My period's late but the pregnancy test is showing negative. What's going on?

When your period is late with no sign of a positive pregnancy test, it can be upsetting and confusing. If your normally regular periods have suddenly become irregular, or stopped, think about whether anything has changed in your lifestyle.

Nine reasons you might miss your period

1. Pregnancy

It is possible to get a false negative on a pregnancy test (where the test says you're not pregnant even though you are), particularly if you test too early, or don't follow the instructions exactly. If you're in any doubt about the results of your pregnancy test, try waiting a few days and testing again.

2. Stress

Severe stress can affect your hormones, which could cause changes to your menstrual cycle, or even stop your periods altogether. Learn more about how stress affects your menstrual cycle, and get tips on what to do about it.

3. Being overweight or obese

Being overweight (with a BMI of 25 or more) or obese (with a BMI of 30 or more) can also affect your hormone balance and menstrual cycle. If you're finding it difficult to manage your weight, and it's affecting your periods, your GP may be able to refer you to a dietitian or other local services, who'll help you lose the weight safely.

4. Sudden weight loss

Being underweight, or losing weight very quickly, can mean that you're not getting enough calories for a healthy menstrual cycle. If you have a body mass index (BMI) under 18.5, or are suffering from an eating disorder such as anorexia, speak to your GP. She may refer you to a specialist who can help you get back to a healthy weight, which should get your periods back to normal, too.

5. Extreme exercise

Extreme exercising puts your body under stress and reduces your levels of body fat, which can both affect your periods. If you've recently been doing lots of strenuous exercise, try stopping for a while to see if your periods return.

6. The contraceptive pill

If you're taking the pill, it's perfectly normal for you to have the occasional missed period. Provided your period returns the next time it's due, there's no need to worry.

Other types of contraception, such as the progestogen-only pill (mini pill), contraceptive injection and intrauterine system (IUS) can stop your periods altogether. However, your periods should return as soon as you stop using the mini pill or IUS, and within a year of the injection wearing off.

7. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that can prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg each month. Symptoms of PCOS include:

  • irregular periods, or no periods
  • difficulty getting pregnant
  • extra hair growth on your face, chest, back, bottom or tummy
  • thinning hair on your head
  • unexplained weight gain
  • oily skin or acne

Learn more about PCOS, including how it's treated.

8. Other health conditions

If you have a long-term health condition, such as thyroid problems, diabetes or coeliac disease, this can also affect your menstrual cycle. Some types of medication, such as antidepressants and epilepsy medication, can also affect your hormones. So if you have any kind of health problem, it's worth speaking to your GP to see if this could be affecting your periods.

9. The menopause

The menopause is when a woman stops having periods naturally, as part of the ageing process. It usually happens after the age of 45, and is often accompanied by symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and difficulty sleeping.

If you are going through the menopause, your periods won't return, and you won't be able to get pregnant naturally. However, it's still worth seeing your GP, who can confirm the menopause and prescribe medication to help with any symptoms you may be experiencing. She can also give you information about other options for having a child, such as adoption or surrogacy.

What to do if your periods have stopped

If you miss more than three periods in a row, and pregnancy tests are negative, see your GP. She'll ask you some questions about your medical history, and may arrange for you to have some tests, such as a blood test, to find out exactly what's causing your missed periods. If necessary, she'll refer you to a specialist who'll make sure that you get the care you need.

More information:
Last reviewed: June 2019

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