A late period can be worrisome. Am I pregnant? Am I just stressed? Did I mess up my dates? Of course, most take a home pregnancy test when their period is late…but what does it mean when that test is negative? Whether trying to conceive or trying to avoid pregnancy, one thing is true: negative pregnancy tests can be confusing, stressful, and worrisome.
There are many reasons apart from pregnancy that your period could be late.
1. Testing too early
While many home pregnancy test brands boast effectiveness before your missed period, sometimes women are simply testing too early. Waiting a few more days can often lead to a positive pregnancy test. In our clinic, testing is lab-quality, administered by a nurse, and free of charge.
2. Not following test directions
This is an issue we see often here at Clarity! It is important to closely follow the directions on your home pregnancy test. Using too much urine or reading your pregnancy test after the directed window can cause invalid results, evaporation lines, and confusion.
3. Stress!
Stress can have a big impact on your hormones and therefore, your menstrual cycle. This can cause late or irregular periods.
4. Health Complications
Certain medical conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, hypothyroidism, uterine fibroids, and others can affect your period, too!
5. Other factors
Weight loss, breastfeeding, certain Sexually Transmitted Infections, new birth control regimes, and strenuous exercise can also be the culprit of a late period.
6. Confusing results
Maybe one of the tests you took was negative and one was positive. Follow up with a medical professional, like we have at Clarity, to figure out what is going on!
No matter why you are missing periods, it is important to pay attention to your menstrual cycle and talk to your doctor if needed.
And remember, it is totally possible to become pregnant even if your periods are irregular. In fact, the only way to really ensure you can’t get pregnant is to abstain from sexual activity.
As always, if you think you may be pregnant, please call us for an appointment. Our nurses would be honored to sit down and talk with you.
