A short menstrual cycle of less than 28 days, what does this imply?
On the Louloucup's blog, you will always find a wealth of information on the female health, the functioning of your hormonal cycle and all the little extras. Thanks to us, the period or with medium flows have no more secrets for you!
Recently we talked on the blog intimate hygiene or, period pain. Not long ago, we were looking together at the long menstrual cycles, or at least, longer than the accepted average of 28 days. We had discussed together the how the menstrual cycle works, its different stages (periods, follicular phase,ovulation, the luteal phase), we quoted a lot of figures and we also talked about fertility, fertility, late period and all the reasons that lengthen a hormonal cycle that is usually quite well-paced.
Today, let's tackle the opposite situation together: short menstrual cycles, too short by less than 28 days. Let's understand together what happens in your body when this phenomenon occurs. Why does your period arrive much earlier than expected? Is it serious? And what exactly does this imply about your ovulation, of your fertility ?
A short menstrual cycle, definition, origins and explanations
Ton menstrual calendar or your menstrual mobile app are intractable, your period is well ahead of schedule by a few days this month. In other words, your female cycle is shorter than expected.
What exactly is a short menstrual cycle?
Un period is considered short when it does not exceed 28 days. The duration of 28 days is an average. It is a figure that must be taken as a reference, but we must not stop there. From one cycle to another, from one woman to another, the female hormonal cycles are constantly changing, shifting, evolving and changing. contraception, external factors such as stress, diet, sport directly influence the rules and the entire menstrual cycle. So do not panic if you observe a cycle of a duration of 29 days, then a cycle of 27 days, then a cycle of 32 days. A period can last 22 days then 34 days. All women are different.
Usually, a gynecologist or doctor judges a short menstrual cycle when its duration is 25 days or less. In other words, this means that between the first day of your period and the first day of your next period, only 25 days have passed.
FYI, a short cycle is also called polymenorrhea, these are periods that come back within a fairly short and too frequent interval (duration of less than 24 days).
Should I be worried when my period comes back early?
Not excessively. If you notice a particularly short cycle in the middle of rather well-paced cycles, you don't have to worry. It's a slight hormonal imbalanceFatigue, illness, weight loss or gain, or severe stress can disrupt the onset of your period and delay the start date of a new bleeding period.
On the other hand, if you notice that for several cycles, several months, you have known shorter cycles then you can consult. It is interesting to talk about it to a professional: gynecologist, doctor or midwife.
Short periods, fertility and ovulation
If the time between periods is too short, this can have an impact on your ovulation and your fertility in general. We'll explain! Two cases are possible:
In the event that the follicular phase (the phase between the end of your period and your ovulation) is shortened, the ovaries working hard to find a mature egg, the ovarian follicle, will not have enough time, the egg will then be said to be immature and will not be able to be properly fertilized. For your information, it is at this precise moment that estrogen increases. This essential hormone guarantees the maturation of the ovarian follicle.
In the event that the luteal phase is shortened (phase between ovulation and the start of your next period), the fertilized egg will not be able to properly attach to the endometrium. Why? The progesterone, a hormone will not have had enough time to thicken the endometrium properly. If there is an absence or disruption of a single hormone then the machine jams, the endometrium is not welcoming enough, the fertilized egg cannot attach and pregnancy cannot occur.
A tip: to know if you are ovulating, take your temperature. Indeed, at the time of this ovulatory period, body temperature rises. Take your temperature when you wake up for several consecutive days. When it is higher than the day before, you can then take a ovulation test to confirm.
What explains a short menstrual cycle?
What exactly are the reasons for a short cycle? While there is nothing alarming about having a shorter cycle, it is important to know about certain pathologies or situations that can make a menstrual cycle shorter and therefore irregular periods :
- a thyroid dysfunction can cause disruptions in your cycle and shorten it;
- polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS, this syndrome can notably cause cysts on the ovaries and a lack of ovulation, thus having repercussions on the fertility ;
- a uterine fibroid, a benign tumor developing on theendometrium, the wall of the uterus;
- a woman in pre-menopause or a teenage girl at the puberty may experience quite variable and irregular menstruation;
- or againhyperprolactinemia, an overproduction of breastmilk.
In short, a short menstrual cycle is always influenced by the hormones (progesterone, estrogen, etc.) and their constant variation.
How to manage a short menstrual cycle?
An earlier return of menstruation than expected also means an earlier return of PMS (premenstrual symptoms) and period pain, so you might as well equip yourself well and anticipate! With menstrual pads healthy, washable and reusable, of course! What are your choices and alternatives for live your period peacefully ?
Choosing the best hygiene solution for you
Faced with the poor composition of the disposable sanitary pads (tampons, towels as panty liners), it is important to select quality hygienic protections who respect your female body, your health, your privacy and your planet.
To avoid irritation, discomfort, leaks and all the stress that comes with it, take the time to choose protection that suits you, alternatives that make sense for both you and the environment. Because from puberty to menopause, you spend many years of your life having periods, so you might as well equip yourself properly!
Washable and durable protections that are good for your health
Today, you have the choice! Many models and menstrual products are offered on the market to manage your periods. Panties, briefs, thongs, boyshorts, strings, washable towels, But also menstrual cups et menstrual swimwear, Louloucup helps you find the intimate protection that will suit you best during this period of discharge and bleeding which is not always easy to live with.
Super absorbent menstrual panties
La pair of period panties, it is the absorbent and reliable underwear that you should not miss. In post partum, during adolescence, day and night, under all clothing, menstrual panties absorb the most intense periods and even the urinary leaks !
Our advice: choose organic and invisible models to guarantee comfort, softness and discretion.
Our favorite model: Liv menstrual panties, a black period panties and seamless for very heavy flow. An essential in short to deal with the heaviest periods!
Liv is a completely invisible and extra soft oeko tex standard organic cotton panty.
Super soft and easy to use menstrual cups
For sportswomen, active women and all tampon fans, we have the perfect alternative! Internal hygienic protection made of medical silicone. Nothing sticks out. It's very hygienic and above all super practical. The menstrual cup is truly the daytime protection to wear for leak-free periods.
Our advice: choose a model of cup made in France to guarantee you impeccable manufacturing quality.
Our favorite model: the Loulou Turquoise cup of incomparable softness and suppleness for all women or teenagers who are particularly sensitive.
The Loulou Turquoise cup is made in France, from medical silicone without latex or BPA.
Menstrual swimsuits for bathing without feeling self-conscious
Swimming and having your period is possible. Enjoy the beach or the pool to the fullest with a period bottoms. Super absorbent on the inside, super waterproof on the outside, the women's period swimsuit does not swell with water. It stays in place and traps menstrual flow optimally.
Our advice: one piece or swimsuit bottoms, choose a model according to your tastes and habits, the choice is yours!
Our favorite model: the Laura black menstrual swimsuit bottoms, a swimsuit panties with pretty details in the back and high waist. This menstrual product has everything to please you!