QuestionHi im 25 years old and me and my husband been trying to have a baby for a year already. i've never used birth control and i never been late on my periods. And my last period was on dec.30 and i havent got my period yet. i took like 6 test and all came out negative. and i also took a blood test which was negative. do you think im becoming irregular or i might still be pregnant but its not showing up on the test? I really need answers i dont know what to do. and i have a 4 year old daughter too.
AnswerDear Adriana,
If the blood test you had was a quantitative blood pregnancy test (serum beta hCG), that is a fairly conclusive test. It would give an actual amount of hCG in your bloodstream. The normal non-pregnant amount is 0-5 mIU/ml. You would be considered pregnant with any amount over 20 mIU/ml.
There are many various causes for amenorrhea (absence of periods) - pregnancy being just one. Others can be:
-Hormonal imbalances, which cause fluctuating levels of the hormones needed to support menstruation
-Emotional 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 another serum beta hCG at that time 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
