Is Delayed Menstruation A Sign Of Pregnancy?

Posted on Tue, 13 Oct 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 Answered on

Tue, 3 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : HI doctor
My period is delayed five days this month. I don't feel the cramps yet. I'm afraid I might be pregnant eventhough my partner and I used protection. I had a history of delayed periods as a teenager which resolved after I became sexually active. Thought I should share this information with you.
Awaiting your reply XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Delayed due to mild hormonal changes.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
Thanks for trusting hcm about your health care.
I have gone through your history and understand your concerns.
There are so many causes which may cause delayed menses other than pregnancy.
It can be due to hormonal changes, thyroid disorder,weight changes, exercise, stress,anxiety, fibroid, PCOD, infection etc.
As you are 5 days late and you are sexually active, get your home pregnancy test after 2 days to rule out pregnancy ( though the chances are low).
Please revert back to us with your test results.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Good luck.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Richa Agarwal (1 hour later)

Dear Dr. XXXXXXX
Thanks for the prompt response, has helped bring down my stress levels, however I would like to know, what could be the best and most effective test for pregnancy? As you have mentioned fibroid and PCOD as possible reasons for the delay, could you explain what those conditions are and what causes them?

Thanks and regards XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Blood beta hcg is most accurate test to rule out pregnancy.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
You can go for a home urine pregnancy test, if done as advice is almost 99% correct.
Or you can go for blood beta hcg testing,that is more accurate method.
PCOD is an endocrinal disorder can cause delayed menses due to ovarian dysfunction.
Fibroid is a benign tumor growth in uterus,may also cause menstrual irregularities.
Hope found useful.
Good luck.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Richa Agarwal (16 hours later)

Hi Dr. XXXXXXX
I ran the urine test this morning, the results are negative.

Thanks
Have a good day XXXXXXX

Hi Dr.
I just realized you asked me to run the test after two days. Albiet I will do the test again after two days. however, would you suggested medication for periods once the results prove negative again.

Thanks Regards XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Better to repeat the test after one week.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You should repeat the test after one week to confirm the test results.
If results come negative, you can take progesterone for withdrawal bleeding after consulting your doctor.
Hope found useful.
Good luck.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar