What is the difference between a missed period and pregnancy, their symptoms, and how to distinguish between them, many women experience a missed period and mistake it for a pregnancy symptom, while the opposite is true.
It is important to know the difference between a missed period and a missed period and pregnancy, and to distinguish between their symptoms. We will explore all the details related to them, including their symptoms, causes, and treatment methods.
What is a missed period
A missed period means a delayed period. This is due to reasons unrelated to pregnancy, such as weight changes, stress, or hormonal problems. It disappears with the start of the next period.
What is pregnancy
Pregnancy occurs as a result of the fertilization of the egg by sperm, followed by implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterine wall, followed by the beginning of fetal development. The absence of a menstrual period is considered the first sign of pregnancy.
Symptoms of a missed period and pregnancy
Symptoms of a missed period include:
- Lower abdominal pain and heaviness, which may be constant or intermittent.
- Acne may occur as a result of hormonal changes.
- Pelvic pain.
- Lower back pain.
- Hot flashes.
- Breast pain.
- Weight gain.
- Nausea.
- Temple pain.
- Mood swings.
Early symptoms of pregnancy include:
- Delayed menstruation, which is the first and most significant sign of pregnancy, especially if your cycle is regular.
- Feeling unusually tired and exhausted.
- Nausea and vomiting, also known as morning sickness.
- Changes in the breasts, making them more sensitive.
- Frequent urination due to increased fluid production by the kidneys in the bladder.
- Lack of appetite.
- Abdominal bloating.
- Constipation.
- Mood changes.
Causes of menopause
There are many causes of menopause, including psychological factors or lifestyle changes. These include:
- Severe stress affects the hypothalamus in the brain, disrupting the hormones responsible for the menstrual cycle.
- Thyroid disorders, as excessive or insufficient menstrual cycles can affect the regularity of the menstrual cycle.
- Weight loss or gain can disrupt hormones and cause menstrual cycle changes.
- Anorexia or bulimia can significantly affect the menstrual cycle.
- Excessive physical stress can cause menstruation to stop.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding are common causes of menstrual irregularities.
- Menopause can cause menstruation to stop.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
What are the causes of pregnancy
Pregnancy occurs as a result of fertilization, which occurs as a result of:
- Regular sexual intercourse every one or two days, especially around ovulation.
- Identifying a woman's most fertile days increases the likelihood of pregnancy.
- Eating a balanced diet.
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Reducing stress.
Methods for Diagnosing Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is diagnosed through:
- Ultrasound or MRI.
- Genetic testing or karyotyping to determine the exact cause.
- Physical pelvic examination.
- Medical history.
- Pregnancy tests.
- Blood and hormone tests.
Methods for diagnosing pregnancy
- Pregnancy can be diagnosed through urine tests, which is a home pregnancy test, or blood tests, as both detect the pregnancy hormone (hCG).
- A blood test is more sensitive and can detect pregnancy before the expected date of your period, while a home urine test may detect pregnancy a few days after your period is late.
- An ultrasound scan is an effective way to confirm pregnancy and monitor fetal development.
How do I know if my period is late and not pregnant
You can determine if your period is late and not pregnant by identifying the symptoms of a late period, which differ from those of pregnancy, and by taking a pregnancy test to confirm the result.
Symptoms of a late period include abdominal bloating, mood swings, and acne. Other early pregnancy symptoms that differ from these symptoms include morning sickness and vaginal discharge.
Treating amenorrhea
The treating physician determines the causes of amenorrhea in women and prescribes appropriate treatment. Treatment methods include:
- Prescribing hormonal treatments, including progesterone-only pills or hormonal IUDs, which the physician determines appropriately depending on the case.
- Taking birth control pills to regulate hormones, which can help delay or induce menstruation, depending on the type of pill.
- Following a healthy diet to achieve hormonal balance.
- Reducing strenuous exercise.
- Reducing stress.
What is the difference between amenorrhea and pregnancy
Amenorrhea occurs suddenly as a result of hormonal changes or when a woman reaches menopause. Pregnancy occurs when the egg is fertilized, and the absence of menstruation is the first sign of pregnancy.
Drinks that help induce amenorrhea
There is no magic drink to induce menstruation, but some herbs can stimulate menstruation and relieve the associated pain. These drinks include
- Cinnamon with warm milk, which helps improve blood circulation and relieve cramps.
- Drink fresh ginger pieces soaked in warm water. Honey can be added to increase the benefits and relieve pain.
- Sage is an herb that may help stimulate menstruation.
- Drink cumin infusion to regulate menstruation.
- Chamomile is an effective herb in regulating menstruation.
Summary of the difference between a missed period and pregnancy
A missed period means a delayed period due to reasons unrelated to pregnancy, such as hormonal changes resulting from stress and weight changes. It disappears once the next period begins.
Pregnancy occurs as a result of fertilization of the egg and is identified by the absence of menstruation as the first sign. It is recommended to take a home pregnancy test or blood test to confirm the presence of pregnancy.