According to a recent study, scientists have found that shorter menstrual cycles in a woman’s reproductive phase may lead to early menopause. Women who get their periods within 25 days of the menstrual cycle may tend to attain the menopause stage early, compared to women who are experiencing regular periods. Such instances may lead to depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and heart discomfort.

Shorter menstrual cycle

Typically, a woman would get her periods for 3 to 5 days in every menstrual cycle, though it is regular (26 to 34 days once) or irregular (greater than 34 days). However, some women would get periods within 25 days, which indicates a shorter menstrual cycle. The hormonal changes and several other factors are the reason behind the shorter menstrual cycle.

Factors causing shorter menstrual cycles

Shorter menstrual cycle causes prevail same for most women except for certain medical conditions, after that, your periods will become normal. 

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Most pregnant women would get spotting or light bleeding before they attain their menstrual cycle, this indicates implantation bleeding, which happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterus lining after 10 to 14 days of conception. This bleeding is normal, and you need not worry about this as it indicates that you will get a new family member soon. 

Moreover, shorter menstrual cycle after baby is quite normal. Breastfeeding would delay your periods for months after your pregnancy and also causes short or light bleeding as the hormones are not in stable condition.

  • Ectopic pregnancy

Women who experience ectopic pregnancy face severe pain and bleeding. Ectopic pregnancy is a medical condition in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, making the fetus grow in the fallopian tube. This condition causes rupturing of the fallopian tube if unnoticed in the earlier days of pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is fatal sometimes, and if the bleeding is severe and untreated.

  • Birth control

People who use birth control pills or devices would experience breakthrough bleeding, short or light bleeding before their periods.

The above factors are not permanent and only last a certain period of time. You will be back to normal. However, what if you don’t fall under these three conditions but still experience shorter bleeding for every menstrual cycle in recent years? If this is the case, you need to talk to your doctor and know about the hormonal changes your body is undergoing. Here, we can discuss the reasons behind this case, and you will be able to know what causes you to bleed shorter than before.

  • Stress

Stress is the most important factor behind any hormonal change in your body. The more you stress yourself, the more your body will react to her. It will indirectly affect your metabolism and enhance every little issue in your body by becoming a major cause for every health issue you encounter.

  • PCOS (Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome)

  PCOS is a complex disorder that happens to one in ten females. It is a condition in which the hormonal imbalance prevents the ovaries from releasing or developing the ova by forming cysts, small fluid-filled sacs growing inside the ovaries. Women who are affected with PCOS mostly experience the following symptoms:

  • Irregular periods or missed periods
  • Weight gain
  • Excessive hair growth
  • Perimenopause

A shorter menstrual cycle after 40 indicates that you will attain menopause in a few years. Perimenopause is a stage that comes before menopause. It is the end stage of the reproductive phase in a woman’s life. Perimenopause is also known as “menopause transition.” 

Women who have attained this stage may likely see changes in their menstrual cycle. You may experience short periods in a consistent way or long periods in an irregular manner. The constant shorter menstrual cycle age range varies from the 40s to 50s. It depends on your body and the estrogen level present in it. Some may even enter into perimenopause during their 20s and reach menopause before 40. This condition is called premature menopause. 

Symptoms include:

  • Hot flashes
  • Sleep problems
  • Changes in periodic cycles
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Decreasing fertility
  • Bone loss
  • Change in cholesterol levels

Bottom Line

If you experience any of the above three shorter menstrual cycle causes such as stress, PCOS, or perimenopause, consult your doctor as early treatment would help you live healthier and avoid any further complications.