Negative tests, 13 days late - still no period!

[Jenster]

Hi There,

A few weeks ago, I submitted a thread asking for advice as I was having symptoms, but my home tests were giving me negative results. I got some good advice from Lallas Mum.

My period is now 13 days late, I still have some symptoms (tender boobs, some nausea, metallic taste in my mouth) but I had a blood test last Friday which was negative. It was really disappointing - I don't seem to have symptoms that are as strong since, or maybe I'm just getting used to them....? My doctor has said to go back later on this week for another test if I still haven't got my period, which I will. But I just wondered if anyone else had experienced something similar and what the outcome was?

I'd love to hear from you - if only to know that this has happened to others.

Thank you! :o

[Lallas' Mum]

Dear Jenster,

Sorry you're still showing negative. With my second pregnancy (which will be all over in three weeks - yeah!!!) I didn't get a positive test result until two weeks past my periods due date. So I guess there is still hope. I ovulate very late in my cycle and have a 35 -38 day cycle so my LMP due dates are completely off the mark. According to LMP dates my last son was due 28/09 but after a dating scan it was recalculated to the 10/10 (but he didn't arrive until the 21/10). So much for going by your last menstrual period to determine due date.

Anyhow, I guess all you can do is hang in there and try to relax. Stress does terrible things to our systems.

Best of Luck

Tracey
:) Mum to Alec (Lalla) 17 1/2 months and bub due May 2nd

[Jenster]

Hi Tracey,

Went back to the doctors this morning for another blood test so, fingers crossed! I'm about 15/16 days late today, so we'll see what happens. I hope that the test comes back positive this time, but I'm really not expecting it to - I'm trying to be more realistic than optimistic this time!

Interestingly enough, I have been treated for Hashimoto's disease for the last year, which causes hypothyroidism, but my medication has taken my thyroid TSH levels a little higher than they should be so my doctor things that if my tests come back negative today, this might have something to do with the result.

As you said before, at least I can have fun trying if it doesn't happen this time!
Thanks again Tracey and good luck with your new arrival!

Cheers,

Jen x :)

[Lallas' Mum]

Good luck Jen. I'll be thinking of you!:)

[Jenster]

Well, it was negative again and it looks like my thyroid hormone is too high at the moment for a pregnancy to take (fertilization and implantation quite possibly occured due to my symptoms, but it just didn't implant properly or something), so my doctor is going to reduce my thyroxin a little and see if that does anything.

So, back to the drawing board!

Cheers,

:p

[Lallas' Mum]

Jen, I really do hope things work out for you.

I don't know anything about hashimoto's so I can't offer any advice in regards to what may help. It might help to do a little research on the net. If you type in pregnancy and hashimoto's you may find a site that offers some advice.

Anyhow, have fun trying in the meantime. Though my hubby was always a little disappointed when I didn't fall pregnant during a cycle when we were trying, I think he was also a little happy that we could keep having baby making fun.

My thoughts are with you

Tracey

[Kat]

Jen,
I so sympathise with your position. Good luck with the thyroid stuff. I hope it helps.

I don't know anything about the thyroid, but unfortunately do know about that early pregnancy / no implamtation thing.

Both the blood and urine preg. tests look for the hormone HCG which is the same hormone that stops your body rejecting the fertilised egg when it comes time to implant (about 7 days after conception - or around when your period is due)

Now in my case I don't know why but I didn't make enough of this hormone and despite having all the signs of being pregnant the blood tests came back negative and I had a period about 3 days late. Then the next month - same thing - except a positive result. The downside of the story is that I did have two eggs fertilised but only enough HCG for one pregnancy to implant - and miscarried one of the two :(

But my DD is now 5 months old and keeping us in smiles every day :)

So if you are having ongoing problems it is worth getting all checked out. Doctors have this weird way of saying things like "if the tests show negative you aren't pregnant!" and they even told me "we wait until you've had 3 miscarriages confirmed in a row before we start to worry!"

EgADS!

Kat

[LilShenanigans]

Karen have heard that can happen, but rarely... it's just a waiting game..

Thyroid problems run in my family, but so do many births... All I can say is that with the thyroid thing it's really just be patient with it and then your body will let you know when it's ready - sorry that sucks, but pregnancy causes a few hassles with the thyroid and even afterwards...

I was once about 5 weeks late, periods were regular enough (within the first 3 days of each month), I never actually thought to check out my levels, and looking back it would've found a problem with my thyroid.

Wish I could be more helpful, but at least this is here as I may need info in the future :confused:

[Jenster]

Hey Karen,

Just a few additions here to the private reply I sent you.

The PCOS has been a little bit of a struggle for me, but mostly due to complications caused by an ongoing Thyroid disease problem that I have - my thyroid medications were affecting my insuline resistance and this exacerbated the PCOS.

However, (following bloodtests and an ultrasound to confirm the PCOS) my doctor put me on Metformin, which has improved my insulin resistance, in turn helping to regulate my periods and I'm able to loose weight more easily now.

My longest cycle (before treatment) was just shy of 130 days, so there were quite a few months were I just wasn't ovulating at all. But now everything is fairly normal, although my cycles are still longer than 30 days (usually between 35-40). We're still trying for a baby and keeping my fingers crossed each month!!!

