When Should I Test
Home pregnancy tests can be very accurate , especially if you wait to test until after your period is officially late. Some tests claim to accurately detect pregnancy up to a week before your missed period, so if you’re experiencing some pregnancy symptoms and are champing at the bit, go for it.
You’re more likely to get an accurate test result if you wait until your period is late, according to the Mayo Clinic, because the hormone that’s detected in home pregnancy tests, hCG, doubles every two to three days after an embryo attaches to your uterus, meaning there’s more to detect in your urine if you wait a few days.
Because this hormone can sometimes take a while to build up, false negative results aren’t uncommon in early pregnancy. It’s much more rare to get a false positive. If you get a positive test result, you are very likely pregnant, or experienced a recent pregnancy loss, and can confirm the pregnancy through a blood test or ultrasound.
Our Health & Wellness newsletter puts the best products, updates and advice in your inbox.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
Causes Of Late Or Skipped Periods
Missing your period can be concerning, whether youre sexually active or not. Many different things can lead to missing or irregular periods, and it can take some time to narrow down exactly whats wrong. That said, there are some common culprits behind this issue, so you have a place to start.
At Serrano OBGyn, our compassionate doctor, Dr. Christopher Serrano, can solve the mystery behind your missing or late periods. If youre pregnant, he can provide prenatal care. If youre not, he can provide appropriate treatment, if needed, to help balance your system
Is White Discharge A Sign Of Pregnancy
Thick white discharge at the beginning and late part of your cycle is not a sign of pregnancy. However, if you missed your period and youre experiencing watery discharge then it is likely youre pregnant.
Other pregnancy symptoms like breast tenderness, getting tired easily, nausea and vomiting will give a clue if youre pregnant. Still not sure, then check your pregnancy status by running a test.
Recommended Reading: Can You Donate Plasma On Your Period
Natural Causes Of A Missed Period
A missed period not caused by pregnancy can also be an indication of menopause.
In someone, too young for this to be a factor, certain lifestyle influences can also cause the problem. Stress is a significant influencer in this case, and if you are extremely anxious or stressed out, you may find that you do not ovulate or get a period.
If your body weight is below the average weight for your age or height, or if you are anorexic or bulimic, you may experience an absence of a period due to abnormal hormone release.
Similarly, if your daily fitness regime is excessive and you are hard on your body, then you could also miss a period. Cheerleaders, gymnasts, and dancers who need to exercise at least six hours a day more commonly experience a missed period.
A missed period due to stress can easily be fixed by learning a few stress management skills. If you believe that your missed period is due to weight loss or an eating disorder, then please get help from a medical professional.
Things That Delay Your Period
A missed period is often the first sign of pregnancy, but there are other reasons for lateness, too. Here are some other factors that can delay your monthly flow:
Extreme diet and exercise
A healthy diet and regular exercise can do wonders for your health. But if you overdo it, you might say bye-bye to your periods, at least temporarily.
Athletes who train really hard or who dont get enough calories may stop menstruating, Dr. Higgins says. Its the bodys way of telling you that it doesnt have enough resources to support a pregnancy.
When your periods stop due to weight loss, diet or exercise, youre experiencing secondary amenorrhea. This means you previously had periods, but they have stopped. Secondary amenorrhea might happen to you if you:
- Eat an extreme, calorie-restricted diet.
- Have an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia.
- Lose a lot of weight in a short amount of time.
- Undergo hardcore exercise training, such as for a .
Polycystic ovary syndrome
PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that interferes with the release of an egg . When you dont ovulate, you usually dont have a period. Many people with PCOS have irregular, late or missing periods. Other symptoms of PCOS include:
- Excess facial or body hair.
- Thinning hair.
- Weight gain or trouble losing weight.
Doctors diagnose PCOS by checking your symptoms and performing medical tests when needed. Medication and lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms.
