Menstrual Period - Missed or Late

Is this your symptom?

• Late Period: 5 or more days late compared to normal cycle
• Missed Period: No period for more than 6 weeks

Some Basics...

• Menstrual periods stop when a woman becomes pregnant. A woman with a missed or late period should consider the chance that she is pregnant.
• There are other causes besides pregnancy for a missed or late period.
• The first day of menstrual bleeding is the first day of a new cycle. Cycle length can vary from woman to woman. The range is 24-35 days. The average cycle length is 28 days.
• Menstrual bleeding normally lasts 3-7 days.
• Ovulation often happens at about day 14 of the cycle.

Causes

• Pregnancy is the most important cause of a missed or late period
• Stress
• Dieting, exercise and weight loss
• Menopause
• Polycystic ovarian disease
• Birth control pills
• Depoprovera injection
• Pituitary and other endocrine disorders

Home Urine Pregnancy Tests

• Home urine pregnancy tests do not cost very much. They are easy to use. Most drugstores sell these tests over-the-counter (OTC).
• Urine pregnancy tests are very accurate. They can turn positive as early as the first week after a missed period.
• It is best to do an at-home pregnancy test first thing in the morning.
• When a home test is negative, but there is still a high suspicion of pregnancy, repeat the test in 3-5 days or go to a doctor's office for testing.
• The pregnancy test may not work right if there is blood in your urine. A small amount of blood should not cause a problem.

When to Call for Menstrual Period - Missed or Late

Call 911 Now Passed out (fainted) You think you have a life-threatening emergency Call Doctor or Seek Care Now Stomach pain and you are pregnant Stomach pain and you might be pregnant You feel weak or very sick You think you need to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Call Doctor Within 24 Hours You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent Call Doctor During Office Hours Pregnant You want a pregnancy test done in the office Recent weight loss More than 45 years old Missed 2 or more periods in a row Missed period 2 or more times in the last year You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home Missed or late period

Care Advice for Missed or Late Menstrual Period

1. What You Should Know:
   • Menstrual periods stop when a woman becomes pregnant. A woman with a missed or late period should consider the chance that she is pregnant.
   • There are other causes besides pregnancy for a missed or late period.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Pregnancy Test, When in Doubt:
   • If there is a chance that you might be pregnant, use a urine pregnancy test.
   • You can buy a pregnancy test at the drugstore.
   • It works best first thing in the morning.
   • Follow all package instructions.
3. Stress:
   • There are ways to reduce your stress.
   • Try talking with a friend or family member.
   • Get more sleep.
   • Eat a healthy diet.
   • Try to avoid things that cause you to feel stressed.
   • If this does not work, talk with your doctor or a counselor.
4. Internet Resources at womenshealth.gov:
   • A menopause and menopause treatment fact sheet can be found at: Menopause Treatment Fact Sheet.
   • A menstruation and menstrual cycle fact sheet can be found at: Menstrual Cycle Fact Sheet.
5. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Pregnancy test is positive
   • You have trouble with the at-home test
   • New symptoms suggest pregnancy (morning sickness, breast tenderness/swelling)
   • You need help coping with stress
   • You think you need to be seen
   • You get worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed:	12/14/2019 1:00:29 AM
Last Updated:	3/14/2019 1:00:25 AM
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