Why is my period getting delayed?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a gynecology-related question. I have all of my cycles tracked, and based on the history; I have never had a delayed period like this. After my missed period, I took a pregnancy test, and I took one today. They were both negative, but I still have not started on my period. The previous three-month cycle duration is 24 days to 29 days maximum. But this month, it is already 30 days.

Can you help me, doctor?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Did you have unprotected intercourse this month? If yes, then I would recommend getting a blood test called beta-human chorionic gonadotropin to rule out pregnancy indeed.

If you did not have unprotected intercourse or if the beta-human chorionic gonadotropin test is negative, periods could be delayed due to various reasons like stress, thyroid disorders, change in weight, or activity level, which could lead to hormonal imbalance. Therefore, I would recommend getting thyroid levels tested initially and, if needed, a hormonal evaluation to look for the polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Urine tests are accurate but are positive only after a particular threshold (>25 IU), while the blood test will give you the quantitative value of the hormone. So the urine test might be negative today (as the level is below the threshold) but can turn positive next week. Hence I asked for the quantitative blood test as a confirmatory test.

Thank you.