Period 3 days late cramping negative pregnancy test: My period Is late, but I took a pregnancy test and the result was negative. Could I still be pregnant?

Missed period and gassy stomach: Am I pregnant?

Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Jon Johnson on January 2, 2019

A missed period is when menstruation does not occur or does not follow its usual pattern. A gassy stomach may occur at any time. However, when gas or pressure appears in the abdomen at the same time as experiencing a late or missed period, many people think they may be pregnant.

It is normal to occasionally experience a period that is a few days late. However, a missed period is when the cycle completely changes. A missed period may be a sign of pregnancy or another underlying cause.

Early signs of pregnancy can be easy to miss, especially if the person has not been pregnant before. There are some signs that, along with a missed period, may be indicators of pregnancy.

However, every person is different, and each may experience different symptoms. The best way to find the answer is to use an at-home pregnancy test.

In this article, we examine some of the potential causes of a missed period and a gassy stomach.

Pregnancy

People may have gas and a missed period in early pregnancy.

It is possible that these symptoms occurring together are early signs of pregnancy. There may also be other early signs of pregnancy alongside these symptoms.

As a study that appears in the journal American Family Physician notes, pregnancy is the first thing that doctors need to rule out if someone has these symptoms.

If a person is not pregnant, the doctor will move on to other possible causes.

The reason for this is that many people experience symptoms such as abdominal gas, along with a missed period, early in their pregnancy.

Other early signs of pregnancy include:

• morning sickness
• sore breasts
• enlarged breasts
• changes in the nipples, such as sore nipples or darkened areolas
• frequent urination
• light cramping
• constipation due to slow digestion
• feeling full after eating very small meals or nothing at all
• fatigue
• implantation bleeding, which is spotting that can occur when the egg implants itself to the uterus
• food cravings or aversions
• changes in vaginal discharge or cervical mucus

People may experience any of these symptoms at any time during pregnancy. Some may experience symptoms just after conception, while others may only notice symptoms a long time after their missed period.

Many of these symptoms are also common in other conditions. The best way to determine whether someone is pregnant is to wait until they can take a pregnancy test.

Premenstrual syndrome

While most people understand how their period makes them feel, small fluctuations in hormones from issues such as stress may lead to changes in premenstrual syndrome symptoms.

Hormonal changes may make some symptoms worse or cause different symptoms. In some cases, these changes may even alter the course of the menstrual cycle, such as causing a period to come late.

Menopause

People aged 50 and over who experience a missed period may be entering menopause. This occurs when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and the person has not had a period for at least 12 months.

Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg does not reach the uterus. It attaches to other areas such as the fallopian tubes, cervix, or abdominal cavity.

While ectopic pregnancy causes similar symptoms to pregnancy early on, it can lead to other more severe symptoms as the pregnancy continues.

Some risk factors may make an ectopic pregnancy more likely. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists note that about half of all females who experience an ectopic pregnancy have no risk factors.

An ectopic pregnancy needs immediate attention and can be a medical emergency if a person does not seek treatment.

Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts and PCOS can cause hormone levels to change.

Ovarian cysts are small fluid-filled sacs that may develop on the ovaries. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones. Ovarian cysts may cause changes in these hormones.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services note that ovarian cysts develop during ovulation, but that these cysts pass on their own before becoming an issue.

Sometimes, however, the cysts do require treatment.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) causes hormone levels to change. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services note that PCOS causes an increase of certain hormones that can cause cysts to grow in the ovaries.

This may increase the risk of a missed period or infertility and cause other changes in overall health.

Stress or anxiety

While it is common to feel stress or anxiety occasionally, having constant stress or anxiety may cause hormonal changes that lead to similar symptoms. Finding ways to balance this stress or relieve anxiety may be helpful.

Anorexia nervosa

People with anorexia nervosa may become fixated on losing weight or staying thin. They will typically try to achieve this by reducing their calories or continuously exercising, at risk of harming the overall health of the body.

This may lead to other issues, such as changes in hormones, digestive problems, and missed periods.

Ovarian cancer

While not as common as many other issues, a missed period and a gassy stomach might also be a sign of ovarian cancer. The American Cancer Society suggest that a woman has about a 1 in 78 chance of developing ovarian cancer. The cancer most often appears in older people.

Other disorders

Other disorders may cause similar symptoms. Such disorders include:

• thyroid disease
• endocrine gland disorders
• complications from certain medications, such as antidepressants, blood pressure medications, or opiates
• autoimmune conditions
• congenital disorders
• fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency, wherein the ovaries stop functioning before the normal menopause age

This list is not exhaustive, however. Anyone uncertain about their symptoms should see a doctor.

When to see a doctor

A person should see a doctor if they miss more than two periods.

Sometimes, a slight change in hormones can cause changes in the natural menstrual cycle. This is not typically a cause for concern.

At other times, symptoms such as a missed period and gassy stomach may be signs of a more serious condition that needs treatment.

If symptoms continue or get worse, a person should visit their doctor. Likewise, anyone who misses more than two periods should see a doctor for a diagnosis.

