Have you ever wondered why your periods arrive earlier than expected? It's a question that may have crossed your mind, leaving you to wonder if it's just a normal variation or a signal of an underlying issue. To answer your queries, we interacted with Dr Manjari Gupta, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cygnus Laxmi Hospital, who explained the causes of early periods.
Early periods, also known as early menstruation or short menstrual cycles, refer to a situation where a person's menstrual bleeding occurs sooner than expected in their regular cycle. Normally, the menstrual cycle lasts around 28 days, although it can vary between 21-35 days for different individuals. When someone experiences bleeding before the anticipated start date of their menstrual cycle, it is considered an early period.
Causes Of Early Periods
Early periods, also known as irregular or abnormal uterine bleeding, can occur for various reasons. Dr Gupta listed the causes as follows:
Hormonal Imbalances
One of the most common reasons for early periods is hormonal imbalances. Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, can lead to changes in the menstrual cycle. Conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders can cause hormonal imbalances and result in early or irregular periods.
Stress
Did you know stress can impact your menstruation too? This is because high-stress levels can impact the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates hormone production. This can disrupt the menstrual cycle and lead to early periods.
Also Read: MentalHealthMatters: Can Food Reduce Stress? Know In Detail How It Works
Weight Changes
Significant weight loss or gain can affect hormone levels and lead to irregular menstrual cycles. Being underweight or overweight can disrupt the balance of hormones necessary for regular periods. Hence, try maintaining a healthy body weight to avoid complications.
Medications
Dr Gupta said, “It is possible that some medications, such as hormonal contraceptives, may affect menstruation patterns. Starting or stopping birth control pills, for example, can cause changes in the timing and flow of periods.”
Medical Conditions
Apart from this, conditions like endometriosis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and uterine fibroids can cause abnormal bleeding patterns, including early periods.
Perimenopause
As women approach menopause, their hormone levels can fluctuate, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, including early and missed periods. According to the Journal of Women's Health, perimenopause normally occurs in women between 47-51. As oestrogen levels decline during the transition, women can often expect lighter and less frequent periods.
Also Read: Managing Menopause: Expert Explains Mental And Physical Benefits Of Yoga And Meditation
Intense Exercise
Excessive and intense physical activity can impact hormone levels and lead to early or missed periods. This is commonly seen in athletes or those who engage in rigorous training. According to Wolters Kluwer Health, engaging in vigorous physical activity has been linked to the occurrence of luteal phase irregularities (such as oligomenorrhea and other menstrual irregularities) as well as amenorrhea.
Other Causes Of Early Period
Dr Gupta highlighted Certain medical procedures and conditions, such as Intrauterine device (IUD) insertion, bleeding disorders or certain cancers can cause changes in menstrual patterns, including early bleeding. Also, sudden changes in time zones and disrupted sleep patterns can affect hormone regulation and trigger early periods.
Bottomline
Dr Gupta concluded, “If you're experiencing early periods or irregular bleeding, it's important to consult a healthcare professional. They can evaluate your individual situation, perform necessary tests, and provide guidance on the appropriate steps to take. Keeping track of your menstrual cycle using a calendar or app and noting any accompanying symptoms can help your healthcare provider make an accurate diagnosis.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert for a diagnosis to avoid complications.]