HATZIRAFAEL BASILIKI

ROBOTIC AND LAPAROSCOPIC SURGEON SPECIALIZING IN ENDOMETRIOSIS

www.hatzirafail.gr

Every woman is different and may experience different pregnancy symptoms. But the most common symptom is delayed periods. Women who have a very stable cycle will think about the possibility of pregnancy from the very first day of delay.

What should you do if you suspect you are pregnant?

First, a pregnancy test should be done by the pharmacy. If it is positive, you will contact your gynaecologist to give you the first instructions to follow until your expected appointment. You will certainly be asked to have a blood test called beta chorionic gonadotropin. This test will confirm the pregnancy. After about 15 days of delay, the first pregnancy ultrasound is performed. There it will be determined that it is an intrauterine pregnancy and the fetal heart function will be shown.

During this time the first symptoms of pregnancy will also appear. These can be:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Pain in the breasts.
• Dizziness.
• Synchrony.
• Fatigue.
• Sleepiness.
• Cramps in the abdomen like period pains and minor vaginal bleeding which, however, may be related to a pregnancy problem and it would be advisable to inform your gynaecologist immediately.

Can I have a delay and not be pregnant?

Surely, the first thought that comes to mind is the possibility of pregnancy, which is perfectly normal as this is the usual cause most of the time. However, there are also factors that can cause disturbances in the cycle of any woman of childbearing age. These can be the following :

• Cyst in the ovary: Very often cystic morphomas form in the ovaries which secrete hormones and confuse the women’s cycle. These cysts are most often absorbed on their own and then the normal cycle is restored.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome: It is a common condition characterized by elevated androgen levels, presence of many small follicles in the ovaries, acne, possible hair growth, disturbances in menstruation with short or long delay.
• Climacteric: This is the period before menopause, which can last up to 10 years. During menstruation, the woman has her period, but very often she may experience irregularities and delays.
• Use of medicines: it has been observed that the use of some medicines can affect the cycle.
• Thyroid gland abnormalities: Proper functioning of the thyroid gland is very important. If the thyroid is overactive or underactive, it can cause several problems with menstruation.
• Prolactin hypersecretion: A hormone produced in the pituitary gland of the brain, which when elevated causes amenorrhea.
• Rarely, the disorder may be due to a malignant tumour of the ovary.
• Other factors: anxiety, depression, severe stress after a major loss or separation, sudden weight gain or loss. Also, a change of environment can cause a delayed period.