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Published on: 4/7/2025

What Should I Do If My Period Is 7 Days Late but I Have No Pregnancy Symptoms?

If your period is 7 days late and you have no pregnancy symptoms, and your pregnancy test is negative at 10-14 days after that missed period, it might not be pregnancy—it could just be a temporary change in your cycle, but it's still a good idea to monitor your situation.

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Explanation

A period being 7 days late can happen for many reasons besides pregnancy. Sometimes stress, changes in sleep patterns, or fluctuations in weight and exercise routines can change your menstrual cycle. Hormonal imbalances, even temporary ones, might cause a delay. It’s also possible to have a slightly irregular cycle, which is common for many women. Although the absence of pregnancy symptoms makes a positive result less likely, early pregnancy can sometimes be hard to detect before a missed period and the presence of other signs. If your period is late only once, you can wait a few more days and see if it starts naturally. You might also consider taking a home pregnancy test again if you remain unsure, especially if you test with your first morning urine, which is more reliable. If your period does not return or if you notice other changes or discomfort, it’s a good idea to contact your healthcare provider. They can help you understand your cycle better and decide if further evaluation is needed.

(References)

  • Sayle AE, Wilcox AJ, Weinberg CR, Baird DD. A prospective study of the onset of symptoms of pregnancy. J Clin Epidemiol. 2002 Jul;55(7):676-80. doi: 10.1016/s0895-4356(02)00402-x. PMID: 12160915.

  • Nobles J, Cannon L, Wilcox AJ. Menstrual irregularity as a biological limit to early pregnancy awareness. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2022 Jan 4;119(1):e2113762118. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2113762118. PMID: 34969843; PMCID: PMC8740731.

  • Attia GM, Alharbi OA, Aljohani RM. The Impact of Irregular Menstruation on Health: A Review of the Literature. Cureus. 2023 Nov 20;15(11):e49146. doi: 10.7759/cureus.49146. PMID: 38130524; PMCID: PMC10733621.

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