Dear Leniece_07,

Home pregnancy tests are highly accurate when they're used correctly. Keep in mind that if they are taken too early — or if a woman does not follow the directions on a home pregnancy test — the results may not be accurate. It's important to follow the instructions carefully to make sure that the test is accurate.

After doing a home pregnancy test, a woman may want to schedule a pregnancy test at health center to confirm the results and get follow-up care. To find a Planned Parenthood health center near you, call 1-800-230-PLAN.

Although one thing that can cause a missed period is pregnancy, there are other reasons why girls might have a late or missed period. These include stress, illness, a diet that's too low in fat, changes in sleep patterns or exercise, or just a menstrual pattern that hasn't become regular yet.

It can take a while for a young woman's body to adjust to hormone changes and begin to "run" smoothly and regularly. She might have a light flow or a heavy flow, the length of the flow may vary, or her periods might be late. She might even skip some months. Most likely a young woman's periods and cycles will become more regular as she grows older.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.