So confused

[Jgrl89]

Hi I'm 21 yrs old and i haven't gotten my period in 5 months in dec. of last year was my last period and i have irregular periods so when it didnt com in jan. of this year i figured it was nothing now 5 mths later i took a test and it was negative, but i dont knw if it matters because on the test it says 5 days sooner that your missed period and i haven't gotten it in 5 mths...sorry its so long im just so confused and scared that it can be something else

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
The most common reason for prolonged absence of periods and irregular periods is PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).  It basically boils down to a hormone imbalance in which women ovulate only very infrequently, and because it is necessary to ovulate in order to have a period, they don't have periods.  If your pregnancy test is negative, you probably are not pregnant.  It is a good idea to get in to your doctor though.  If the lining builds up in the uterus over a span of years, it can actually lead to cancer of the uterus.
Most often, oral contraceptives are used to regulate the cycles and protect the uterine lining from becomming too thick.  They also prevent pregnancy, which can happen unexpectedly, even if you don't have regular periods.

Good luck!

Dr B

[wnt8409]

If you were irregular before now it could just be that honestly. I have always been irregular and i had the same problem, it started last aug, i had a period late july and then it stopped. never came back, i was told i had PCOS in Nov and that i couldnt get pregnant without hormones, but if you wanna be pregnant dont let that get your hopes up cause in january i was seriously sick and found out i was, no hormones or nothing. so it might be somthing such as that, i would suggest making an appointment with your OB/GYN to ask about it if your wanting to become pregnant. if not and its not hurting then i wouldsuggest going with the flow...it worked for me at least.