Why does menstrual cycle get shorter

After all, the length of your period is largely determined by hormonal factors, says Lakeisha Richardson, MD, an ob-gyn based in Greenville, Mississippi. That means that everything from medications to underlying health conditions can throw off your cycle.

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, say, three suddenly. Rule them out the next time your period cuts out early. If your period is suddenly breaking pattern, consider if you've started or changed birth control methods. Minkin says, and many women have a lighter flow or even no period when they have one of those implanted.

Also, there could be slight hormonal differences in generic versions that could affect your cycle length, so make sure to check the packaging. Beyond the birth control pill, certain medicines could also affect your period, thanks to the chemicals in them.

Dweck says. However, menstrual cycles tend to shorten and become more regular as you age. Your menstrual cycle might be regular — about the same length every month — or somewhat irregular, and your period might be light or heavy, painful or pain-free, long or short, and still be considered normal.

Within a broad range, "normal" is what's normal for you. Keep in mind that use of certain types of contraception, such as extended-cycle birth control pills and intrauterine devices IUDs , will alter your menstrual cycle. Talk to your health care provider about what to expect. When you get close to menopause, your cycle might become irregular again. However, because the risk of uterine cancer increases as you age, discuss any irregular bleeding around menopause with your health care provider.

To find out what's normal for you, start keeping a record of your menstrual cycle on a calendar. Begin by tracking your start date every month for several months in a row to identify the regularity of your periods. For some women, use of birth control pills can help regulate menstrual cycles. Treatment for any underlying problems, such as an eating disorder, also might help.

However, some menstrual irregularities can't be prevented. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. This is considered an additional benefit of some types of birth control. Low weight, excessive exercising, eating disorders , and stress may also impact the duration and frequency of your menstrual periods.

If your irregular or short menstrual cycle is a new development and not your typical pattern, you may want to consult with your doctor. For example, says Arias, going 60 days without a period and spotting for just a few days is not normal. Hormonal problems stemming from the pituitary gland and hypothalamus which can affect ovarian functioning , thyroid dysfunction, and polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS are just some of the conditions that can alter your menstrual cycle.

Usually these conditions are accompanied by other symptoms, so look for other changes to alert your doctor about. Keep track of your period in a journal or calendar if you're concerned about a menstrual cycle that's too short. If a fertilized egg keeps growing in the fallopian tube, it can cause the tube to rupture.

That can lead to heavy bleeding inside the abdomen. A miscarriage can cause bleeding that may be mistaken for a period. The bleeding may be a light spotting or a heavy flow.

The length and amount of bleeding will depend on the length of the pregnancy. Breastfeeding can cause a delayed, lighter, or shortened period. Most women who breastfeed will resume their periods around 9 to 18 months after their baby is born. Hormonal birth control pills or shots as well as intrauterine devices IUDs can cause shorter and lighter menstrual cycles. The hormones in birth control pills can thin out the lining of the uterus.

This can lighten and shorten your period. According to the Cleveland Clinic, women who take progestin-only pills may bleed between their periods. A lot of different lifestyle factors can affect the duration of your period, including changes to your daily routine. High levels of stress can affect your hormones. This, in turn, can affect your menstrual cycle. If you experience severe stress, you might have irregular, shorter, or lighter periods than normal.

Or you may not have a period at all. Losing a lot of weight may lead to irregular periods. Eating disorders, like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa , can cause periods to stop altogether. An extreme amount of physical activity can cause irregular periods or the absence of a period. So, it will start to shift energy away from some functions, like reproduction. As a result, the hypothalamus , a region in your brain, may slow down or stop the release of the hormones that control ovulation.