11 REASONS YOU MIGHT MISS YOUR PERIOD

It's easy to jump to conclusions when you realize your period is late. If you're trying to conceive, you may feel excitement and a sense of disbelief. If you're not, you might feel fear or disappointment, not to mention utter confusion if you know there's no way you could be pregnant. The fact is, though most people automatically think of pregnancy anytime a period is late, it could be that — or one of many other possibilities. 

HERE'S A RUNDOWN OF THE COMMON REASONS FOR MISSED PERIOD

1. Pregnancy

2. Stress

3. Illness

4. Weight

5. Excessive exercise

6. Change in schedule

7. Breastfeeding

8. Medication

9. Hormonal imbalance

10. Thyroid disorder

11. Perimenopause

12. Being an Athlete

So Let's Go

1. PREGNANCY

Sometimes a late period means exactly what you think: There's a little bun in the oven! Because early pregnancy symptoms like abdominal cramping, bloating and breast tenderness are similar to what you may experience in the days before menstruation, it can be difficult to tell if your period is simply off by a few days or you're pregnant. If your

period is late and you've had unprotected sex, take a home pregnancy test. A week after the date you expected your period gives the most accurate results, but many home test manufacturers promise to detect human chorionic gonadotropin (better known as hCG, the hormone released during pregnancy) sooner.

2. STRESS

You already know stress can have a number of unpleasant effects, like headaches, weight gain, acne and other skin issues — and it can also affect your period. When you're under physical or emotional stress, your body produces the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Elevated levels force the brain to decide which bodily functions are essential and which are nonessential until the stressful event is over. Things like blood flow to the muscles and oxygen to the lungs increase (part of the “fight-or-flight” response you've likely heard of), while others, like digestion and the reproductive system, may stop temporarily in extreme cases. When the reproductive cycle is delayed, so is your period.

3. ILLNESS

Think back to the time you should have ovulated. If you were sick, whether with a simple cold or something more serious, the stress could have put your body into that “which function is most important” phase mentioned above. So ovulation could have been delayed or didn't happen. That means your period will also be late or nonexistent. If illness around the time of ovulation caused your skipped period, Aunt Flo' will likely return once things are back to normal.

4. WEIGHT

Your weight can affect your hypothalamus, a gland in your brain responsible for regulating various processes in the body — including your menstrual cycle. Extreme weight loss, a low caloric intake or being very underweight stresses the hypothalamus, and your body won't release the estrogen needed to build the lining of the uterus. The same happens with eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia, which also cause estrogen levels to dip too low. On the other hand, being overweight or gaining a lot in a short amount of time can cause your body to produce too much estrogen. The overload may cause you to go for months without ovulating or cause the endometrial lining to overgrow and become unstable, resulting in heavy, irregular periods. Usually, gaining weight if you're underweight or losing if you're overweight should help your periods to return to normal.

5. EXCESSIVE EXERCISE

Of course working out is good for you. However, when you overdo it (and possibly also restrict meals to lose weight), your body doesn't produce enough estrogen to complete the menstrual cycle. Some women — such as ballet dancers, gymnasts and professional athletes — are at greater risk for amenorrhea (missing a period for three or more months in a row). But you don't have to be a pro for exercise to mess with your periods. Working out excessively without taking in enough calories can cause disruptions. Some signs that you're overdoing it include extreme or rapid weight loss; decreased physical performance; or forcing yourself to work out through injury, illness or severe weather. Slowing down a bit and, if you need to, gaining a little weight should get things back on track.

6. CHANGE IN SCHEDULE

Believe it or not, switching things up — for instance, working the night shift instead of the day or vice versa, or travelling across the country — can throw off your body clock, which regulates your hormones (including those responsible for your period). Sometimes this result in a missed or delayed period, but it should return when your body gets used to the change or your schedule goes back to normal.

7. BREASTFEEDING

If you're breastfeeding you may not see your period for some time, since prolactin — the hormone responsible for breast milk production — also suppresses ovulation. Many moms don't have a period for months (or at all) while breastfeeding. But lack of a period doesn't mean you can't get pregnant. Remember, ovulation occurs before you get your period. It's possible for you to ovulate and then get pregnant before you ever see your period. So if you don't want back-to-back babies, use protection. Your period should return within about six to eight weeks after weaning your child. If you haven't gotten a period three months after you stop breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.

