Negative Pregnancy Test, But Period is 3 Months Late

Published: August 29, 2017
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am 16 years old and I took 1 pregnancy test and it came back negative but I am 3 months late on my period what does this mean
Signed: Negative Pregnancy Test, But Period is 3 Months Late

Dear Negative Pregnancy Test, But Period is 3 Months Late,

There are various reasons for late periods besides pregnancy. Stress, diet, over-exercising, certain hormonal imbalances (to name a few) can all result in irregular periods. It is also possible that the pregnancy test you took resulted in a false negative and you are pregnant. Although, if this were the case you would most likely be experiencing other signs of pregnancy besides a missed period after three months.

TeenHealthFX cannot know exactly what is going on, so it is very important that you meet with a doctor. Your primary care physician, adolescent medicine specialist or gynecologist would be able to determine why your period has not come after 3 months.

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. A Planned Parenthood health center is a good option if you have concerns about cost or confidentiality issues. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

Since you took a pregnancy test, TeenHealthFX is going to assume you have been sexually active. However, we are obviously not sure what you are using for birth control. That said, FX also encourages you to speak to your doctor about safer sex precautions for the future. Doctors generally recommend that teens and young adults who choose to be sexually active use condoms each and every time they have sex to protect against unwanted pregnancies and the transmission of STDs, as well as a back-up method of birth control such as the pill or birth control shot. Your doctor can make the best recommendations for you and discuss with you how to use properly use birth control to maximize its effectiveness.

FX also suggests that you check out the links in our Resource of the Month: Planned Parenthood Resources on Safer Sex so that you can learn about sexual readiness, how pregnancy happens, pregnancy tests, emergency contraception, birth control, STDs and more. The more educated you are about these topics, the more likely you will make healthy decisions for yourself when it comes to your sexual health.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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