QuestionI am 25 years of age, i am wondering why i don't have my menstrual period when in fact i already have a home pregnancy test and the result was negative. I had my last period started September 10,2006 and had contact with my husband straight on the last week of September it started on the 25th.Supposed to be i'll be having my period on the 8th or 9th day of October but it missed so i took a home pregnancy test a week after, its negative. Then i tried it again on the morning of October 28 yet its still negative. Am i Pregnant? I mean is it possible to have a negative result at this point taking a home pregnancy test then probably positive along the way? Please help because im really scared about it, this is my first time to experience this thing.Since i have had a normal menstrual period and now this happens to me. it really affects me since i cannot do my usual hobbies like sports and any rigid activities because i am very much cautious about having a baby or am i sick?
AnswerDear Bing,
The bad news is - I can't tell you for sure whether you are or are not pregnant.
The good news is - I can help give you a little more information and maybe ease your mind a bit.
There are many different reasons why women who might normally have very regular cycles stop being quite so regular. The first, and most obvious of those, is pregnancy. Because of that, you should be aware of other symptoms of early pregnancy (tender/swollen breasts, fatigue, nausea/morning sickness, lower backache, headache). This is especially true if you have had unprotected sex. Home pregnancy tests have become quite accurate, but that doesn't mean that they are absolutely 100% fail-proof. Did you use 1st morning urine? That is usually the most concentrated and gives the most accurate test result. If you'd like to have further confirmation, a pregnancy test at your local women's clinic or doctor's office should be able to help verify your suspicions. But remember - do not drink a lot of fluids before going as this will dilute urine. And it's best to provide a sample that has been in your bladder at least 4 hours.
Other possible reasons for sudden irregularity of your periods may be:
- Birth Control Pills (you did not specify as to whether you used any type of BC) Women who stop taking the pill often find it takes a little time for their bodies to adjust and regulate itself again.
- Rapid weight loss/low body weight OR obesity
- Severe stress or a big change in lifestyle
- Excessive or rigorous exercise
- Some medications (steroids, chemotherapy)
And there are some disease processes which cause menstrual changes. However, I wouldn't immediately jump to the "sick" conclusion if you have had unprotected sex since your last regular period.
Again, my advice is to follow-up with a pregnancy test at your local clinic. If it is also negative and you continue to miss periods (up to three at MOST), you should schedule an appointment with your doctor and engage in protected sex if you do not wish to become pregnant.
I wish you good luck!
