Pregnancy Test Results: Hormones and Menstrual Delays

Pregnancy test results

Menstruation started on February 8.
From February 25, progesterone suppositories and hormonal medications were used.
On March 4, an HCG injection was administered.
A urine test on March 10 showed weak positive, and the doctor indicated that it might be residual HCG.
On March 13, a pregnancy test showed one line.
However, menstruation has not yet arrived on March 14.
Does progesterone delay menstruation?

Lin Chen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/14

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Did you stop taking HCG on March 4th? If not, a clear line on the pregnancy test on March 13th should indicate that you are pregnant.
It’s best to confirm this at the hospital.

Reply Date: 2016/03/14

More Info

Understanding pregnancy test results can be quite complex, especially when hormonal treatments like progesterone and HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) are involved. In your case, you have been using progesterone suppositories and received an HCG injection, which can significantly affect your menstrual cycle and the results of pregnancy tests.

Firstly, let's break down the timeline you provided. Your last menstrual period (LMP) started on February 8, and you began using progesterone on February 25. Progesterone is a hormone that helps prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy and can also delay menstruation. When progesterone levels are elevated, it can prevent the shedding of the uterine lining, which is what occurs during a menstrual period. Therefore, if you are using progesterone, it is entirely possible for your period to be delayed even if you are not pregnant.

On March 4, you received an HCG injection. HCG is the hormone that is typically produced during pregnancy and is what pregnancy tests detect. However, if you received an HCG injection, it can lead to a "false positive" result on a urine pregnancy test, especially if the test is taken shortly after the injection. This is likely the reason for the weak positive result you received on March 10. The presence of HCG in your system from the injection could still be detectable in your urine, even if you are not pregnant.

When you tested again on March 13 and received a negative result, it could indicate that the HCG from the injection has cleared from your system, or it could mean that you are not pregnant. The timing of the test in relation to your ovulation and potential implantation of a fertilized egg is crucial. If implantation has not occurred, or if the pregnancy is not progressing, HCG levels would not rise, leading to a negative test result.

As for your concern about your period not arriving by March 14, this could indeed be influenced by the progesterone you have been taking. It is common for women undergoing hormonal treatments to experience changes in their menstrual cycle, including delays. If you stop taking progesterone, your period should eventually start, but the timing can vary.

In summary, the combination of progesterone and HCG injections can complicate the interpretation of pregnancy tests and menstrual cycles. If you are still uncertain about your pregnancy status, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider. They may recommend a blood test to measure your HCG levels, which can provide a more definitive answer regarding pregnancy. Blood tests can detect lower levels of HCG than urine tests and can help determine whether you are pregnant or if the HCG levels are simply residual from the injection.

In conclusion, hormonal treatments can significantly affect menstrual cycles and pregnancy test results. If you have any further concerns or if your period does not arrive soon, please reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and potential next steps.

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