What causes your period to be shorter or lighter than normal?
Many factors can alter a person's menstrual flow and make their period unusually light. Body weight, exercise, and stress can all cause light periods and knowing why can be helpful. Lighter periods than normal do not usually cause concern.
Why do I always skip months for my period?
Some of the causes of missed periods, besides pregnancy, are as follows:
- Stress: This is one of the most common reasons for a missed period. ...
- Low body weight: Low body weight is another potential reason for a missed period. ...
- Obesity: Similarly to low body weight, obesity can also result in hormonal changes, leading to an absence of menstruation.
Why does your period sometimes skip a month?
These Are All The Possible Reasons Why
- You're on or you forgot to take your birth control. Duh, right? ...
- You're pregnant. I know: Pregnancy means missed periods. ...
- You have uterine or cervical polyps or fibroids. ...
- You have an infection down there. ...
- Your thyroid isn't working properly. ...
- You have PCOS. ...
- You have precancerous or cancerous cells. ...
- You're seriously stressed out. ...
- You've been traveling recently. ...
What can cause a short period?
Many conditions and occurrences can cause a short period of bleeding. Pregnancy, pregnancy loss, endometriosis, anovulatory bleeding, and PCOS can all cause short spells of bleeding that people may mistake for a period.
Why does my period last only 2 days?
Why does my period get irregular?
What causes irregular periods?
What are the side effects of birth control?
How long does it take for your period to return after giving birth?
What happens if you exercise too much?
What is a miscarriage?
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About this website
Why is My Menstrual Cycle Getting Shorter? - Dr. Jolene Brighten
If you’ve suddenly had a shorter menstrual cycle than normal, you may be inclined to worry. But there are lots of reasons this could happen, we explore these reasons in this article.
Normal vs. Short Period Cycle
A woman’s menstrual cycle is the time between each period (vaginal or uterine bleeding). The days are counted from day one of bleeding from each period to the next. Depending on when a woman ovulates, most cycles last 21 to 35 days. Bleeding times average three to seven days and often shorten as you age. A short period cycle is less than 21 days. 1
Causes
There are multiple factors that can contribute to a shorter time between periods or shorter bleeding times, including birth control, pregnancy, medications, lifestyle factors, and more. While many reasons are not a cause for concern, there is a possibility of serious health conditions such as an ectopic pregnancy.
Medications
Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications ( NSAIDs ), antidepressants, thyroid hormones, and steroids can shorten period bleeding time. The same is true for women who’ve stopped taking some medications such as blood thinners.
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will begin by taking your medical history and asking about your cycle and any symptoms. If needed, they will perform a pelvic exam and a pregnancy test is typically ordered for women of childbearing age. They may also suggest blood levels to check your ovaries, endocrine system, or hormones.
Summary
Menstrual cycles or periods are a monthly experience that most women go through. Sometimes women notice that they are getting periods more often or their bleeding time is shorter. This can be due to a number of causes, including pregnancy, birth control, health conditions, medications, stress, and more.
A Word From Verywell
Occasional changes in your period are normal and can happen due to stress, an unhealthy diet, changing hormones, or too much exercise. However, your healthcare provider needs to know you are experiencing a shortened menstrual cycle so they review your medications and rule out any underlying conditions.
How long does it take for your period to go from 6 to 3?
Some of those causes are totally benign, but others are best ruled-out (or caught) early. Here, experts share the most common reasons that you period might go from six days to, suddenly, three. Rule them out the next time your period cuts out early.
What to do if your period is suddenly breaking?
If your period is suddenly breaking pattern, consider if you've started or changed birth control methods. “The pill might lessen the length of flow,” says Dr. Dweck. Mary Jane Minkin, MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale Medical School, agrees. “Most birth control pills and rings, like the Annovera vaginal ring, lead to lighter flow,” she says. “The combined hormonal contraceptives contain a good amount of progestins—synthetic progesterone—which limit the build-up of a lot of tissue lining the uterus,” she explains. As a result, there’s less of a flow when it’s go time. Progestin-only IUDs “allow a very limited buildup,” Dr. Minkin says, and many women have a lighter flow or even no period when they have one of those implanted.
