Delayed Period & Negative Pregnancy Tests: What Could It Mean?

Question
Dr.Kandeel,
  I am currently 16 days late for my period and I have taken 3 pregnancy test and they have all come out negative. My last period was July 9, 2011 and i spotted for about 4 days starting July 24, 2011. I am 22 and I have a 3 year old daughter. I have never missed my period. When I was pregnant with my daughter I actually had my period the first 2 months. So I never suspected I was pregnant. So now that I'm 16 days late for my period and the results are coming out negative, I'm confused. I'm not stressed. I haven't changed my diet. I just want to know what's going on. What do you think it can be?

Answer
Dear Candy

Assuming that the pregnancy test kits were not expired and you have performed the tests correctly, then you should seek medical examination. At your age, problems with menstruation are usually benign and do not reflect a specific pathology. Most cases are due to a problem with ovulation that is easily corrected medically. However the type of medication and duration of treatment differs according to the diagnosis. On the average treatment takes about 3 months.

Good Luck