Late Period: Possible Pregnancy or PMS? Symptoms & Advice

Question
Hello,
My last period was March 13 and hasn't come as of today, April 26 (so it appears to be almost 2 weeks late?). Right now I have some breast tenderness, mild cramping, and tiredness, but I can't tell if this is PMS for a very late period or a possible pregnancy. I've never missed a period in my life, and it has been pretty regular--at most a week late. The thing is, over the last month the only thing my boyfriend and I did was fingering and one time where he penetrated with a condom on, but because it was painful for me he stopped after a few thrusts. So the only possibility of me getting pregnant is from a freak accident it seems--either there being sperm on his hand when he fingered me, or the condom breaking without us realizing it and pre-cum getting inside. Do you know how high the chances are for someone getting pregnant in those ways? I believe the sexual activity most likely occurred when I was ovulating. I am not in the US right now so getting a pregnancy test is a bit difficult, though I'll be trying to get one, but any insight on the chances of being pregnant would be appreciated since I'm very worried. Thank you

Answer
Dear Joan,

I would consider the chances of pregnancy from what you described to be low - not impossible, but very, very low. The thing is, amenorrhea (the absence of periods) can be caused from a number of things. And you said you are not in the US right now. If you are traveling, that could be setting this off and altering your cycles. Eating a different diet also could. Plus, you mentioned that penetration was painful for you. I would wonder why that is. Is there something going on gynecologically that is causing the pain, and thus the cycle irregularity? So... here are some things that can cause amenorrhea:

-Hormonal imbalances, which cause fluctuating levels of the hormones needed to support menstruation
-Emotional, Mental, or physical stress / Depression
-Rapid weight loss or gain
-Change in diet
-Low body weight
-Obesity
-Frequent or strenuous exercise
-Cysts or tumors in the ovaries
-Thyroid or Pituitary dysfunction
-Certain medications or drug use
-Menopause OR Premature ovarian failure (menopause before age 40)
-Occasionally stopping birth control pills

The general recommendation is that if you miss three consecutive periods and pregnancy is not the reason, you should see your doctor so that a cause can be determined. More than likely your doctor will do a quantitative blood pregnancy test (serum beta hCG), which is more conclusive than a urine test, to make sure that pregnancy is ruled out as an option.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda