QuestionI have been on birth control since I had my youngest daughter 7 months ago. I have been on birth control on and off for 7 years now, (expect for when I had my two daughters). I have never missed a period while on birth control. I have not had my period for 2 months now. I took a pregnancy test after I missed my first one and a blood test, and they both said negative. I still feel pregnant though. I have nausea, really tired latley, and some foods taste different. Do you think I could still be pregnant?
AnswerDear Amanda,
If you have taken your BCPs every day as directed - without missing any pills - you should have remained protected from pregnancy. BCPs are 98% to 99% effective for women who take the pills every day as directed. Pill-taking mistakes do decrease effectiveness.
Also, combined with dedicated pill-taking, if you have had both a negative urine and a negative blood pregnancy test, I would suspect your chances of pregnancy are quite low.
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
It may simply be a situation where your BCP dosage needs to be adjusted. 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.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
