General Practice, by video or in person
Missed Period: Pregnant or Not?
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Missed Period: Pregnant or Not?
- A period that is late, or has not come at all
- Sore breasts, feeling sick or tiredness, which can be early pregnancy
- Irregular periods with acne or extra hair, which can be PCOS
- Hot flushes and night sweats in your 40s, which can be the approach of menopause
- Weight change, tiredness, dry or oily skin, which can come with a hormone problem
A late or missed period is most often a sign of pregnancy, so if you have had sex, the first step is a pregnancy test. Most tests work from the first day of a missed period, on urine collected at any time of day. If you are not sure when your period was due, test at least three weeks after you last had sex without contraception. If the test is negative and your period still has not come, test again a few days later. Missing a period without being pregnant is common too. Stress, sudden weight loss, being overweight, a lot of exercise, breastfeeding, hormonal contraception such as the injection or the hormonal coil, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an overactive or underactive thyroid and, from the mid-40s, the approach of menopause can all delay or stop periods. One late period is usually nothing to worry about. Three missed in a row need a doctor.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- A period that is late, or has not come at all
- Sore breasts, feeling sick or tiredness, which can be early pregnancy
- Irregular periods with acne or extra hair, which can be PCOS
- Hot flushes and night sweats in your 40s, which can be the approach of menopause
- Weight change, tiredness, dry or oily skin, which can come with a hormone problem
- No periods while on the injection, the implant or the hormonal coil
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital now if you have missed a period, or your test is positive, and you have sudden severe pain low in the tummy, especially on one side, vaginal bleeding or a brown watery discharge, pain in the tip of the shoulder, dizziness or fainting. This can be an ectopic pregnancy, which is an emergency. See a doctor if you have missed three periods in a row, your periods have become irregular, your periods have not started by the age of 15, your test is positive and you want to plan your care, or you have missed a period along with weight change, extra hair, tiredness or skin changes. A doctor can go through your history by video, tell you which tests you need, such as a pregnancy test, hormone blood tests or a pelvic scan, and order the blood tests.
Treatment options
- A pregnancy test, repeated a few days later if the first is negative and the period still has not come
- Antenatal care as early as possible if you are pregnant, or a confidential talk about your options
- Hormone and thyroid blood tests, and sometimes a pelvic scan, when periods keep missing
- Treatment of the cause, such as PCOS or a thyroid problem
- Help with stress, weight or very heavy exercise where these are the cause
- A change of contraception if missed periods on your method worry you
Common Questions
Can stress cause a missed period?
Yes. Stress is one of the common causes of a late or missed period. If you have had sex, do a pregnancy test first, and see a doctor if your periods stay irregular.
My test is negative but my period has not come. What should I do?
Wait a few days and test again, because testing too early is a common reason for a negative result. If a second test is negative and there is still no period, see a doctor, who will look for the other causes.
Can I be pregnant and still see some bleeding?
Yes. Some women have light spotting around the time the period was due. Bleeding in early pregnancy with pain low on one side, pain in the tip of the shoulder, dizziness or fainting needs a hospital straight away.
Can a doctor help by video?
Yes. A doctor can take the history, tell you which tests you need and order blood tests, and tell you if you need to be examined or scanned in person.
Need Help?
A doctor on a video call, who advises on the right test and treatment, and tells you if you need to be seen in person.
See a doctor by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified general practice specialist near you.
General Practice in Lagos →General Practice in Abuja →General Practice in Port Harcourt →General Practice in Jos →General Practice in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Missed or late periods. NHS. Patient information.
- Doing a pregnancy test. NHS. Patient information.
- Ectopic pregnancy. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 30 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.