual symptoms warrants further investigation.

You mentioned that you took a home pregnancy test on July 4 and received a negative result. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable, especially when taken after a missed period. However, if you tested too early, it is possible that the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced during pregnancy, was not at a detectable level yet. If your period does not arrive as expected, it would be advisable to retest in a few days or a week. This allows time for hCG levels to rise if you are indeed pregnant.

In terms of your gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating and changes in bowel habits, these can be influenced by various factors, including diet, stress, and hormonal changes. The fact that you experienced diarrhea after a period of constipation could suggest a temporary gastrointestinal upset rather than a direct link to pregnancy.

If you continue to experience unusual symptoms or if your period does not return, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform a blood test to check for pregnancy, which is more sensitive than home urine tests, and can also evaluate any other underlying issues that may be contributing to your symptoms.

In summary, while your symptoms could suggest a possibility of pregnancy, the negative home pregnancy tests indicate that it may not be the case. It is essential to monitor your symptoms and consider retesting in a few days. If you have any concerns about your health or if your symptoms persist, seeking medical advice is the best course of action. Remember, early prenatal care is crucial if you are pregnant, and addressing any health concerns promptly can help ensure a healthy pregnancy.

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