Expert: Norman Solberg - 8/25/2011

Question
Hi Mr. Solberg, I was wondering if you could help me out on an issue regarding my menstrual cycle?
My period is late by more than a week now and I've gotten all my typical PMS symptoms-sore breasts, increased discharge, mild cramping. I am not taking any medications; birth control or otherwise and I've never had sex. On 2 occasions ( a month ago and a couple of days ago) I got semen on my stomach while giving my boyfriend a handjob. I immediately wiped up and washed with soap and I was fully clothed from the waist down too. My period has only been regular for about a year but it's worrying me why it hasn't come yet! Could you give me some advice on why it's so late? Thank you in advance!

Answer
Hi Barbie,
Regular periods are caused by regular ovulation.  When a period doesn't come, it means either pregnancy or that you didn't ovulate.  In your case, you didn't ovulate this month.  Since you've had irregular periods up until a year ago, you're probably still somewhat prone to missing ovulation.  Not ovulating can be from stress, illness, weight changes, and other things.  It generally takes care of itself with time.  I don't think there is any chance that you're pregnant.