Women only please! (Unless you're a doctor)

strapple · June 2011

Alright Ladies, here's my situation.

I am 24 and have always had erratic unpredictable periods.The past year however, they have been pretty spot on usually only varying by two to three days. I am not on any form of birth control and my husband and I engage in unprotected sex, although he pulls out. (I know this isnt effective and believe me after this scare we will not be doing this.

I didn't get a period this month and now according to my calander it's 19 days late! I've carefully taken five urine pregnancy tests over the course of the last ten days and all of them say negative. I don't have any early signs of pregnancy like sore breasts or nausea. Around the time I was supposed to get my period I had my normal pre-period cramps but of course, the period never came. I also have ovulated on the correct days too. Just no period. Also I've noticed in the past five days I've been getting what seems like hot flashes at random, usually in the evening. Getting blood work done right now isn't an option as I don't have health insurance.

So am I pregnant? I'm very stressed over this.

Here are some more facts. This past month has been incredibly stressful for me. I'm working full time and taking night classes. I am in a new marriage and although it's happy, it can be trying at times because we are both young. I've been incredibly depressed to the point that my family doctor suggested I seek therapy. I'm still in the process of unpacking my home. Of course like any newly married couple, we have many financial problems. I am obsessed with losing weight and have been furiously tracking everything and beating myself up if I slip or don't work out that day. On average I consume 1,000 calories a day and burn about 300 daily. Over the past three months I've lost 10lbs. Another root of my depression is that my husband lost 50lbs last year and looks amazing and he didn't have to do anything. It makes me feel disgusting even though he is very supportive and reassuring. And now of course I am stressing about possibly being pregnant because I drink a glass of wine every night before bed.

Does this sound like an extremly likely case of a stress induced missed period? Is it possible that I'm pregnant? Please ladies give me some advice. I'm at the end of my rope here.

kklindsey · June 2011

19 days late as in you should have started 19 days ago? I am betting you are not pregnant but i cant guarantee you that you are not. Stress is one cause. if you are netting 700 calories a day and dont weigh much and dropped 10lbs then those things all could cause you to miss your period. if you get to the next period that is due and it's still a no show and you still show negative on a test then you should head to a doctor. missing a period once in a while isn't a huge deal but it can indicate problems. the only way to know right now, for sure would be a blood test but you said you don't have funds for that so you will just have to wait. sorry I cant help anymore than that.

irishkiss · June 2011

Urine tests are not all that accurate. Blood test is the best possible way to tell if you are pregnant this early in the game. I think you can go to a planned parenthood place and they maybe will test you? not sure. or health department? for cheaper than a doctors office.

strapple · June 2011

19 days late as in you should have started 19 days ago? I am betting you are not pregnant but i cant guarantee you that you are not. Stress is one cause. if you are netting 700 calories a day and dont weigh much and dropped 10lbs then those things all could cause you to miss your period. if you get to the next period that is due and it's still a no show and you still show negative on a test then you should head to a doctor. missing a period once in a while isn't a huge deal but it can indicate problems. the only way to know right now, for sure would be a blood test but you said you don't have funds for that so you will just have to wait. sorry I cant help anymore than that.

yes i should have started 19 days ago.

i didnt consider waiting for the next period, thats good advice thank you.

SugarBaby1987 · June 2011

If your period is 19 days late, and the at home pregnancy test was negative then no you are not pregnant. You said that the last month was extremely stressful for you so that's probably why you haven't gotten your period. Stress can cause women to skip their periods for a month or so. I don't know when it will come back or anything, but I wouldn't worry to much about it b/c that will only make it worse.

squishycow7 · June 2011

urine tests might not be accurate for a while...

and eating too little/changing up exercise habits and eating habits CAN affect your regularity..

as can stress.

sounds like you have a lot going on, and it wouldn't be surprising for your period to be late. If you can afford it though, get a blood test!!!

fitniknik · June 2011

I would maybe go to a free clinic or a "red door" type clinic. They charge like 20$ or something of that nature if you dont have insurance.. I dont know that anyone except a MD would be able to tell you for sure whats going on unless they saw you.

mallorybriann · June 2011

Mine have been wacky as well. Was three weeks late and freeaaakkkkeeed out!
Same as you, took tests in the am... followed directions.
And it was weird because I felt like I was going to get it, cramps, breaking out, hungry etc, just never came

Maybe go to a women's clinic in your town. My friend was pregnant twice and both times tests said negative, so had to get blood work done to find out.
Stress and change in activity level and weight can mess your period up. It doesnt seem like you are pregnant, but that's just my opinion...

Tuffjourney · June 2011

OK, I am not a doctor. But I am an older woman. 1) You can still have periods and be pregnant, especially sporadic ones.
2) Stress indeed will do this to periods. 3) Yes, see your MD. She/He may put you on PCP to stabilize your periods. No insurance, than go to the free clinic. Most cities have them. If you are pregnant, drinking one glass of wine wont hurt. But, I would stop now just in case.******I am NOT a doctor****, just a woman who has been there sweetie. Find ways to eleviate the stress, that is very important to getting back your health.

