Question Title: 41yo, usually 28 day cycles, home test neg, blood test neg, 10 days late

Hi, I am 41 yo and have three previous pregnancies, 19, 15, & 1o. My period was due on Sept 27, and is now 11 days late. On Tuesday 9/6 I used a Walmart brand ept test, not the first urine of the AM. Results were negative. On Wednesday, I called the physician and asked for a blood test. Results still negative. I realize that I am getting older and there is always a chance of menopause. It just is unlike me to be late without being pregnant. Is it possible I checked too soon. My LMP was August 30. To complicate things, my dh & I were together on 9/13 with a condom, but still it was at the peak time for ovulation. Which complicates our concern. Doctors office says to wait till second missed period and then come in, that seems too long. Thanks in advance for your help. Barb

Dear Barb:
Menopause is the last menstrual period. In the decade before this happens, women begin to skip ovulations and note increased frequency of "menstrual irregularity".
With a last menstrual period of August 30 and an expected flow of September 27, a pregnancy test on October 6 should have been positive if you were pregnant. The assumption is that you ovulated about 2 weeks from the last normal menstrual flow. You have had 3 pregnancies and most women who have been pregnant "know" from personal symptoms when they are pregnant. Lacking such symptoms (I assume since you did not mention them, they are absent) is further reassurance that you are not pregnant.
I would assume that you have skipped this ovulation, will reset, and have a menstrual flow some weeks into the future. Between now and then, continue to use contraception. If you go 2 or 3 consecutive months without menstrual flow, further investigation becomes indicated.

Keywords: missed menstrual flow

This information is provided for education purposes only and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please contact your physician.

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