However, this is not always the case, so that individual differences must be taken into account when calculating the period.
While some women wait a few days longer for their period, others have a shorter cycle. We'll explain the causes of a shortened cycle below.
Shortened cycle - the most important facts at a glance
- A cycle that lasts less than 25 days is called a shortened cycle.
- In many cases, fluctuations in the hormone balance are responsible for cycle irregularities.
- Bleeding between periods and implantation bleeding can give the impression that your period is starting too early.
- Things like a balanced diet and enough sleep can help counteract an irregular cycle.
- If in doubt, always consult a gynaecologist if you notice abnormalities such as a shortened cycle.
When is the cycle shortened?
It is not only the length of the period that can vary from woman to woman. The menstrual cycle as a whole can also vary in length. Some women have a shorter cycle, while others wait a few days longer.
A shortened menstrual cycle is usually only spoken of when the interval between two periods is less than 25 days. The technical term for a shortened menstrual cycle is polymenorrhoea.
Possible causes of a shortened menstrual cycle
There can be several reasons why your menstrual cycle is shortened and your periods start much earlier than normal. Basically, there are all kinds of things that can upset your hormone balance.
If your cycle is shortened and your period comes early, one of the following triggers could be responsible:
- Large fluctuations in body weight over a short period of time.
- Prolonged stress at work or with your partner
- The use of hormonal contraceptives
- Too little sleep and an unhealthy lifestyle
In addition, fluctuations in the hormone balance are part of everyday life for young women during puberty and for older women during the menopause. This inevitably leads to irregularities such as a shortened cycle or a delayed period.
Shortened cycle or another cause?
If you start bleeding again two weeks after your last period, the first thing to think is that it is your menstruation. However, this does not necessarily have to be the case.
In fact, in many cases another trigger is responsible for the fact that you seem to get your period again after two weeks. In addition to spotting, this also includes so-called implantation bleeding.
Shortened cycle or spotting?
Women can have spotting for different reasons throughout their cycle. They often happen around ovulation, for example. Although spotting is usually much weaker than real menstruation, it can sometimes give the impression that the cycle is shortened and that the period starts again after only two weeks.
Shortened cycle or implantation bleeding?
When a fertilised egg implants in the uterus, this usually leads to light bleeding. This is called implantation bleeding. Under certain circumstances, unexpected bleeding can also be a first sign of pregnancy, rather than an indication of a shortened cycle.
What helps with cycle irregularities?
Many women are affected by cycle irregularities. In addition to a shortened cycle, it can also be that your periods come irregularly or last longer than usual.
Often it can already help if you pay a little more attention to yourself and your health in everyday life. Try to avoid excessive stress. Make sure you get seven to eight hours of sleep every night and take time to relax regularly.
Apart from that, you should also pay attention to your diet. In this context, it is not only important to avoid extreme weight fluctuations. An overall balanced diet with healthy foods can not only help you avoid irregularities in your cycle, but can also help counteract period pains and PMS symptoms.
Period underwear protects you in every situation
It doesn't matter if your cycle is shortened, you have spotting or the unexpected bleeding is a sign of pregnancy. You naturally want to protect yourself in everyday life and be sure that everything stays comfortably dry at all times.
Weekiss period pants is the perfect choice for this purpose. The comfortable panties offer you reliable protection not only during your period, but also during bleeding before or after your period.
If you haven't used period panties yet, it's time to change that and experience the first-class comfort of our period underwear. Try it out. We're sure you'll love them too.
Is a shortened cycle a case for the gynaecologist?
In many cases, lifestyle is responsible for an irregular or shortened cycle. Accordingly, it is often enough to take better care of yourself as described.
However, this does not mean that various health problems cannot also lead to such abnormalities. If in doubt, you should always consult your gynaecologist if your cycle is shortened or you are suffering from other complaints.
Of course, this also applies if you might be pregnant and have signs such as implantation bleeding.
Our conclusion on the subject of a shortened cycle
As you can see, a shortened cycle can have very different causes. At the same time, periods that seem to start too early are not necessarily menstrual bleeding. Maybe it's just spotting, which can occur around ovulation, for example, or implantation bleeding caused by the fertilised egg.