MrsRobertson1005 · June 2011

You could be pregnant, your body could be changing due to the exercise and weight loss and that can effect it too, or it could be stress. I vote dr for a blood test, good luck

AriesGrl · June 2011

where do you live??? If you can find a planned parenthood near you and they will do the blood test for free!!!

jujubean1992 · June 2011

well if the only reason your stressing is because you like one glass of wine before bed at night i wouldn't worry. fetal alcohol syndrome is from severe alcoholics... think a 24 pack everynight. there were actually studies reported in what to expect when expecting that say a glass of red wine everynight isn't going to hurt the baby at all and can actually help in some ways, i can't remember what they were off the top of my head tho. if the book wasn't packed in a box i'd get it and re read it to know for sure. don't sweat it... and if trying to lose weight is stressing you out... try eating a NET of 1200 calories, your body needs fuel to burn fat.

courtneylwatson · June 2011

I would suggest laying off of the wine for a few weeks just to be sure. Is there a free clinic where you live? Most the time your local health department will do a pregnancy test for free. Stress is a possibility though, I am on birth control but when I stress I can be a few days late.

MelissaL582 · June 2011

I agree that stress can play a big role on your late period. From reading your post, I feel stressed out. If you are only netting 700 calories- that doesn't sound healthy. I would also agree to wait til your next period. If it doesn't come, take a test and probably go to the doctors to get a blood test done to be sure. There might be more to it...

Ruchell · June 2011

Most likely if the tests are negative, you are not pregnant, but my only suggestion was going to be going into a doctor and having them check. If health insurance is an issue, you could always go to a family planning center and they will only make you pay based on your income. Many places also offer the first preg test free. If you think you have enough stress in your life that it could be the cause, you probably have too much stress! And also keep in mind that you when you are cutting you're calories so far back and are doing that for an extended period of time it can have an impact on your menstrual cycle. Any quick/extreme weight losses or gains can change things up. good luck!

strapple · June 2011

Maybe go to a women's clinic in your town. My friend was pregnant twice and both times tests said negative, so had to get blood work done to find out.

its stories like this that scare me the most

raychybabe · June 2011

sudden weight loss can stop menstruation......we see it at work in clients who have a history of drug use (which causes them not to eat and have poor nutrition) which leads to sudden weight loss and loss of menstruation. When they get more healthy and start eating better and eating more, this natural cycle returns.

I don't see how so many preg. tests could be wrong - its based on science!

I would say its because of your low calorie intake, drop in body weight and stress levels.

ATXJudie · June 2011

Go to your local Planned Parenthood. Have them do an exam/pregnancy test. There is no way for anyone on this site can tell if you are pregnant, or if you are having any other health trouble. It could be stress. It could be from the weight loss. It could be something else. But since you mentioned not having insurance, Planned Parenthood is a great resource. They typically charge for women's wellness exams on a sliding income scale.

It will put your mind at ease and take *some* stress off, since it sounds like you have enough already.

That is my advice -- take it or leave it.

birdlover97111 · June 2011

A pregnancy counseling center often offers free pregnancy tests. Stress can and WILL affect your cycle, as will sudden changes in eating habits. Good luck.

rn_jacki · June 2011

woman and woman's health nurse here. If you have ovulated (I'm assuming you did an ovulation test of some sort) you are not pregnant. Based on the information you shared I think you're malnourished. Your body cannot function properly with a net of 700 calories a day. I don't care what your weight currently is; that is not even close to enough. Increase your diet to a minimum of a net of 1200 calories and I would bet you would see rapid improvement. If you do not I would seek care from a physician.

rjanson · June 2011

All I can say is, I had one period in six months after being regular for several years.

I had bloodwork and ultrasounds done and everything was fine.

So, for me, I had to just put it down to stress! I changed jobs and all of a sudden I was back to normal.

So yes, stress is a VERY likely factor!

But - I also agree with the person above. You should really be consuming 1200 calories net.

skinnyinnotime · June 2011

Hmm, the cramping around the time you would have started could be a sign of pregnancy. However, if you've done so many tests and all are negative it would seem unlikely that you are.

You're not eating much, exercising to cut even the few calories you are consuming and are stressed by many factors...I would say these are the factors which are delaying your period.

Please eat more, it's not healthy to take in so few calories, this will only add to your stress levels.

You know the first year of marriage is very, very hard, don't be so hard on yourself.

alyssa92982 · June 2011

It could be pregnancy or stress or losing wgt too quick, lots of factors here. I'd be googling or looking in your yellow pages for a pregnancy clinic-they do all sorts of free testing. Rule out pregnancy. 1st then go from there. Good luck

kimmerroze · June 2011

Im newly married too, soo experiencing lots of the same things EXCEPT the period and extreme depression.

BUT, My husband is unemployed and we are living off of my income.

so its stressful and it is hard to not get down on your situation because things kinda suck.

My advice is this, I don't know if you are a religious person or not but I suggest meditating, whether that be reading the bible, a self empowerment book or simply laying down and focusing on absolutely NOTHING, relax your body, relax your mind, JUST RELAX.

