Does folic acid cause late periods? Can my pregnancy test be a false negative?

Question

Hello, my doctor prescribed me folic acid, I have been on it for 3 weeks and my period is 5 days late when I am normally like clockwork. My husband and I are trying for a baby. I did a pregnancy test with the first morning urine which was negative.

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Hello, thank you for your question! It is unlikely, if not impossible, that folic acid causes a delay in menstruation. A delayed period can occur without necessarily having a problem. Sometimes an episode of illness, stress or fatigue can cause a period to be delayed as well This does not mean that there is a problem, and it often goes away. Furthermore, a pregnancy test obtained from a pharmacy and taken from the first expected day of the period usually gives a reliable result. I hope this helps, and I'm available if you have any further questions! Tom Samaha, pharmacist