8. MEDICATION

Probably the most common medication to cause menstrual changes is birth control. Hormonal contraceptives such as the pill or patch work by stopping the body from ovulating — and no ovulation means no period. But what about that monthly bleeding you have while using one of these methods? What you're really experiencing is withdrawal bleeding, a “fake” period caused by the drop in hormones when you take the placebo pills in your pack or go patch-free during the fourth week of your cycle. Sometimes, though, the birth control suppresses the hormones so much that you have very light bleeding or no period at all during that week off. And some pills are even designed to stop your period for a longer amount of time (three months or more). Other hormonal birth controls, such as the Depo-Provera shot or the Mirena IUD, thin the lining of the uterus to such a degree that there may be no lining to shed monthly as a period. Emergency contraception, or the “morning after pill,” can also affect when you ovulate (or stop it altogether), so if you've taken it recently you may experience a late or skipped period (bring this up with your doctor). Some other medications that can cause a delayed or missed period are antidepressants, some antipsychotics, corticosteroids and chemotherapy drugs. If you've recently gone off the pill in the hopes of getting pregnant, you you may notice that it might take a month or so for your cycle to regulate itself — in which case a skipped period might just be your system is getting back on track. If you're not sure whether a missed period means you're expecting, visit your doctor.

9. HORMONAL IMBALANCE

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition where the female sex hormones are out of balance. It can cause cysts on the ovaries and prevent ovulation from occurring regularly. In addition to missed or irregular periods, PCOS can also cause excess hair growth, acne, weight gain and possibly infertility. Your doctor can do a blood test to check your hormone levels if you think PCOS may be the reason for your menstrual problems. If PCOS is the cause, your doctor may recommend birth control to regulate your periods.

10. THYROID DISORDER

When the thyroid, the gland responsible for your body's metabolism, doesn't function properly, it can cause abnormal menstrual changes. An overactive thyroid (called hyperthyroidism) can cause periods to be lighter and less frequent; additional symptoms include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, increased sweating and trouble sleeping. An underactive thyroid (called hypothyroidism ) may also cause periods to be less frequent but heavier; it may also cause weight gain, fatigue, dry skin and hair loss. A blood test can help your doctor determine if you have a thyroid disorder.

11. PERIMENOPAUSE

The average age of menopause is 51. Anywhere from two to eight years before menopause, a woman experiences what's known as perimenopause , the period when the body gradually makes less estrogen and moves toward menopause. During this time, it's not uncommon to have changes in the menstrual cycle — periods may come more or less frequently, be shorter or longer, or be lighter or heavier. But you'll also likely experience hot flashes and night sweats, sleeping difficulties, vaginal dryness and mood swings. If you're concerned about your symptoms, your doctor can check your hormone levels with a blood test.

Though a missed period can be emotional, try not to jump to conclusions until you find out what's really going on. A visit to your doctor can help pinpoint the cause of your missed period, and if you're not pregnant, help get things back on track.

12. BEING AN ATHLETE 

Endurance athletes and women who exercise excessively sometimes stop having a period, even if they are at a healthy body weight. A demanding exercise program puts a lot of stress on a woman's body. When this happens her body may stop menstruating as a way to conserve energy. Additionally, women who exercise a lot may have extremely low body fat. Without body fat, a woman's body can't produce enough estrogen to ovulate.

EARLY PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS

EARLY PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS

1. Tender, swollen breasts

2. Fatigue

3. Bleeding and cramping

4. Nausea and heightened sense of smell

5. Food adversions and cravings

6. Frequent urination

7. Bloating

Before you even pass the test (the home pregnancy test, that is) and know for sure that you've got a baby on board, you may get a heads-up in the form of early pregnancy symptoms. Many will be similar to the yucky feeling you get right before your period (bloating, fatigue, breast tenderness…you know the drill), so it may be hard to tell whether they signal incoming Auntie Flo — or motherhood. Still, if you've been TTC and you've got some (or all) of these symptoms, it may be time to pull out an HPT.

1. TENDER, SWOLLEN BREASTS

That tingly, sore, and/or full feeling in your breasts that makes you want to wear a "Look, but don't touch!" billboard on your chest is one of the first signs of pregnancy. The dazzling hormonal duo — estrogen and progesterone — deserves most of the credit (or the blame) for this breast (and nipple) tenderness. It's pain with a gain, though, since they're preparing your body for the milk-making mania to come.

2. FATIGUE

Imagine running a daily marathon (without training) or climbing a mountain (ditto) while carrying a backpack that weighs a little more every day. That's pregnancy in a nutshell. In other words, it's hard work! During early pregnancy, a huge amount of energy goes into building a life-support system for your baby (aka the placenta). And all that baby building can zap you of your usual get-up-and-go right from the get-go.

