Delayed Period & Negative Pregnancy Tests: What Could Be the Cause?

Question
Hi!  I am 16 days late for my expected period.  I was on birth control until about 2 weeks ago when I missed my period.  We had a stressful month, but I haven't felt stressed since the beginning of Sept.  My last regular period was on Aug 24th, I then spotted for about 4 days on Sept. 11th and was expecting my next period on the 21st of Sept.  It is now Oct. 7th and still nothing.  I have taken 4 pregnancy test (the last 1 week ago) and all were negative.  I know that the chances of me being pregnant are slim but I am usually regular and haven't missed a period in the 6 years I have been on birth control.  I am not experiencing any symptoms, I don't think.  I have been very tired and have some clear discharge.  Any ideas?

Answer
Dear Stefanie,

Since you have had four negative pregnancy tests as recently as 10/1-ish, I would suspect you have not conceived a pregnancy. If you want to be absolutely certain about it, you can get a serum beta hCG test done at your doctor's office. But it is not at all unusual for women who have been regulated by the BCP for a substantial period of time to experience irregular cycles for awhile when the BCP is discontinued. In fact, often our cycles are never as much like clockwork as they were before.

The hormonal balance necessary for regular menstrual cycles is very delicate. When we take a hormonal contraceptive, that balance is regulated by the medication. We then can usually count on the "clockwork" type cycles. Without the influence of those medications, our bodies can tend to take a few months to get back into shape, so to speak, and start regulating those hormones on its own.

Again, this is not an unusual occurrence, but it does require patience and a certain preparedness for anything at anytime.  :-)  You will also need to use another method of birth control if you do not want to conceive a pregnancy. The general recommendation is that if you have not had any bleeding for three consecutive months and pregnancy is not the reason, you should see your doctor so a cause can be determined.

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

Brenda