Can a pregnant woman with light periods get an hCG test?

Question

Hello doctor,

It is my fifth week of pregnancy, and I have very light menstrual bleeding. I did a home pregnancy test that showed a negative pregnancy result. I am not having any severe pain, either. Last month too, I had light bleeding that lasted for two days. I had used a pregnancy kit twice that showed a negative result for pregnancy. I had done the test not too early that it could go wrong. I want to know if I can still be pregnant even though the test shows me negatively and I do not have symptoms of ectopic pregnancy or any severe pain. I learned from a site that there are chances of having a low hCG level in ectopic pregnancy, which can result in a negative test. And in addition, I got light bleeding twice. Do I need to get an hCG blood test done in this condition?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You have been getting periods but light for the last two months. You can have a serum beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) test to confirm pregnancy. But you are experiencing scanty menses that could have many other reasons, like thyroid abnormalities, hormonal disturbance, strict diet, strenuous exercise, illness, medications, sudden weight gain like in PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), along with abnormalities in hair growth above as well. You should have first beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). If it comes negative, then have hormonal investigations in the subsequent cycle on day two of your menstrual bleeding. Blood tests to be done include serum progesterone, prolactin, serum testosterone, serum insulin, serum FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), LH (leutinizing hormone) ratio, thyroid function test, and complete blood count. Have one transvaginal scan for pelvic pathology. Take iron supplements and a nutritious diet with low salt, sugar, oil, and spices. Drink plenty of water. Daily exercise, yoga, and walking. Collect laboratory reports and discuss them here or with a local gynecologist. If the pregnancy test is positive, report to the hospital if bleeding continues.

Thank you.