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Negative Pregnancy Test but No Periods
Pregnancy Test Kit: How it Works
A pregnancy test kit is designed to detect the presence of the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone, released by the placenta, after successful fertilization. The levels of HCG can be detected either using a urine sample or a blood sample.
HCG is secreted from the placenta shortly after fertilization, typically a week after conception. Hence, in most cases (about 97%), a conception is successfully detected, using existing pregnancy tests kits within a week of missing periods, though there might be some exceptions.
It is also worthwhile to remember that the test may indicate a false positive, espeically in females using infertility drugs, as these drugs contain certain amount of the hormone.
Negative Pregnancy Test but No Period Causes
For lots of women, it may be distressing; if the pregnancy test shows negative results but the other symptoms of pregnancy, such as, the non appearance of menstruation, nausea, etc. persist. Here are some of the reasons for delayed menstruation:
- Stress (physical or mental) has been found to be strongly associated with delayed menstruation and other forms of menstrual irregularities.
- Endocrinal disorders, namely a thyroid disorder, adrenal disorder, or an ovarian disorder tend to interfere with normal metabolism in the body; which in turn may result in menstrual irregularities and delayed periods.
- Elevated levels of prolactin in the body is associated with menstrual anomalies too. This may be associated with pituitary disorders.
- Iron deficiency anemia can lead to non appearance of menses, espeically due to low hemoglobin count.
- Obesity and excessive body weight is also known to influence the appearance of menstural periods on timely basis.
- Often, ectopic pregnancy (i.e. implantation of the fertilized egg at a location other than the uterus) may be associated with negative pregnancy test and missed periods.
- Early onset of menopause could also be a reason for no periods.
Negative Home and Blood Pregnancy Test but No Period
While the absence of menstural periods is the primary symptom, there may be other symptoms which may often mimick pregnancy; these include,
- Indigestion, constipation and abdominal distension with a sense of heaviness in the abdomen.
- Nausea and dizziness, which is usually not accompained with vomitting. This is attributed to gastro-intestinal disturbances and not to hormonal changes (which is the cause in case of a pregnancy).
- Other symptoms include anxiety, apprehension and irritability, which are attributed more to the mental state, rather than an underlying metabolic / hormonal change.
- Occasionally, other symptoms may be seen, such as, low grade fever, feeling unwell and loss of appitite, which are usually non-specific symptoms.
What to Do In Case of Negative Pregnancy Test and No Periods
Ideally, one should wait for at least a week before trying the urine pregnancy test, especially after the periods have been missed. In case of negative results, the urine test may be repeated after a few days, generally in ten days.
Consulting a gynecologist is recommended, more so, after repeated negative pregnancy tests, given that, there is a risk of ectopic pregnancy or some endocrinal disorder. Also, precautionary measures are recommended, particularly in cases of missed periods and negative pregnancy tests:
- Avoid Smoking. Also, limit the intake of alcohol and other stimulants.
- Avoid stress. Stress can result in hormonal imbalances which in turn can further make the diagnosis difficult, especially at an early stage. Stress can be managed promptly by practicing Yoga and Mudras, performing simple excercises and having a healthy diet. These simple measures have been known to improve an individuals ability to cope with stress and help reduce the deterimental effects of the stressor on physical and mental performance.
- A trans-vaginal pelvic sonography can be helpful in diagnosis of early pregnancy.
- Ensure that your diet is healthy and balanced. Supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals to compensate for any nutritional shortages.