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[MollyBee]

Hi Ladies,

I'm wondering if anyone has ever had a false positive pregnancy test due to the perimenopause? I'm 48 and my husband had a vasectomy 9 years ago. I recently booked a doctors appointment to discuss possibly going on hrt as I've been having real down days (which is not like me), my face is covered in acne rosacea (I've always been lucky to have quite good skin until 12 months ago) I'm really hot a lot of the time and my hair is thinning considerably... it was all having quite an effect on my life. Anyway, I haven't had a period since July & I just thought that it was due to the onset of menopause, my friend suggested taking a pregnancy test before I go to the doctors as she thought this would probably be the 1st thing they would ask. To my absolute shock and horror I did 2 and they were both positive!
I know that vasectomy's can reverse in rare occasions - I have been 100% faithful so there's no question of anyone else but it just seems so unlikely as we don't have intercourse that often these days, my age apparently gives me just a 1% chance of getting pregnant and the vasectomy has seemingly been fine for 9 years. I'm absolutely petrified! My doctors appointment isn't until next week which was the earliest they could fit me in.
Could anyone tell me if it is common to get a false positive reading please? I've googled it and it is possible but I can't find much information on whether it's in rare cases or if its quite common. I'm driving myself insane with worry.
Thanks in advance.

[dazned]

On bless you ! 

I really can't help in that department I'm afraid sorry. I just didn't want to read and not make contact. I'm sure that other's with more knowledge and advice we pop by soon.

[MollyBee]

Thank you dazned, I appreciate that   

[Cassie]

Im sure its a false test due to your fluctuating hormones, it is highly unlikely that the tubes could have regrown, just relax and take a few deep breathes big hugs.

[MollyBee]

Oh Cassie, I really hope so. Thank you so much for your support.

[Taz2]

Hi MollyBee - I'm afraid I don't know how common it is to get a false positive result but I do have a neighbour who fell pregnant after her husband's vasectomy failed - although this was only five years after having it done. He wasn't convinced until he had a sperm sample tested which she found rather upsetting.

Have you got any of the usual pregnancy signs and are you on any medications which may affect the result?  Just a thought - it is possible to have a false positive pregnancy test if you have any disorder of the pituitary gland - this will also stop your periods I believe. It's a shame you can't be seen before next week to set your mind at rest.

Taz x 

[CLKD]

Maybe ring the Surgery and ask to speak with the Practice Nurse, or go to a Family Planning Clinic or Pharmacist?  The latter have private rooms these days.  Sterilisation is not 100% ...........

Also think about when you last had intercourse and if you've had a period since? 

[MollyBee]

Thank you for your replies Ladies,

Taz2... I'm worried about my husband's reaction too which is why I want to get it confirmed by a doctor before telling him. I feel deceptive not telling him yet but I feel I just can't handle accusations & doubts at the moment especially if it turns out to be false as I'm struggling to get my head around it anyway   I do have symptoms but they could also be menopausal... tender boobs, tiredness.

CLKD... I will call the surgery tomorrow and try to speak to the nurse, thank you. I did think about the pharmacist but wondered if they could actually tell me any different than the home test, I'm guessing I'll need a blood test or scan to confirm either way. With regards to my last period, I was almost sure that we hadn't had intercourse since until a few days ago but I can't be 100% sure (not helpful, I know, my memory is terrible these days too  )

Thank you both for your advice.

[CLKD]

Oh meno-brain - I'm so tired this evening mine's like putty 

ESR was the blood test to determine pregnancy which is often done as a routine blood work - do let us know how you get on! 

[Vieja Bruja]

I didn't want to read and scroll on, so just offering a virtual hug and hoping you get an appointment asap x

[Taz2]

I've found this which relates to the pituitary gland. Apparently menopause can cause the HCG which is the hormone measured in the pregnancy test to rise. Many years ago a friend thought she was pregnant but she had a benign growth on her pituitary gland. Her consultant did say that they would have discovered this far more quickly if she had been older and closer to menopause as the likelihood of pregnancy would have been reduced and more blood tests would have been taken.

Pituitary Disorder
Disorders of the pituitary gland can cause a false positive pregnancy test.  Menopause can also affect the pituitary, leading to HCG production and false positive pregnancy tests. On rare occasions, the pituitary can create HCG even when no disorder is present.

I'm on the edge of my seat here waiting for your appointment!!

Taz x 

[CLKD]

I hope the result is what you want !  will you let us know when you have recovered?

[MollyBee]

Hi Ladies,

Thank you all for your support. Latest update is that I have an appointment for a scan tomorrow morning! Please keep everything crossed for me that this is a false alarm. Thank you Taz for the pituitary information, I hold on to the hope that this is what it is.

Thank you Vieja for the virtual hug 

Thank you CLKD, yes, I'll let you know the outcome.

[CLKD]

  ........... what does the GP think?  What advice have you been given about choices?  Would it be SO bad: my cousin is a menopause baby, aunty was 45.   . His elder sister was 21.  I think that there was a party  involved 

[Taz2]

That's quick for the scan! Did the GP carry out another pregnancy test and an internal? Fingers crossed for you.

Taz x