What happens if your ovaries aren't working properly?
If your ovaries aren’t working correctly, they won’t produce the right amounts of estrogen or release eggs when they’re supposed to, which could lead to shortened and irregular cycles, she says.
When does perimenopause start?
Perimenopause, the time before menopause, when your body starts transitioning hormonally, typically starts in women's forties, but can start as early as the thirties. And “it can last anywhere from four to six years,” says Richardson. “During that time, women may have shorter cycles or may not have a cycle at all.”.
Can you have a cycle while breastfeeding?
“Most women who are breastfeeding exclusively will not have a cycle while they are breastfeeding,” says Richardson. “Breastfeeding could delay ovulation for as long as 18 months, because the body is suppressing ovulation hormones by producing prolactin, alpha-lactalbumin, and lactose synthesis.” A normal cycle will return only when you stop or decrease the amount of breastfeeding, but even then, it could be shorter than normal due to the fluctuating hormones.
Does birth control affect period?
Beyond the birth control pill, certain medicines could also affect your period, thanks to the chemicals in them. “ NSAIDs [like Advil, Naprosyn, ibuprofen, etc.], antidepressants, thyroid medications, and steroids might shorten flow,” Dweck says. “Ruling out other causes of change in flow and taking a good medical history might lead to diagnosing medication as the cause of menstrual change.”
Does an IUD affect your period?
Also, “the hormonal IUD will likely lighten your flow, and some women lose their period altogether,” she says.
How Long Should a Menstrual Cycle Be?
To start, let’s look at what a typical menstrual cycle looks like. Whenever I talk about a “normal” menstrual cycle, I always do so with the reminder that since we are all different, there is a range of what is considered normal. Cycle length can vary between women and even change monthly within your own cycle.
Menstrual Cycle Length and Age
If your menstrual cycle is getting shorter, one of the first things to consider is your age. From the early days after you first start your period to the years leading up to menopause, it’s normal to experience fluctuations in cycle length.
Reasons for a Short Menstrual Cycle
Aside from age, a short menstrual cycle can occur for several reasons. Cycle length may shorten because your period only lasts a few days. Or it can be due to your period actually coming earlier than usual.
Can a Short Cycle Affect Fertility?
Short cycles could affect your chances of getting pregnant, but not always. As a short cycle can indicate hormone imbalance or that you aren’t ovulating, it can impact your fertility. Without ovulation, you can’t get pregnant.
When to See a Doctor
There are many reasons for a shortening menstrual cycle, and some are entirely normal. But if you are concerned that there is something else going on, listen to your intuition. There are also reasons (as you just learned about above) that require a closer look, including PCOS or thyroid conditions.
How long does a period last?
A person’s period may be shorter or longer than that of their friends or relatives. If a period lasts around 2 days , doctors consider it normal. However, if a person’s period stops suddenly, or they experience intense pain, they may need to see a doctor.
What does it mean when you have a delayed period?
It occurs around the time a person expects their period. This could be early pregnancy spotting or delayed implantation bleeding. It occurs after a delayed or missed period. This may be early pregnancy spotting or an early pregnancy loss.
What is anovulatory cycle?
An anovulatory cycle is when the ovaries do not release an egg. Anovulation typically occurs among those who are approaching menopause.
When does spotting occur?
Spotting can also occur 1–2 weeks after fertilization has occurred. Shorter bleeding may be a sign of pregnancy if: It occurs midway between ovulation and when a person expects their period. This may signal implantation bleeding. It occurs around the time a person expects their period.
