Can I Be Pregnant?

QUESTION

I am 5 weeks late on my menstrual period I took a  EPT test and it came out negative. I’ ve had an abortion already about a year ago so I know what the symptoms of being pregnant are , and I feel all those symptoms. What should I do ?

Anonymous

RESPONSE FROM DR. PINHAS

Just because you feel the symptoms of pregnancy and were actually pregnant  about a year ago, doesn’t necessairly mean that you are pregnant now.  A whopping case of premenstrual syndrome can mimic the “feelings” of pregnancy especially if you are extraordinarly  late with your period.  If you took a urine test to detect HCG ( the hormone that shows up when you are pregnant) and it was negative,  take the test one more time.  If it continues to still show up negative, and you are still late with your period with  the “feelings” of pregnancy, please consider going to Planned Parenthood, or your gynecologist for a blood test and a pelvic examination to determine your pregnancy status.  It may just be that FSH and LH, the pituitary hormones that are responsible for ovulation have gone on “vacation” and you haven’t ovulated yet and thus are late for your  period.  Your health care provider can give you hormones to bring on your period.  Perhaps your  previous abortion complicates  your  ability to take an action on discovering  whether you are pregnant. Don’t let your anxiety cause you to put your head in the sand on this issue. You have to get an answer.  It is always better to take charge of your life and face your fears so you can get back in control and make informed rational decisions that respect and regard YOUR feelings. If I can help you in any other way, just ask a question and I’ll do my best to answer it.