Anyone experiencing the following symptoms, along with signs of ectopic pregnancy or other potentially serious issues, should see a doctor immediately:

• pain in the lower pelvis
• abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as dark-colored blood
• lower back pain
• cramping on one side of the pelvis in particular
• sudden, severe pain in the abdomen or pelvis
• shoulder pain
• dizziness or fainting
• blood in the stools

Anyone who feels that their symptoms are out of the ordinary should see a doctor or seek medical attention.

Summary

It is possible that a female who is experiencing a gassy stomach and bloating along with a missed period is pregnant.

However, many things can affect the hormones in the body. Fluctuations in these hormones may cause similar symptoms.

The only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test or see a doctor. They will be able to diagnose any underlying condition. If there is an underlying condition, treating it should stop the symptoms.

No period negative pregnancy test reasons

We know how frustrating it can be when you’re trying to conceive and your period comes late – but you’re not actually pregnant.

With the lack of menstruation, you patiently wait until a week after your period is due, only to get a Big Fat Negative when you test. Not to mention the money you spend re-testing, only to feel crushed when your period finally arrives days (or even weeks) late.

What’s even more frustrating? The fact that the onset of ovulation and the 2nd half of your cycle can give you some well-known early pregnancy symptoms – making it hard to understand what your body’s telling you.

That said, having a late period isn’t uncommon, and even if your periods are very regular, you can still be late for a multitude of reasons…

8 reasons why your period might be late – that aren’t pregnancy

1. Sometimes, it just happens

Ugh, annoying. But there are a complicated series of events needed to get your egg ready and in the right place at the right time.

Unsurprisingly, it can occasionally take the body a while to this. This can lead to an elongated gap between your periods.

2. Anovulation

Occasionally, you might have a month when you do not raise the sufficient oestrogen level to trigger ovulation. This is called anovulation.

If you don’t ovulate, you might still have a period but your temperature is unlikely to change as it does on a regular cycle (that’s why tracking your temperature is a useful way to find out what your body is doing every month).

Sometimes your ‘period’ might be light, or there will be a longer gap before the next cycle occurs.

It’s not always totally obvious why this happens but reasons for lowered oestrogen levels include:

• travelling
• excessive exercise
• stress
• illness
• losing weight.

3. Lifestyle factors

Other lifestyle factors can affect your period: including not eating enough, and consuming too much caffeine.

So, make you’re getting lots of sleep, drinking plenty water, eating enough healthy stuff, etc… you don’t need us to remind you!

4. Your ovaries aren’t working properly

Sometimes, the ovaries simply fail to work. Which really does suck. Especially when you don’t know why.

Fortunately, if this ends up being the case, there are drugs that can help give your ovaries a boost – like Clomid and Metformin.

These drugs are only available on prescription, and are usually thought of as the first step to other fertility treatments.

More on the most common fertility drugs here

5. PCOS

Up to 10% of women suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is caused by hormone imbalances (and possibly linked to insulin levels).

Symptoms can include:

• increased body hair or some baldness
• weight gain especially around your middle
• acne
• pain in the area of your ovaries
• heavy or irregular periods.

PCOS can go undiagnosed, and many women don’t actually know they have it.

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s definitely worth talking to your GP about it. Don’t worry, either, as there are lots of different courses of treatment.

6. Breastfeeding

It’s quite well known that when you’re breastfeeding your new baby, it can take a few months for your period to come back.

But did you know that breastfeeding can also impact the regularity of your cycle, once they do?

Don’t forget though, it IS possible you can get pregnant even if you haven’t bled yet…

Getting pregnant while breastfeeding – the facts

7. Thyroid issues

One symptom of thyroid problems can be irregular or missed periods – so if you’re experiencing any of the other symptoms, it may be worth running it by your GP.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) include:

• tiredness
• being sensitive to cold
• weight gain
• constipation
• depression
• slow movements and thoughts
• muscle aches and weakness
• muscle cramps
• pain, numbness and a tingling sensation in the hand and fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome)
• irregular periods or heavy periods.

8. Could it be menopause?

OK, this one’s probably pretty unlikely… as the average age for periods ending due to menopause (or pre-menopause/perimenopause) is around 50.

However, in extreme cases, missed or erratic periods can begin as early as a woman’s 30s or as late as her 60s.

We’d say this probably isn’t one to think on too much – unless you’ve missed loads of periods, completely abnormally, or you have a family history of early menopause.

Finally… please don’t panic!

Unless you’re aware of a medical condition already – please don’t let a late period make you fear the worst straight away!

Rest assured that a missed or delayed period isn’t an indicator of a decreased ability to conceive – though we totally get it can be frustrating and even heartbreaking ?

We’d say: keep living a healthy lifestyle, keep trying, and join the MadeForMums Trying To Conceive forum – so you’ve always got support from those in the same boat as you ❤️

Of course, if you’re concerned about a number of late or missed periods, or are experiencing any unusual or uncomfortable symptoms – then do make an appointment with your GP, just to be on the safe side.