3. BLEEDING AND CRAMPING

Light spotting or implantation bleeding before you'd expect your period (around five to ten days after conception) is sometimes a sign that an embryo has implanted itself into the uterine wall. Some women also experience abdominal cramping in the first few weeks of pregnancy, similar to menstrual cramps. Only a small percentage of women experience implantation bleeding or cramping, however, so you can miss these symptoms and still be pregnant.

4. NAUSEA AND HEIGHTENED SENSE OF SMELL

That tell-tale queasy feeling in your stomach, also known as morning sickness , can hit you anytime of day beginning just a few short weeks into your pregnancy. Hormones — mainly increased levels of progesterone, which causes the stomach to empty more slowly — are, again, largely to blame (though estrogen and hCG can also take some credit for your nausea). You may also develop a heightened sense of smell, making previously mild odors strong (and unappealing) enough to make you run for the nearest bathroom to puke!

5. FOOD AVERSIONS AND CRAVINGS

Almost all expectant mothers experience cravings, and most experience at least one aversion as well (thanks, again, to hormones). And that's not a bad thing: Many cravings and aversions have an uncanny way of keeping you away from the bad stuff (coffee and alcohol, for example) and drawing you to the good stuff (like rocky road ice cream — it's loaded with calcium, really!).

6. FREQUENT URINATION

Two to three weeks after conception you may notice an increased need to pee . This new gotta-go feeling is due to the pregnancy hormone hCG, which increases blood flow to your kidneys, helping them to more efficiently rid your body (and eventually, your baby's body) of waste. Your growing uterus (yes, it's starting to grow already!) is also beginning to put some pressure on your bladder, leaving less storage space for urine and making you head for the toilet more frequently.

7. BLOATING

Having trouble buttoning your jeans? Early pregnancy bloating is hard to distinguish from pre-period bloat, but it's definitely something you'll feel early on (for most women, that is). You can't blame that puffy ate-too-much feeling on your baby yet, but you can blame it on the hormone progesterone, which helps slow down digestion, giving the nutrients from foods you eat more time to enter your bloodstream and reach your baby.

HOW TO PERFORM HOME PREGNANCY TEST

PREGNANCY TEST STRIPS

The hCG Urine Pregnancy Test Strip is a test kit for the etermination of hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in urine specimens. This test kit is used to obtain a visual, qualitative result for the early detection of pregnancy.  Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the developing placenta shortly after fertilization. The appearance of hCG soon after conception and its subsequent rise in concentration during early gestational growth make it an excellent marker for the  early detection of pregnancy. 

TEST PROCEDURE

1. To begin testing, open the sealed pouch by tearing along the notch. Remove the test from the pouch. Note: First morning urine usually contains the highest concentration of hCG and is therefore the best sample when performing the urine test. However, randomly collected urine specimens may be used.

2. Holding the strip vertically, carefully dip it into the specimen (you may collect your urine in a clean, dry container). Immerse the strip into the urine sample with the arrow end pointing towards the urine. Do not immerse past the MAX Line (Marker Line). Take the strip out after 10 seconds and lay the strip flat on a clean, dry, non-absorbent surface.

(Note: In rare instances when dye does not enter the result area, dip the tip of the test strip in the urine as instructed above until the dye begins traveling across the white result area).

3. Wait for colored bands to appear. Depending on the concentration of hCG in the test specimen, positive results may be observed in as little as 40 seconds. However, to confirm negative results, the complete reaction time of 5 minutes is required. It is important that the background is clear before the result is read. Do not read results after the specified reaction time.

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

Negative: Only one color band appears on the control region. No apparent band on the test region. This indicates that no pregnancy has been detected.

Positive : Distinct color bands appear on the control and test regions. Presence of both test line and control line indicate that you are pregnant. The color intensity of the test bands may vary since different stages of pregnancy have different concentrations of HCG hormone. NOTE: A positive test line will appear directly below the control line on the same test surface (or 'result window' area). Any line or accumulation of color/dye that appears at the juncture between test components should not be  mistaken for "test line" (this is only the source of the test reagent & dye).

Invalid: No visible band at all. The control band will not appear if an insufficient volume of specimen is added into the test kit. Proper procedures may not have been followed in performing the test. Repeat with a new test kit. Please consult above instructions and follow precisely.

STORAGE AND STABILITY 

The test kits can be stored at room temperature (18 to 30°C) in the sealed pouch to the date of expiration. The test kits should be kept away from direct sunlight, moisture and heat. Do not use test kit beyond expiration date. The test device should not be reused.

