8 days late but used protection

[ns2022]

Hi!

Really just looking for some advice. I'm 8 days late on my period, sexually active but used protection.

I have a bit of underlying health anxiety and have been worrying as soon as I began being late (not about being pregnant - that would be great, more about being ill). My periods are usually more on the spaced out side, averaging about 35 days between, but always come every month. I came off the pill in December. I'm now on day 43 of my cycle with no sign of my period.

I took a pregnancy test (cheap one from Waitrose) when I was initially late that came back negative.

I guess I'm just wondering about what to do now? I've had some constipation, mild tummy cramps and a funny taste in my mouth. Breasts are a bit tender. But I know the chances of me being pregnant are so low.

Just looking for some reassurance really - should I take an early detection pregnancy test? Is there really any reason to be worried? Does anyone else have long gaps between periods/skipped periods and manage to not worry that you're secretly dying?

Any advice would be really appreciated, thank you 😊

There's no harm in doing another test!
Sometimes periods are late because our bodies just want to torture us. My regular cycle was 3 weeks late one month and a few months later 2 weeks late. If you do another test and it's negative just try (easer said than done) not to think about it, the stress of it all will only delay it even more! I did go for blood tests after these 2 extended delays because i was worried it was the start of early menopause or something, and everything was totally normal, the doctor said its very common and usually a result of stress or changes to routine!

I agree with @Daisychainsx, take another test to see.

I also have had a lot of all over the place periods and a couple of times when they got into a rhythm they completely changed!

If you're still worried, make an appointment with your GP.

Take another, better test (FRER)!