Read more:

• Early signs and symptoms of pregnancy
• When you should take a test after a missed period
• How common are false negatives?

reasons, pulling the lower abdomen, discharge, chest pain

Causes of a delay in menstruation by 3 days

A delay in menstruation for up to five days in most cases can have completely natural causes, that is, a delay in menstruation by three days with a negative pregnancy test can be a variant of the norm.

But periods can be delayed by more than 3 days for other reasons:

Gynecological diseases , for example, uterine fibroids, inflammation of the appendages and ovaries. If you feel pain, discomfort and discomfort in the pelvis, it is better to consult a specialist.

Taking oral contraceptives

If you have taken hormonal contraceptives, you may experience longer delays after stopping them. Just hormones reduce the productivity of the ovaries, and then the syndrome of “hyperinhibition” develops. The full period of recovery of the body after taking oral contraceptives can be up to six months.

Stress

In the presence of a stressful state, changes occur in the body, both at the mental and physiological levels. It is believed that all internal organs are affected by stress and anxiety. The regulation of the menstrual cycle is disrupted both at the level of the central nervous system and at the level of organs. Therefore, due to severe stress in women, the cycle goes astray.

Rapid weight loss

The main function of the female body is preparation for conception, bearing and giving birth to a child. Sharp weight loss, active physical activity and strict diets put the body into emergency saving mode. Then the reproductive function simply “suspends”. The “risk group” includes not only those women who have a too low percentage of body fat, but also those who are obese.

What to do if your period is 3 days late

If the pregnancy test is negative, and you know that the delay of menstruation by 3 days was not due to stress, then you need to go to the gynecologist.

A delay of 3 days does not always need to be treated or corrected. The doctor will help you find the cause of the delay, prescribe a series of studies, you will have to take blood and urine tests, and do an ultrasound. Thanks to the above studies, the gynecologist will be able to determine the cause of the delay in menstruation.

If the reason lies in psychological problems, then you need to work with a psychologist.

Prevention of delayed periods

For your female body to work like clockwork: menstruation comes on time, pain in the abdomen and chest does not bother you, you need to take care of your health constantly, including eating right and getting enough sleep. If such failures nevertheless occurred, then you need to contact a gynecologist in order to timely diagnose possible diseases.

Red meat, oily fish, linseed or olive oil, yolks, avocados must be in your diet. Fats are involved in maintaining the balance of sex hormones.

Popular Questions and Answers

We talked about the possible reasons for a 3-day delay in menstruation with a negative test, as well as pain in the chest, lower abdomen and fever with gynecologist Olga Fedotova.

Why does the lower abdomen pull with a delay of 3 days?

When menstruation is delayed by 3 days, pregnancy should be excluded first. The most informative indicator is a blood test for hCG (chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone that rises during pregnancy).

If pregnancy is excluded, further examination is necessary – ultrasound of the pelvic organs: perhaps the cause of the delay is an ovarian cyst, which most often indicates a hormonal failure or an inflammatory process.

What causes white, brown or bloody discharge after a delay of 3 days?

The appearance of a white, more abundant discharge may be associated with inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, such as infections. Brown discharge of a smearing nature can also indicate an inflammatory process, but more often occurs in the case of ovarian cysts, or with endometriosis.

Can chest pains occur with a delay of 3 days?

Yes, with a delay in menstruation, there may be discomfort and pain in the area of ​​the mammary glands, which occur against the background of hormonal imbalance.

What is the reason for the increase in temperature after a delay of three days?

An increase in body temperature may be associated with an inflammatory process or with the presence of ovarian cysts. If you have any complaints, please see a doctor!

Delayed menstruation: the main causes – article of the polyclinic “Virmed”

Irregular periods indicate violations in the body of a woman. There are many reasons for this. But it is impossible to be indifferent to such a phenomenon, it can lead to serious consequences if not treated in time. Gynecology in Tula allows you to cope, including with such problems.

Initially, the delay is observed in adolescence, when the process of growing up of the body and preparing it for future childbearing takes place. Installing the cycle in such a case can take up to two years. But if an irregular cycle is observed at a more mature age, this may indicate a number of diseases.

Possible causes

Often a woman does not attach importance to delays, especially if they have become the norm. To find out the cause, you need to undergo a thorough examination by a gynecologist, but first do a pregnancy test to exclude it as a possible delay option. If the test is negative, the doctor will examine you and order the following tests:

All reasons for the delay are divided into two directions. The first is pathological causes associated with diseases, including:

The second category is related to external factors, which include:

• Emotional or physical overstrain, psychological trauma.

• An abrupt change in the established daily routine or climate.

• Diet.

• Maturation or extinction of the reproductive system.

• Stop taking hormonal contraceptives.

• postpartum period.

Additionally, an ectopic pregnancy must be excluded. It is determined only by ultrasound. Only after carrying out all the necessary tests and identifying the cause of the delay, the doctor prescribes the necessary treatment.

Often the cause of the delay is stressful situations. In this case, infusions of motherwort, peony and valerian will help. Irregularity of menstruation can also be observed in a teenager, the main causes of cycle failure:

• Malnutrition.

• High physical activity.

• Diseases of the endocrine or reproductive systems.