NOTE: On Pregnancy Tests / Test Limitations and Terms of Use - The Urine hCG Pregnancy Test is for in vitro diagnostic use only (for external use only). - As with all diagnostic tests, a final clinical diagnosis should not be based on the results of a single test, but should only be made by a physician. - A negative result obtained from a urine specimen collected from a mother in very early pregnancy may be due to an extremely low concentration of hCG. In such cases, the test should be repeated on a fresh specimen obtained two days later. - If a urine sample is too diluted, it may not contain a representative urinary hCG concentration. If a negative result is obtained with a low specific gravity

specimen and pregnancy is still suspected, obtain a first morning urine specimen and retest. - Test instructions must be followed precisely to insure accurate results. Please read instructions and follow exact test procedure. Please check with your doctor to verify diagnostic results – or if you receive unexpected or inconsistent test results.

USAGE OF PREGA FOR PREGNANCY TEST

This pregnancy test tube is famous for finding out pregnancy. Moreover, you can use it simply by following a few easy steps. Please Note : You should use the test tube in the morning with the day’s first urine. This increases the chances of accurate measurement of pregnancy.

● The first and foremost step is to put down a few drops of urine in the tube. Make sure to insert the

drop of urine completely inside the tube. In the test tube you can find three colorful symbols.

● Never get confused among them as they are only to measure pregnancy.

● Wait for a few minutes. If 1 or 2 colors turn red, you are not pregnant. On the other hand if all 3 colors turn red, you are pregnant.

● Remember that one test tube can be used only one time. Therefore be cautious to use it to get the right result. Also keep a sharp eye on the expiry date while buying the test tube.

FOOD TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY

First of all, congratulations on being pregnant!

For most of you who have just found out you are pregnant, especially newly mums-to-be, you must have a lot of questions including:

• What foods should I avoid?
• What foods should I eat to enhance the growth and wellbeing of my baby?

Furthermore, you may already have advice from friends and families on what you should and shouldn’t be eating. It’s important to eat a healthy and well balanced meal even more so when you are pregnant.

This is because your baby will start absorbing the nutrients, vitamins and minerals that you eat which are essential for development.

Also, as pregnancy affects your immune system, you and your unborn baby are more susceptible to food borne illness such as Listeria, Toxoplasmosis and Salmonella which can infect your baby and cause serious health issues and even miscarriages. (Although listeriosis, caused by listeria, is a very rare infection, it is essential to avoid certain types of food that may contain listeria as even a mild form of the illness in a pregnant woman can have serious effect on a newborn baby, or even causing miscarriage or stillbirth.) In general, most foods are safe to consume during pregnancy. However, there are some foods that should be avoided during pregnancy as it can be detrimental to the unborn baby’s health.

Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy:

1. Raw meat and seafood

Due to the risk of contamination with parasites and bacteria such as toxoplasmosis and salmonella , undercooked or raw seafood, beef or poultry should be avoided. Unfortunately, this includes sushi and sashimi as well. For all of mummies-to-be who has sushi cravings, the safest way to enjoy sushi is to opt for the vegetable or fully cooked seafood options such as fully cooked eel (unagi) or shrimp (ebi).

2. Fish containing mercury

Fish is nutritious as it’s packed full of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B and also a good source of lean protein. However, certain fish (commonly the large fishes) such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish can be contaminated with high levels of mercury which has been linked to developmental delays and brain damage in the newborn. Most other type of fish has generally lower amount of mercury, but should still be eaten in moderation during pregnancy.

3. Raw shellfish

Undercooked or raw shellfish such as oysters, clams andmussels should be avoided during pregnancy. Although cooking helps prevent certain types of infection, it does not prevent the algae –related infections that are linked to red tides which can cause an individual who consume shellfish containing red tide toxins to become very ill with neurotoxin shellfish poisoning. Hence, it is generally advisable not to eat raw shellfish, regardless of whether you are pregnant.

4. Smoked seafood and deli meat

Refrigerated smoked seafood such as salmon, trout, tuna, mackerel, whitefish, cod and also deli meat such as ham, turkey, salami and hot dogs should be avoided as it could be contaminated with listeria , which can be harmful to the unborn baby leading to infection and even miscarriage These are safe for consumption if they are cook as part of a meal, like a casserole or heated until it is steaming hot before

consuming. In addition, smoked seafood contains high level of salt which could be harmful to both mother and baby during pregnancy. Only canned smoked fish or seafood is safe to eat during pregnancy.

