Late Period & Possible Pregnancy: What To Do When Tests Are Negative

Question
Hello Brenda,
Its been over 2 months now and My period havent come. I took a couple pregnancy test at home and at planned parenthood which all came back neg. The problem is that I think I am pregnant even though i get a neg response. My husband and I have been very intimate in november, well everyday and I am not on any pills. I dont have much symptoms other than a late period. Somedays I get occasional headaches, stomachache and feelings of wanting to through up but when I take the test it is neg. I have experienced a brown dishcarge about 3 times before in which there is no explanation. It is not like spotting it is more like a line and I dont know whats going on. Can you please give me some info on what could be going on? Thank you

Answer
Dear Ally,

What you are experiencing is called amenorrhea - the absence of periods. Most often women attribute it to pregnancy, however there are other things that can cause it. If you have had several negative pregnancy tests, both at home and through a clinic, I would suspect that you are not pregnant - or at least you weren't the last time you took a test. Your other symptoms are fairly vague in nature and could be attributed to a hormonal imbalance or even a mild illness.

Excessive weight gain or loss, excessive or strenuous exercise, illness, stress, depression, thyroid or pituitary disorders, obesity, or MOST commonly a hormonal imbalance can all cause this to happen.

The general recommendation is that if you miss 3 periods in a row, and have a negative pregnancy test, you should see your doctor to determine a cause. The brown discharge you describe is rather insignificant. Generally, brown discharge is simply old blood that has been sitting in the uterus and has not been expelled with a period. And it sounds as if it is not in any amount to even wear any protection for your clothing. If your LMP was in October, and you do not get a period in January, I would make an appointment to see your doctor. If you have become pregnant and for some bizarre reason the tests are not picking up the pregnancy hormone, then your doctor can determine that with an appointment and ultrasound. If you are not, he can determine what the root of the problem is.

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

Brenda