Questioni haven't had sex since June. 07. i had regular periods until October, when i barely got one. took several at home tests, all negative, and went and got examined in November and got a negative pregnancy result. i skipped December, had a normal period in January, and did not get one for February so i went back in to the doctors office and took another negative test, and they started me on birth control. could i still be pregnant? and if not what else could be wrong? march would be the ninth month since i had intercourse. i am retaining fluids and having abdominal pain. i haven't gained weight but i feel like my weight is positioned differently. no breast tenderness, but bad mood swings. i am also experiencing back pain, and pain underneath my right ribs. i just feel like something isn't right, whether its pregnancy or not but when the doctors told me i wasn't pregnant i wasn't reassured. please help me!
AnswerDear confused,
I would suspect you are not pregnant with that amount of time between your last sexual encounter and now AND so many negative pregnancy tests. 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 for a full evaluation so that a cause can be determined. The starting of the birth control pills may be your doctor's treatment to attempt to regulate your cycles hormonally.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
