But why do menstrual cycles and periods get shorter, and what can it indicate about your overall health?
Here’s what you’re gonna wanna know.
Reasons your menstrual phase may get shorter.
That said, you know what’s typical for you and what’s not.
Your stress levels are high.
Research has repeatedly linked stress to irregular menstrual cycles, although it seems to be different for everyone.
“Extreme stress can affect cycles by interrupting ovulation or delaying ovulation,” Lew says.
You’re breastfeeding.
But there’s a wide range for everyone, and breastfeeding can play a role, too.
You’re taking new medication.
There are several medications that have the potential to shorten your period, Greves says.
This won’t happen to everyone, though.
“A lot depends on how your body responds to the medication,” she says.
You’re in perimenopause.
Perimenopauseis a term used to describe the years leading up to menopause.
When you’re in your forties, your ovaries start to slow their production of estrogen, Greves says.
Your periods may also start to come further apart, according to Lew.
Reasons why your cycle overall may get shorter.
Your menstrual cycle is actually made up offour phases.
A typical cycle can be anywhere from 21 to 45 days, according to theACOG1.
But, again, you know what’s normal for you.
If there’s no fertilized egg, the follicle that’s making progesterone dies, she says.
Then, the progesterone levels fall and you have your period.
“If you get one short cycle, I would ignore itno evaluation is necessary,” Minkin says.
“But if it keeps on happening, a check-in with your gynecologic provider may be worthwhile.”
Is there such a thing as a “normal” period?
For the record, no, there isno 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.