Where does endometriosis occur?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue that is similar to the tissue that grows inside the uterus starts to grow outside the uterus. The tissue typically grows on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, or the tissues that hold the uterus in place. It can also grow in the vagina, bowels, bladder, rectum, and cervix. Rarely. Trusted Source.
When do you start experiencing perimenopause?
When a person reaches the age of 30–50 years old, they may start to experience perimenopause.
When do women bleed during pregnancy?
Many women bleed during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
Reasons why your cycle overall may get shorter
Your menstrual cycle is actually made up of four phases.
Is there such a thing as a "normal" period?
For the record, no, there is no such thing as a normal period. "It's only what's normal for you," Greves says. "We are all different."
Bottom line
There are a slew of possible reasons why you might develop a shorter period or shorter menstrual cycle. If you notice that things have changed for you and they're consistent, it doesn't hurt to check in with your doctor to see what could be behind all of this.
How long is a normal period?
A ‘normal’ period (I say normal because here we are talking about normal in terms of averages, not what is normal for me) is 3-7 days in length.
How long is a normal menstrual cycle?
The length of a healthy menstrual cycle can be between 21 to 35 days. The average being the well known 28 day cycle that we all think we should be hitting each month.
Why is my period lighter than normal?
A lighter period than normal can be caused by many things, including pregnancy, stress, illness, and other things. Sometimes a woman will have spotting and think her period is about to start and not see any more bleeding. This can be implantation bleeding, which is the earliest sign of pregnancy, that is sometimes mistaken for a menstrual cycle.
What to do if your period is unusual?
If your period seems unusual in any way, take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy is the most likely cause of something being different in your cycle, particularly if you have not been using birth control.
What are the effects of menstrual cycle?
Emotional stress, such as the loss of a loved one, or major life stressors in work or your home life can take a toll on your body and affect your menstrual cycle. 1
Can you wait until your next period to get your results?
To get the best results, it might be best to wait until you miss your next period. This can be a home pregnancy test or a pregnancy test from your doctor, midwife, or health department. In most cases, you do not have to notify anyone of the test or the results. Even if you know you're pregnant, if you had a lighter-than-normal period, ...
Does weight affect your period?
If you have experienced a sudden shift in weight, this can sometimes affect your menstrual cycle. Over-exercising can also affect your periods, especially when you put a lot of physical stress on the body.
Why do women have periods?
As a result, a woman may have a light period because there is minimal uterine lining to shed. This may also occur in people using the hormonal IUD, contraceptive implant, or injection, as these cause thinning of the uterine lining.
Why is my period light?
Many factors can alter a person’s menstrual flow and make their period unusually light. Body weight, exercise, and stress can all cause light periods and knowing why can be helpful. Lighter periods than normal do not usually cause concern. People often find their menstrual flow varies from month-to-month, and some months are naturally lighter ...
How to know if your period is lighter?
People should make a note if their periods are lighter than they usually are. A person can measure the amount of menstrual blood they produce each month by using a menstrual cup. A light period can have some of the following symptoms: shorter in duration than is usual for the individual.
How much blood does a woman have during her period?
Most menstrual periods consist of about 2–3 tablespoons of blood.
How does stress affect your period?
Extended periods of stress can affect the body’s hormones, which can interrupt the regular menstrual cycle. Taking steps to manage stress can help a person’s periods return to normal.
What is PCOS in menstruation?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Certain reproductive conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, can affect hormone levels and menstrual flow. People may want to talk to their doctor about individual risk factors that may affect the severity of their periods.
How much blood does a light period lose?
A person may not need to change their pad or tampon frequently during a light period. During a usual menstrual period, people lose around 2–3 tablespoons of blood on average. However, there is wide variation between individuals.
Why is my period shorter after an abortion?
The first period after an abortion can be shorter (if you had a surgical abortion) or longer (if you had a medical abortion) due to the process of your body returning to its normal hormone levels. Pregnancy hormones can also stick around for a few weeks after your abortion, causing a delay in menstruation.