There's so much information out there now on PCOS - if your diagnosis is positive, it's worth reading up on it as there's much research to suggest how diet & fitness can improve PCOS.

Just re: the termination issue - I can relate there too. I had one when I was 16 and am currently worried that this may also be a contributing factor in my failure to get pregnant, even though I'm 30 now (I feel like the decks are stacking against me!!). You're probably feeling quite bogged down by a lot of emotions at the moment - maybe guilt over the termination..? (I know I feel it every day, even though I know it was the right thing to do), not to mention the disappointment you feel when you get a negative test result, the stress of finding out you might have PCOS and the all the worry that goes with it. I've been feeling all these things too, but have been trying to relax a little more about it all - apparently stress can really effect your fertility too. Anyway, I'm not really sure what I'm trying to say here - but I just want you to know that you are not alone and that I'm sure there are tons of us out there who understand exactly what you are going through. I got so depressed/down about it all which is why I haven't logged onto this site for ages.

We have been trying for a baby since last January but what gives me hope and keeps me positive, is that I know there are a lot of women out there who've been trying for as long/longer with PCOS/Hashimoto's disease or other health problems, but they get there in the end.

Best of luck with it and please keep me posted or feel free to contact me anytime.


Cheers,

Jen :o)

[Jenster]

Hey Karen,

Not offended at all. Yes I am overweight - by about 20-30 (ish) kilos. Originally the weight gain was caused (mostly) by the Thyroid Disease. I have Hashimoto's which essentially makes you Hypothyroid (causes your thyroid to become underactive). I lost a little weight when my thyroid medication balanced out, and then a little more when I started on the Metformin for the PCOS. Before then, I found it really difficult to lose weight - no matter what I did.

My specialist (Endocrinologist who looks after the Thyroid thing and the PCOS) recommended that I try and drop some more weight and that this might increase my fertility/chances of conceiving. So, I've actually just started reading the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet book - it seems to be a healthy, non-depriving diet that makes a lot of nutritional sense. I'm starting the diet/exercise plan next week, so I'll let you know how I go!

To begin with, my husband wasn't all that understanding either, infact - he still very much does the "boy" thing of not really understanding what all the fuss is about!! It certainly does help though, to be able to talk about it with people in similar situations.

Cheers,

Jen :)

[Mummabear]

Hi Jenster,

I see you've gotten some good advice and support here. Just wanted to add my 2c if that's okay :D

I was 3 weeks late when TTC and couldn't understand why no pregnancy! Then when I started paying more attention to my cycles and my body I realised that I only actually ovulated every 3 months or so, so I figure my body decided there wasn't much point in bleeding as I hadn't released an egg. Yet sometimes I do still bleed when I haven't ovulated (my ovulation is very obvious so it's easy for me to tell).

I'm also overweight (40kg) but no thyroid issues so can't help you out there (just a fatty with no real excuse, lol)

[maybe1more]

Jen and Karen- how confusing for you both!!! Im really sorry that it was a postive sign in regards to a pregancy. I really feel for both of you, not having a period for that amount of time aswell as pregancy symptoms. Big hugs to both of you:)

[Jenster]

To FirstBub - thank you for your message, that was really sweet of you. Hopefully, all my problems are under control now and it won't be too long before I conceive :p - keep your fingers crossed for me!!!

To Prom Queen - that's really interesting. I agree that it is good to get to know your body and the signs - it's certainly helping me to chart my cycles each month. My ovulation is pretty pronounced too - it's just a little later on in the cycle than might be deemed "normal" because my cycles are a bit longer. Are you currently trying? How are you getting on?

To Rynosmum - I'm sorry that I hadn't replied before now. I've got my three monthly thyroid check blood tests this week, so will let you know what my levels currently are. I've found www.thyroid.org.au to be really useful in terms of information - I don't know if you've ever looked there, but it's worth a look and they will send you information that they have, specific to your condition and circumstances etc. Good luck to you for your next round of TTC!!

I think what amazes me is; when you read the stats, how low your chances are of actually conceiving each month, without any added complications!!! It truly is a it of a miracle! But I am remaining positive and hoping that my little miracle is just around the corner!

Love and best wishes to you all.

Jen :D

[Blessed Mum]

Hi guys, Jumping in on the thyroid problem. After discovering I was pregnant with DD about 3.5months along routine bloods found I was suffering from hypothroidism & was sent off to a specialist. I was suffering really bad and losing weight rapidly however within a month tests were re-run & specialist said my levels were so low it looked like I could be headed for a full remission, apparently if you can conceive(because she said its really hard) the pregnancy can cure it. So that was what happened to me but now Charlotte is 3 months old I'm going to retested & check levels :fingerscrossed: everything is still ok. Some years ago DH & I were ttc for a good 18months with no luck so I'm assuming this was why I was not falling pregnant. Which is why I'm really keen to go again soon.

I hope everyhting works out for you ladies, if anyone else has had any similar experiences - please share or if you can shed any more light on what has happened to me that would be great.

Good Luck Ladies.

