U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
Palo Alto, CA
A 47-year-old member asked:

I am 38 years old, and my period is 6 days late. how likely is it that i am pregnant? or is there something else that could be causing this?

1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Harold Peltan
Ophthalmology 30 years experience
Might be preg: 38 years old is definitely still young enough to conceive. There are other causes like emotional or physical stress that can delay a menstrual period. Many people in this situation would use a home pregnancy test kit. The kits are inexpensive and accurate.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

Similar questions

San Mateo, CA
A 47-year-old member asked:

I am 38 years old, and my period is 16 days late. How likely is it that I am pregnant? Or is there something else that could be causing this?

1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Clifford Gevirtz
Anesthesiology 42 years experience
Too earlymenopause: Just do a urine pregnancy test. My guess is that you are a bit young for menopause. Stress can also cause missed periods.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
San Mateo, CA
A 47-year-old member asked:

I am 38 years old, and my period is 15 days late. How likely is it that I am pregnant? Or is there something else that could be causing this?

1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Derek Haas
Specializes in Fertility Medicine
Check preg test: It is still possible so, first, check a pregnancy test. If you're negative, then it's likely you had delayed ovulation for that month and it's going to take longer to get your period. Your ovulation can be delayed for many reasons: stress, endocrine problems (thyroid), other medications, weight gain, etc. In addition, your period will change somewhat as you get older.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
San Mateo, CA
A 47-year-old member asked:

I am 41 years old, and my period is 6 days late. How likely is it that I am pregnant? Or is there something else that could be causing this?

1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Jeff Livingston
Obstetrics and Gynecology 24 years experience
Trust the test: Home pregnancy tests are very accurate. They are the same tests used in a doctors office. They can detect a pregnancy 7-10 days after conception. If you doubt the result you can repeat it in 1-2 days. If you were pregnant the hormone level would rise enough for detection. Cycle irregularity is not surprising at 40 years old. There are many options for cycle control.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
San Mateo, CA
A 47-year-old member asked:

I am 42 years old, and my period is 6 days late. How likely is it that I am pregnant? Or is there something else that could be causing this?

1 doctor answer4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jeff Livingston
Obstetrics and Gynecology 24 years experience
Take a test: The only way to find out is to take a pregnancy test. In minutes you will have your answer. As gets in their 40's some menstrual irregularity is to be expected too.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Gurmukh Singh
Pathology 51 years experience
Use first morning urine and follow the instructions in the kit carefully
Dec 10, 2013
Palo Alto, CA
A 47-year-old member asked:

I am 54 years old, and my period is 6 days late. How likely is it that I am pregnant? Or is there something else that could be causing this?

1 doctor answer3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jane Van Dis
Obstetrics and Gynecology 20 years experience
Menopausal changes: The average age of menopause is 51. In our 50's there is greater variability in our cycles (if a woman has cycles) due to hormonal fluctuations. The chances of pregnancy are nearly zero, though not quite. Def of menopause is 1 year w/o a period. Likely your late cycle is due to decreases in hormone production from your ovary. See a doctor if it concerns you, or wait a bit more.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Aug 9, 2017

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.