Absent period
Question
My best friend hasn't had a period for nearly two years. After a hospital appointment she was told it was due to stress but two years seems a really long time to be affected like this. Recently, she's had unprotected sex and has experienced cramping. I'm worried she's pregnant but she isn't worried at all. How can I help her? Is she pregnant or is it something else?
Answer
Stress can prevent periods occurring in women, but two years is a long time for this to still be affecting her in this way. It would be advisable for your friend to visit her local doctor (GP) about this because something more serious could be affecting her menstrual cycle. If your friend doesn't want to visit the same GP, she can always ask for a second opinion from a different doctor.
You also mention that your friend has had unprotected sex recently. She could talk to a nurse at her local family planning clinic, regarding contraceptive advice. She should also consider being tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as you mention that she has had unprotected sex, and is now suffering from stomach cramps. It is possible that her symptoms are not related to pregnancy or STIs at all but - either way- encouraging her to seek further help might be wise.
It is not clear whether your friend is pregnant, or just thinks that she could be. The only way for her to find out is to have a pregnancy test. As her cycle is disrupted it's best for her to take the test anytime over three weeks after having unprotected sex (as this is roughly how long it will take for the hormone levels to show up on the test).
It is important your friend visit a GP regarding these issues however, in the meantime, if she would like to speak to someone in confidence about this, she can contact the NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. This is a confidential helpline open 24 hours a day where an advisor will be able to talk through her options.
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