How long do menstrual cycles last?
No two menstrual cycles are exactly the same. Some periods can last one day while others last a week, and the time in between periods can vary too.
Why do doctors prescribe a pill for menstrual cycle?
Some doctors actually prescribe the pill to those with a heavier flow, as the hormones can affect the growth of the uterine lining prior to menstruation.
What are the early signs of pregnancy?
One of the earliest signs of pregnancy is a missed period. Light spotting or vaginal bleeding can also occur, mimicking the signs of a menstrual cycle.
How do you know if you have an early miscarriage?
The most common symptoms of an early miscarriage are cramping and bleeding, mimicking what would look like a heavy period.
How long is a cycle?
Cycles can range in length from around 21 days to as long as 35 days. Cycles shorter than 21 days typically signal that ovulation may have occurred earlier than normal or not at all. Cycles longer than 35 days indicate that ovulation isn’t occurring or it’s occurring irregularly.
What causes late ovulation?
Late ovulation is caused by a variety of things, such as stress, thyroid disease, PCOS, breastfeeding, and some medications.
Why does my period last only 2 days?
If your periods usually last five or six days and now only last two, it may be because of a change in schedule, a new birth control, or even stress. Here’s what to watch for and when to see your doctor.
Why does my period get irregular?
Stress. Stress takes a toll on your whole body, including your ability to produce hormones. When your hormone levels are affected by stress, it isn’t uncommon for your period to become irregular. This may include less days spent bleeding. Other symptoms of stress include: anxiety. fatigue. insomnia.
What causes irregular periods?
Eating disorder. Eating disorders that involve extreme calorie restriction can affect the body’s ability to produce reproductive hormones. A very low body fat percentage can also disrupt normal hormone levels. This can cause irregular, short, or missed periods.
What are the side effects of birth control?
Other side effects commonly seen with the pill, the birth control shot, and the hormonal IUD include: cramping. spotting. headaches.
How long does it take for your period to return after giving birth?
If you’re breastfeeding day and night, your period may not return for several months after giving birth. When your period does return, it may be irregular and shorter or longer than usual. When breastfeeding, you may also experience: missed periods. months between periods. changes in period duration.
What happens if you exercise too much?
When you exercise excessively, it’s easy to burn more calories than you eat. If this goes on for weeks or months, your body will enter starvation mode.
What is a miscarriage?
A miscarriage is an event that results in the loss of embryonic tissue or a fetus during pregnancy. Miscarriages often take place before women know that they’re pregnant, which is why they’re often mistaken for periods. A short, unexpected period could be a miscarriage. Other symptoms of miscarriage include:
Normal vs. Short Period Cycle
Causes
Medications
Diagnosis
- Your healthcare provider will begin by taking your medical history and asking about your cycle and any symptoms. If needed, they will perform a pelvic exam and a pregnancy testis typically ordered for women of childbearing age. They may also suggest blood levels to check your ovaries, endocrine system, or hormones. When necessary, the healthcare team may also suggest imagin…
When to Seek Medical Attention
- Contact your healthcare provider if you experience the following:2 1. Irregular periodsafter established cycles 2. Periods that occur every 21-24 days or less 3. A cycle longer than 35-38 days 4. Spotting or bleeding when it’s not your period 5. A skipped period for three months in a row and are not pregnant or breastfeeding 6. You’ve not started your period by age 15 or within t…
Summary
- Menstrual cycles or periods are a monthly experience that most women go through. Sometimes women notice that they are getting periods more often or their bleeding time is shorter. This can be due to a number of causes, including pregnancy, birth control, health conditions, medications, stress, and more.
A Word from Verywell
- Occasional changes in your period are normal and can happen due to stress, an unhealthy diet, changing hormones, or too much exercise. However, your healthcare provider needs to know you are experiencing a shortened menstrual cycle so they review your medications and rule out any underlying conditions.