Missed Periods: Possible Causes and Pregnancy Tests

If your period has not arrived..?

Hello Dr.
Wu! My last menstrual period was on October 12, lasting for 5 days.
As of now (November 28), my period still hasn't arrived.
I thought I might be pregnant, but the pregnancy test came back negative.
Recently, my breasts have been very swollen, and I've noticed some weight gain.
Additionally, my discharge is yellow and has a sour smell, and I've been experiencing a lot of acne.
I would like to know if it's possible to be pregnant and still get a negative test result (due to low HCG levels), and what other methods can be used to determine if I am pregnant besides a home pregnancy test? Medical history: Ectopic pregnancy on April 5, 1996, with intra-abdominal bleeding requiring laparotomy.
I started taking ovulation medication, estrogen, and progesterone regularly since July 1996.
What could be going on??? Please tell me, Doctor....................Xiao Ru

Xiao Ru, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/11/28

Dr. Wu Zinan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

In addition to pregnancy tests, blood tests can also be used to determine pregnancy, but the details are unclear and cannot be answered.

Reply Date: 2007/11/28

More Info

Missed periods can be a source of anxiety and confusion, especially when pregnancy tests yield negative results. In your case, with the last menstrual period on October 12 and no menstruation by November 28, there are several factors to consider regarding your missed period and the symptoms you are experiencing.

Firstly, it is important to understand that missed periods can occur for a variety of reasons beyond pregnancy. Stress, significant weight changes, hormonal imbalances, and medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can all disrupt the menstrual cycle. Given that you mentioned experiencing significant breast tenderness, weight changes, and increased acne, these symptoms could indicate hormonal fluctuations. Stress, particularly from life events or changes in routine, can also impact your menstrual cycle.

Regarding your concern about pregnancy, it is indeed possible for a pregnancy test to return a negative result even if you are pregnant, particularly if the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are low. This hormone is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, and it can take time for levels to rise sufficiently to be detected by home pregnancy tests. If you suspect you might be pregnant but are receiving negative results, it may be beneficial to wait a few days and retest, or to consult with a healthcare provider for a blood test, which can detect lower levels of hCG more reliably than urine tests.

In addition to pregnancy tests, there are other methods to assess whether you might be pregnant. A transvaginal ultrasound can provide visual confirmation of a pregnancy, and blood tests can measure hCG levels quantitatively. If you have a history of ectopic pregnancy, as you mentioned, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly if you experience any unusual symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain or unusual bleeding, as these could indicate complications.

Given your medical history of ectopic pregnancy and the medications you are taking (ovulation drugs, estrogen, and progesterone), it is essential to communicate openly with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your current symptoms, review your medication regimen, and possibly adjust your treatment if necessary. Hormonal medications can sometimes cause side effects that mimic pregnancy symptoms, so a thorough evaluation is warranted.

In summary, missed periods can be caused by various factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, and medical conditions. If you suspect pregnancy but have negative test results, consider retesting or consulting a healthcare provider for further evaluation. Given your medical history, it is particularly important to monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical advice if you have any concerns. Your health and well-being are paramount, and a healthcare professional can provide the guidance and support you need during this time.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Delayed Menstruation: Common Causes and Concerns

Doctor, I would like to ask why I had a very light period for two days on February 27-28 last month, and I still haven't gotten my period this month. Is there something wrong with my body?

Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: If your period is late, the first step is to take a pregnancy test to check for pregnancy. Other causes of delayed or absent menstruation include obesity, excessive stress, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, elevated prolactin levels, elevated androgens, certain medication...

Understanding Missed Periods: Causes Beyond Pregnancy

Aside from the possibility of pregnancy, there are several other reasons why menstruation may be absent. These can include hormonal imbalances, stress, significant weight loss or gain, excessive exercise, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and certain medical co...

Dr. Jian Hongmou reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
(1) Besides pregnancy, there are several other possible reasons for a missed period: 1. Systemic diseases: Conditions such as gastrointestinal dysfunction, tuberculosis, nephritis, severe anemia, and anorexia can lead to this. 2. Hypothalamic causes: Psychological factors such as...

Missed Period: Could It Be Pregnancy or Other Causes?

On September 3, 2008, I accidentally touched my vaginal opening with fingers that had semen on them. My period did not come in September (from the 12th to the 17th). Subsequently, I had my period from October 9-17, November 12-20, December 16-23, and January 17-22. However, the f...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the factors that can affect the menstrual cycle or cause bleeding outside of menstruation are numerous, including age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraception, diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine or c...

Missed Period: Understanding Possible Causes and Next Steps

If you had unprotected intercourse with your boyfriend on January 1st and your last menstrual period started on November 27th, but you have not gotten your period yet and are experiencing some premenstrual symptoms, it is possible that you could be pregnant. However, since you to...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, a pregnancy test should be taken at least 12 days after conception for accurate results. It is advisable to use contraception to prevent pregnancy. If your period is more than a week late, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.