Cheers Tara

[shelbelbabe]

righto, i am in the right place...
i too am a a bit late, not as much as you girls.
i am sure i ovulate every month, get a slight stabby pain in my side, (particularly with my right side does)
is that the sign of ovulation? what is other peoples symptoms of ov? has anyone been pregnant and not had sore boobs/nipples for a while? do symptoms disappear?
best of luck to you guys as well. i know what you mean about how slim the chances are. i remember when i heard that we are born with the amount of eggs we are ever going to have. I PANICKED. i could actually hear an echo in my ovaries, thinking of the poor little things all alone down there, screaming at me, 'hello, not many left, what are you doooinngggg?'
but we all can get there, we are all going to get there. so ladies :hugs: heres for trying :thumbsup:

[~Emmylou~]

I had the exact same thing happen to me the cycle before I got pregnant with this baby.
I am ALWAYS a 29 day cycle, the only time I have ever late I've been pregnant. So when I was nearly two weeks late I was convinced I was pregnant, but I was getting BFN after BFN.
I had just booked an appointment with my OB/Gyno to have some blood tests (both hormone and preg tests) and then AF showed up - 13 days late.
It seemed it was just an odd cycle and I'd ovulated really late. The next month I ovulated on day 17 as I always do and got pregnant with this baby no problem.
I guess it just happens sometimes :(
I would only worry if it becomes a pattern, but a one-off month like that is nothing to worry about.
I hope AF shows up soon!

[jaimie]

Andd me to the list! Im a week late and i still got a BFN yesterday morning! I am thinking of going to the dr and getting a blood test. It seems strange that i should be so late. I havent been breastfeeding since before xmas so there is no way that is the problem but im sick of getting BFNs and then no af???

[GloomCookie]

I'm 16 days late with my period still AWOL. I did a pregnancy test yesterday and this morning, both with BFN results. My next step is a trip to the docs for a blood test.

[pipilongstocking]

I am so please to read that i am not alone here in this! I am 2 weeks late now,neg p/test(s)-and there have been several!!-and negative b/tests but still cravings,tiredness,night sickness,crabby,emotional,bloated and now sore boobs.And my cycle is like clockwork.What the!:no:
I hope you girls have had lots more luck conceiving.:fingerscrossed:

[lollie82]

I feel your pain. My husband and i have been trying for 2 years. I got diagnosed with PCOS a couple of months ago and they said once i start the metformin it wouldn't take long to fall preggas. We had a miscarriage this time last year and i am not 11 days late. Every home test i do is neg and i have just come home from the doctors who have done a blood test. I have symptoms of pregnancy and we are hoping for the best. What if the blood test is neg?? Where do i go from there??? DO i just wait for a little longer or is there some other way they can tell if your pregnant or not???

[Learner Mum]

Hi Jenster,

Your thread has helped me a great deal as I too am 13 days late today and I too have Hashimotos. I had exactly the same issue I was having all pregnancy symptoms and negative tests I did ovulate very very late I am now 10 DPO but I know first response pregnancy tests will show a positive with early morning if I was. I although stupidly thinking i am definitely pregnant increased my meds myself as my specialist told me that would be needed once i fall pregnant or if I plan to fall pregnant to sustain the pregnancy and avoid birth defects and I am now thinking this may be the same issue I am facing. I have been so depressed trying to work out what is wrong with me as you would understand not getting a period and having A LONG LIST of pregnancy symptoms but negative test after negative test day after day can be extremely frustrating. You think the worst. I am seeing my dr for a blood test tomorrow so ill raise this with him I would have never thought this might be the issue. Best of luck to you and thank you.

[Jenster]

Hi there, wow, this was a blast from the past. I'm sorry to hear that you are facing similar problems, I know how frustrating and distressing it can be. Going to your GP is a good idea. Are you under an Endocrynologist for your Hashimotos? Mine told me (way back then) that when you have one auto-immune disease like Hashimotos, you are likely to develop a subsequent auto-immune disease or condition and she investigated further. In my case it was PCOS, which may have accounted for my pregnancy-like symptoms - although I think a lot of it could have been because I just wanted so badly to be pregnant. The good news is that once this was identified, I was put on a drug called metformin and was pregnant after being on it for about 6 months. There is light at the end of the tunnel - 6 years on, I have two beautiful daughters and thank my lucky stars every day.
A little word of caution though, please talk to your doctor and have blood tests re: upping your meds - reason i say this is that when you fall pregnant, your body automatically produces more of the hormone that stimulates your thyroid and although mine is quite damaged, the extra stimulation seemed to help and my thyroid did some of the work itself so my medication didn't have to be altered.
I do wish you all the best, good luck and please let me know how you get on.
Jen x

[Learner Mum]

Hi Jen,

Yes I do have an endocrinologist ill be booking an appointment with him soon as I was 14 days late but I started bleeding. In saying that I stopped 1 day later which was odd because I would have expected a big build up and allot more bleeding. I will see my gp for tests regardless of if I start bleeding or not. I'm on vitex now as I was with my daughter and hopefully that will sort my short LP. Ill keep you updated and please do the same it's not common you come across someone with the same medical and also ttc. Best of luck hun xx