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.

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:
   • This can change normal period.
   • There are ways to reduce your stress. Try talking with a friend or family member. Get more sleep. eat a health 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 - womenshealth.gov:
   • A pregnancy test fact sheet can be found at: http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/pregnancy-tests.cfm
   • A menopause and menopause treatment fact sheet can be found at: http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/menopause-treatment.cfm
   • A menstruation and menstrual cycle fact sheet can be found at: http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/menstruation.cfm
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 get worse