NETTING only 700 calories will cause you to miss a period, so will being stressed, so will losing ten pounds so will being pregnant, So there is no way to really tell.

But relaxing and eating a little more will solve the stress and missed period if that is the case. you and your husband need to sit down and chat and yes you definately need to seek therapy for your depression, a small dose of medicine could cure so much for you.

ashley_jorah · June 2011

If you've tried five tests over a course of a few days (better if by multiple manufacturers) and they're all negative, I'd say it's fairly safe to assume you're not pregnant. Urine tests are surprisingly accurate if performed correctly and if done after your missed period.
There are many many reasons you're body will skip your period. Stress is one of the largest.
You also have the added stress of eating low calories and working out. Your body may have simply decided it didn't want to waste energy menstrating.

Chrysti3 · June 2011

Your body probably CAN'T menstruate because you are likely anemic and definitely malnourished. 1000 calories per day isn't nearly enough for someone as active as you are and aside from starving yourself, your body is likely holding on to every calorie it can get just to keep itself going. You have GOT to take better care of yourself! No more excuses! Everyone is busy, everyone has stress, everyone wants to be skinny - you've got to do it the right way or the other issues you'll face will be MUCH worse. I woulnd't worry about being pregnant... your body is probably in such shock right now you are likely not ovulating anyway.

Elle_Jamaicangirl81 · June 2011

well, my period has been delayed more than 2 weeks before... hmm, twice now that i think about it.. Both times i was extremely stressed out.

I went to the gyno, she told me i have stress induced amenoria... (absence of period due to stress)

it did come back, but only after i took a pregnancy test (the first time) and saw someone.... think my brain decided it was ok, calmed down and brought it back

i would go check it. even for your own piece of mind. (it will help to bring it back if it really is caused by the stress)

you dont want to delay it... as your lining must shed, u dont want the build up of hormones in your body.

Hope this helps, feel free to msg me to talk more of my experience

dragonflydi · June 2011

Here are some more facts. This past month has been incredibly stressful for me. I'm working full time and taking night classes. I am in a new marriage and although it's happy, it can be trying at times because we are both young. I've been incredibly depressed to the point that my family doctor suggested I seek therapy. I'm still in the process of unpacking my home. Of course like any newly married couple, we have many financial problems. I am obsessed with losing weight and have been furiously tracking everything and beating myself up if I slip or don't work out that day. On average I consume 1,000 calories a day and burn about 300 daily. Over the past three months I've lost 10lbs. Another root of my depression is that my husband lost 50lbs last year and looks amazing and he didn't have to do anything. It makes me feel disgusting even though he is very supportive and reassuring. And now of course I am stressing about possibly being pregnant because I drink a glass of wine every night before bed.

All of these factors could EASILY cause a missed period and yes, I speak from experience. If all of this continues, you could be in for bigger issues than just a missed period though as stress is incredibly hard on the body, so getting at least some of it taken care of would be a very good idea. Without insurance, the cost for blood tests, meds for depression, etc. are going to be hard to come by if you are already struggling financially, but if you can find a way to do this ... a low cost clinic, etc, that would be a good place to start. Even just decreasing your stress load by one or two of these things would probably help to make you feel a little less axious ... which is what I read into the origingal post.

I hope things turn out OK and you keep us posted

superjae5 · June 2011

I had an ovarian cyst once--I'm not saying it's necessarily that, but just something to consider. It made me feel dizzy and nauseous sometimes, sometimes extremely light-headed. They can mess with your ovaries. I'd probably say ask about it as a possibility if you miss it twice, especially if you have a blood test done. Your CA-125 level will be high if you do have one.

I'm inclined to agree with most here, that it's probably just stress or a fluke. But I always tell people about it, because my cyst got dangerously large and if I'd known earlier I probably wouldn't have an ugly surgery scar.

WWhitaker · June 2011

I'm the same as you are. Last year I was dealing with so much stress I didn't have a period for 5 months, and of course I took a dozen pregnancy tests all giving me the same reassurance: Negative. I, too at the time did not have insurance so it was even more stressful relying on at-home pregnancy tests and not having the verification of a doctor. Look objectively, you're working full time, going to school it sounds like you just moved and you're married. Weight loss can also effect your cycle, so you need to take that into consideration. I'm not a huge fan of Planned Parenthood, just from a personal experience, but IF you are pregnant, and you do drink, you need to find out sooner than later. Try applying for state insurance. Best of luck.

missxchelly · June 2011

Yeah, you can go to Planned Parenthood and have them to a blood test. It's free or very very very low cost. I am actually JUST like you. I'm been married for a year this Saturday, new marriage, my life is very stressful, I am often incredibly stressed or depressed, etc. My periods have been off and on because a year and a half ago I got off of Depo and everything has been whacky since then plus I have gained some weight. Here is what I know from experience.

Stress will cause you to be late, depression too. Even the slightest amount of stress will off set your period. A lot of exercise will do it too. Any changes to your body will do it. Lose weight, gain weight, etc.

Women only please! (Unless you're a doctor)

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