What do you do when your period still hasn’t come, but your pregnancy test comes back negative? Could it be a false result, or is there something else delaying your period? Should you take another test (or two… or three) just to be sure?
We get it. A missed period can be alarming, especially if you don’t want to be pregnant. However, it’s possible that something else is causing the delay. Today, we’re exploring what can cause a late period, other than pregnancy. ‘
What Can Cause a Late Period (Other than Pregnancy)
There are several reasons your period is late. Common factors include stress, diet and exercise, birth control, and certain health conditions.
1. Stress
When you experience stress, your body produces a hormone called cortisol. The higher your cortisol levels, the more likely you are to have irregular or missing periods[1]. Stressful situations that may cause a missed period include[2]:
- Major life events, like a wedding, break up, or the loss of a loved one
- School-related stress, such as final exams or projects
- Work-related stress, such as a hostile office environment or job loss
2. Extreme Diet and Exercise
Even if you’ve had regular periods in the past, you may start skipping them due to extreme diet, weight loss, or exercise—a condition called secondary amenorrhea. This can happen if you[2]
- Engage in intense workout routines (such as marathon training)
- Lose a lot of weight in a short amount of time
- Eat an extreme, low-calorie diet
- Suffer from an eating disorder
3. Hormonal Birth Control
Going on or off birth control can affect your period. For example, after stopping birth control, you may experience irregular or missed periods[2]. On the other hand, if you skip the hormone-free week, you may only experience light spotting or skip your period altogether.
4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects your hormones and causes irregular periods. It interferes with your body’s ability to release an egg (ovulate). If an egg isn’t released to meet the sperm, you won’t get pregnant, and your pregnancy test result will be negative. However, if you don’t ovulate, you usually won’t have a period either[2].
5. Thyroid Problems
Your thyroid helps control your period. If you have an overactive or underactive thyroid, it might cause a delayed period[2]. Thyroid problems are quite common, affecting up to 10% of menstruating women[2]. If you think your thyroid might be affecting your menstrual cycle, reach out to your doctor to discuss diagnosis and treatment options.
Now What?
If your period hasn’t started, wait a week, then take another pregnancy test[3]. Want a second opinion? Bakersfield Pregnancy Center offers free medical-grade pregnancy tests, administered by a registered nurse. We’re here to answer your questions and provide the care you deserve.
If you miss three consecutive periods, contact your healthcare provider. They will help you take the steps to figure out what’s causing your missed period.
Free Pregnancy Tests and Ultrasounds in Bakersfield, CA
A negative pregnancy test should come as a relief if you’ve missed a period, but it may leave you with more questions than answers. The good news is that you don’t have to face this alone. Bakersfield Pregnancy Center provides free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, so you can confirm your pregnancy (or lack thereof) in a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment.
Give us a call to schedule your appointment today! All services are free and confidential.
You might wonder if home pregnancy tests provide accurate results. Regardless of
how you feel about being pregnant, there are a few things you should know about home pregnancy tests.
Keep reading to learn more.
How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
About 10 days after conception (when a sperm fertilizes an egg), the embryo implants into a woman’s uterus. Her body then releases the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) to sustain the pregnancy.[1] Home pregnancy tests detect the presence of HCG in the urine.
When is the Best Time to Take a Pregnancy Test
Although the body produces HCG at implantation (10 days after conception), HCG may not be detectable in the urine until about 14 days after conception. So, most home pregnancy tests recommend testing once you’ve missed your period. If taken before a missed period, the test could be negative even though a woman is early in her pregnancy.[2]
How Accurate are Pregnancy Tests?
Every home pregnancy test works differently, so women should read and follow the instructions that come with the test. When used correctly, home pregnancy tests can be up to 99% accurate.[3]
If taken too early, used improperly, or improperly read, the test could be negative. After a negative home test, women should wait a few days and then retest.
Where Can I Get a Pregnancy Test?
Home pregnancy tests are available over the counter (without a prescription). Some women find that digital tests are easier to read.[4] Regardless of the type used, carefully read the instructions. Some women prefer going to a clinic to confirm pregnancy.
You can schedule a free pregnancy test at Bakersfield Pregnancy Center. Give us a call at (661)326-1907 to get started.
Sources
- Can Stress Cause You to Skip a Period? Cleveland Clinic. (2020, September 18). https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-stress-cause-you-to-skip-a-period/
- 8 Reasons Why Your Period Is Late. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, April 20). https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-is-my-period-late/
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, December 23). Home pregnancy tests: Can you trust the results? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940