Stress
Some examples of major stress include:
Youth
Also Check: 90 Day Probationary Period Form
An Early Pregnancy Sign
Pregnancy is the most typical cause of absent or delayed period in women.
How does pregnancy occur?
If you have intercourse during your fertile days, there is an increased chance you will get pregnant. Your ovaries let out an egg every menstrual cycle which is fertilized by the sperm, forming the embryo.
This embryo will have to be attached to the endometrium. During implantation, there is minor bleeding that occurs and usually seen as spotting before period. This is a very early signal that you are pregnant and may be confused as an early light period.
Other signs of pregnancy are
- Soreness of the breast
If your period is 5 days late with these symptoms, it is likely youre pregnant.
What to do?
Its important you get a pregnancy test performed to help you confirm if you are pregnant or not. The first response pregnancy test kit can detect pregnancy 5 days after period.
If your pregnancy test is positive, it is best to tell your medical professional right away. On the other hand, if negative, you will need to wait for some time to check again.
A pregnancy test is best performed seven days after missed period.
There Are Many Reasons That Periods Can Be Irregular Or Absent Some Require Treatment And Some Do Not
It is not uncommon to occasionally miss a period, or for periods to become irregular from time to time. Under some circumstances, periods can even stop altogether. Sometimes these irregularities are due to normal changes, and are not cause for concern. Other times, they are a sign that something is going on, and a call to your doctor is warranted.
Explore Irregular or Absent Periods:
Recommended Reading: New Hire 90 Day-probationary Period Template
Youre In Early Menopause
Early menopause, also known as premature ovarian failure, happens when your ovaries stop working before you turn 40.
When your ovaries arent working the way they should, they dont produce enough estrogen. As estrogen levels drop to all-time lows, you will begin to experience the symptoms of menopause.
Late or missed periods may be an early sign. You may also experience hot flashes, night sweats, and trouble sleeping.
Other signs of premature ovarian failure include:
- vaginal dryness
Reasons For Missed Periods
There are many reasons why you may have missed your period. Some women miss periods regularly because they don’t ovulate regularly. You might also miss a period if you have a change in your sleep patterns, for example, or if you start working night shifts which can throw your cycles out of whack as your body learns to adjust to it.
You can also miss your period if your weight is too low. After a certain amount of body fat, you may not have the hormone production to sustain your periods. This is often true if you’re a very competitive athlete or suffer from disordered eating like anorexia or even bulimia.
Sometimes stress can be a reason that your period is missing. This can usually be determined easily by a discussion with your doctor.
Also Check: Usaa New Car Insurance Grace Period
Hormonal Causes Of A Missed Period
There are specific hormonal conditions that can cause missed periods, including polycystic ovaries, thyroid imbalance, pituitary gland problems, and even premature menopause. A doctor will be able to diagnose these conditions.
It is vital that if you miss your period and know that you are not pregnant, you should make a doctors appointment as soon as possible. This will determine whether there are any problems in your reproductive system.
Missed Periods And Fertility
If your future plans include trying to get pregnant, you might be wondering what your missed periods mean for your fertility. Unfortunately, there’s not a simple answer to this question.
Dr Angela Jones, a gynaecologist, says it really depends on why you’re not getting a period. Some of the more common reasons for missing your period, such as recent weight loss or gain, or medications, are reversible.
But, if you’re dealing with things like PCOS, which causes ovulatory dysfunction, Jones says steps will need to be taken to manage this in order to help you ovulate regularly.
After all, if you aren’t ovulating, you can’t get pregnant. This may be a reason to see a specialist. However, it’s important to remember that even if you’re not ovulating regularly, you can still get pregnant. So if you don’t want to conceive, it’s essential to use reliable contraception every time you have sex.
Read Also: Usaa Grace Period Auto Insurance New Car
Reasons For A Missed Period On Birth Control
There can be a number of reasons that a person can miss a period while on hormonal birth control.
