What to Do If You Missed Your Period, But the Test is Negative

Missing a period can feel stressful, especially if you’ve already taken a pregnancy test and it came back negative. It’s natural to wonder what’s going on with your body if you still feel different than usual.

If you’re in this situation, there are a couple of explanations for what may have happened. 

You can schedule a free appointment at Life Center in Franklin, PA, for pregnancy testing to double-check your result in a supportive and confidential environment.

A Negative Test May Happen After a Missed Period

There are a few reasons why your test may show a negative result even after your period hasn’t arrived:

• It’s too early: The hormone that pregnancy tests detect, hCG, may not have risen to a detectable level yet. Try testing again in a few days to a week later.
  
• Testing factors: Using a test that’s expired, misreading faint results, or taking the test with very diluted urine can all affect accuracy. Retest again and follow the instructions closely.
  
• Your period is delayed: Stress, illness, or weight loss and gain can sometimes delay your cycle. Being very worried that you could be pregnant can inadvertently delay your period.

What to Do Next

• Test again: If your period still hasn’t arrived, the next step is to test again. Try another test in a few days to a week, ideally first thing in the morning when hCG is most concentrated.
  
• Check with a medical provider: If you continue to get negative results but still don’t have your period, a provider may recommend a blood test or check for other underlying health reasons.
  
• Seek clarity and support: At Life Center, we offer free self-administered pregnancy tests in a private setting. If your test is positive, we’ll provide information about next steps and connect you with resources.
  

Life Center Can Help

Waiting for answers can feel never-ending. At Life Center, we’re here to provide a safe space where you can find out if you’re pregnant and receive information and care.

Schedule your free appointment today to get the answers you need and feel supported as you move forward.