Hello and thank you for your inquiry. The menstrual cycle is influenced by cyclical changes in the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones in the body. Cycles usually last for 28 days on average and may range between 21-35 days for different women. However, irregularities in the menstrual cycle may occur due to various factors such as age, overall health and lifestyle habits.

You are right in that a missed period may be caused by pregnancy but there are other reasons for missed periods which include:

• Hormonal imbalance due to changes to the body such as after childbirth, menopause and puberty.
• Contraception such as contraceptive pills or intrauterine devices.
• Extreme stress to the body as a result of eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, extreme weight changes, emotional stress or excessive endurance exercises.
• Medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid hormone disorders, uterine fibroids, endometriosis and gynaecological cancers.
• Prescription drugs such as antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, antiepileptics, blood thinners and thyroid medications.

Pregnancy self-test kits that are sold commercially are pretty accurate. However, there is a small chance that if you had tested immediately after sexual intercourse, you could have tested negative. You may consider testing again if you have been sexually active and do think you are pregnant. Do consult your doctor if you are concerned so that you may find out why you have missed your period.

We would also recommend you consult a doctor if you have missed your periods three or more times a year, your cycle is shorter than 21 days or more than 35 days, you are bleeding more heavily than usual, you bleed more than 7 days and if you have been having more pain during your periods.

Please click on this link (DoctorOnCall) to talk to us privately online and discuss further about your inquiries. Thank you.