It is considered abnormal to go more than 90 days without a period unless a person is pregnant, going through menopause, or breastfeeding.
People may miss periods or they may stop getting a period entirely for a variety of reasons, including a change in birth control methods, stress, exercise, changes to diet, hormonal imbalances, and pregnancy.
Reasons For Missed Periods Or Absence Of Menstruation
Some peoples periods arrive each month like clockwork. For others, periods are unpredictable and may come as a surprise. Sometimes, they dont happen at all! This doesnt necessarily mean youre pregnant.
Missed or late periods may happen for a variety of reasons apart from pregnancy. Common causes of missed or irregular periods range from hormonal imbalances to medical issues. Lets discuss the main reasons for a missed period and when its time to contact a health care provider.
Also Check: Usaa Grace Period
Is It Normal To Miss A Period
There are several times in a persons life when irregular periods are expected: when a person first starts having periods , during breastfeeding, and at the beginning of perimenopause . On average, most people get their periods every 28 days. But a healthy persons menstrual cycle can last from 21 to 35 days. Apart from puberty, menopause, and pregnancy, a missed period may indicate a health issue.
When Is It Too Early To Test
It depends on the test. Some tests are sensitive enough to detect hCG in your urine . Read the instructions on the pack to understand what the brand of test youre using means by early detection. Some women still prefer to test on the day they expect their period, when all home pregnancy tests claim to be over 99% accurate.
Conception usually happens around two weeks before your period would normally be expected. If youre trying for a baby you can use an not only to know your peak fertile days, but it will inform you about your cycle, so you know when its best to take the test. This can help you feel more confident in the results you see.
You May Like: Period Blood Stains On Sheets
How Long Does It Take To Miss A Period After Conception
Most people miss their period around two weeks after conception. Thats because conception tends to happen around day 1214 before your next period starts, which is when you ovulate. Two weeks after that, youre on approximately day 28 of your cycle, which is when you would normally expect your period to come.
You Are Taking Contraceptive Or Inserted Iuds
Did you start any pill to prevent pregnancy? or recently inserted an intrauterine device ?
Contraceptive pill and IUDs can cause no period in women. If pills are taken continuously without a break you will possibly not have to bleed at all.
It is very important to let your health professional know about your late period. The reason being that, there are newer generation pills that can delay period for a few months.
However, your 5 days late period while on contraceptives may still be due to pregnancy.
Did you miss your COC pills for days without using other forms of contraception? Do you have signs of pregnancy body fatigue, pain in your breast or spotting before your period?
You have to check for pregnancy to be sure.
Other reasons your period is 5 days late are
Also Check: 90 Day Probationary Period Letter
Does Missing A Period Mean Youre Pregnant This Is What A Gynaecologist Has To Say
The only time a woman probably ever rejoices missing a period is when shes planning a child. Period. Theres no doubt that most women are sick of dealing with horrible PMS ssues like excruciating stomach aches, mood swings, acne, and what not!
But the only reason a woman probably still prefers dealing with horrible PMS symptoms and getting her period is that she doesnt want a baby just yet but definitely wants Mother Nature to reassure her that her hormones are just doing fine.
However, in case of a missed period, the panic alarms are sure to start ringing and the reassurance might just be needed more than ever. That prolonged cycle could immediately make you think youre pregnant and make you panic.
But, ladies, heres the good news: Not every missed period means youre pregnant. Missing a period is a sign of getting pregnant but it can also be caused due to many other factors, says Dr. Sadhna Singhal, senior consultant in Obstetrics & Gynecologist, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute.
Pregnancy aside, there could be other factors responsible for your delayed/missed period. Take a look at them:
1. PCOS When your body produces more androgen than required, it can lead to major goof ups in your system including the collection of fluids in your ovaries, preventing/delaying them from releasing the egg for fertilisation.
This is a condition which is a major cause of hormonal imbalances, weakness, and can cause irregular periods in some women, warns Dr. Singhal.