5. Pate

All types of refrigerated pate including vegetable pate should be avoided as they may contain listeria. Another reason to avoid eating meat pate is it usually contains liver which has high levels of vitamin A and is not recommended during pregnancy.

6. Raw eggs

Homemade sauces such as Caesar dressings, mayonnaise, hollandaise sauces and homemade desserts such as homemade ice cream or custards should be avoided as they are usually made with raw eggs which could contain Salmonella. Commercially manufactured ice cream and sauces are made with pasteurized eggs which do not increase the risk of salmonella . Eggs should be cooked well until the egg whites and yolks are firm before consuming.

7. Cheese

Cheese is a great source of calcium and most types of cheese are safe to eat during pregnancy. There are a few types of cheese which are not safe to eat as they are more prone to being contaminated with listeria which can be harmful to your unborn baby. The types of cheese that are not recommended during pregnancy include:

• Soft, mould ripened cheeses such as brie, camembert, cambozola and chevre

• Blue-veined cheeses such as Danish blue, Roquefort, bergader, blue wensleydale, Shropshire blue, dolcelatte, gorgonzola and tomme.

• Soft, unpasteurised cheese such as goat’s and sheep’s cheeses.

• Soft, mould –ripened or blue veined cheeses are not safe to eatduring pregnancy as they are more likely to be tainted with listeria as these types of cheese are moister and less acidic than other types of cheeses. They can only be eaten if they are cooked thoroughly, such as in an oven until they are piping hot throughout. All hard cheeses, and soft processed cheeses made with pasteurised milk are safe for consumption during pregnancy.

8. Unpasteurized milk

Unpasteurized milk may contain listeria so stick to pasteurized or ultra-heated treated (UHT) milk. If only unpasteurized milk is available, boil it before consuming. Do not consume any types of food made from unpasteurized milk.

9. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient and has several important functions such as helping cells to replicate, essential for good vision and also plays an important role in growth, reproduction and immunity during pregnancy. However, high levels of vitamin A intake during pregnancy have been linked to multiple birth defects in the newborn. It is advisable not to eat liver or liver containing products such as liver pate, liver or haggis as they contain high levels of vitamin A. Another reason why pregnant women or those who are trying to conceive should avoid the acne drug, isotretinoin, also known as ‘accutane’, including the topical tretinoin, due to its high content of vitamin A.

10. Unwashed vegetables and fruits

Make sure you wash all vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating. Doing so will eliminate any harmful bacteria or toxoplasmosis which may be found in the soil where your fruits and veggies were grown.

11. Caffeine

Caffeine can be found in many common drinks and foods including coffee, tea, chocolates, soft drinks, energy drinks and even some over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as headache, flu and allergy remedies . In general, the amount of caffeine intake during pregnancy is still controversial but it is advisable not to consume more than 200mg of caffeine per day as there are studies that show that consuming 200mg or more of caffeine a day increases the risk of miscarriages and stillbirth. Also caffeine is a stimulant so it can increase your heart rate, makes you feel jittery and also causes insomnia. Caffeine can also contribute to heartburn and also increase the need to urinate due to its diuretic properties. Another reason to cut down on coffee and tea is because it  contains compounds called phenols which can make it harder for your body to absorb iron which is important in pregnancy as many pregnant women already have low iron levels. If you have coffee or tea, it is better to have it between meals so it has less effect on iron absorption. On average, 1 mug of instant coffee contents 100mg of caffeine, 1 mug of filter coffee contents 140mg of caffeine, 1 mug of black tea contents 75mg of caffeine, 1 can of coke contents 40mg of caffeine and 1 bar of 50mg chocolate contents 50mg of caffeine. So, if you were to have 2 mugs of instant coffee in a day, you would have reached your daily limit.

If possible, substitute caffeinated drinks with milk, fruit juice

and water.

12. Alcohol

It is advisable not to drink alcohol during pregnancy as there is no known safe amount of alcohol intake during pregnancy. It is safer to avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy as alcohol intake during pregnancy may lead to miscarriages, stillbirth, long term medical problems and birth defects in the newborn . Heavy intake of alcohol during pregnancy can lead to a group of defects in the baby known as foetal alcohol syndrome which is a lifelong condition and includes behavior and attention problems, heart defects, abnormal facial features, developmental delays, low birth weight and poor growth. When you are pregnant, you want what’s best for your unborn baby and what you eat and drink will be absorb by your baby and have an effect on your baby’s health, possibly forever. This is when you should pay most attention to what you eat especially what to avoid as some food may present as a danger to your unborn baby.