Early periods often result from hormonal changes, especially during puberty and perimenopause. Many underlying medical conditions, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, can also cause menstrual irregularities.
Getting your period early usually means your hormones are a slightly off-balance. Fluctuations in your hormones from month to month are common and are typically nothing to worry about, especially if you've only just started menstruating.
Spotting before your period may have various causes such as hormonal imbalances, stress, pregnancy, uterine or cervical abnormalities, birth control methods, infections, or certain medications. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Causes of irregular periods
puberty – your periods might be irregular for the first year or two. the start of the menopause (usually between the ages of 45 and 55) early pregnancy – take a pregnancy test to rule this out. some types of hormonal contraception – such as the contraceptive pill or intrauterine system (IUS)
Stress levels often affect the part of your brain that controls your hormone levels – the hypothalamus – which means the stress you're experiencing may cause your period to come when you're not expecting it – which means it's possible that your period will come early.
Most girls start their periods when they're about 12, but they can start as early as 8, so it's important to talk to girls from an early age to make sure they're prepared. Respond to questions or opportunities as they arise and do not be embarrassed.
Hormones — Hormonal imbalance or problems with ovulation caused by thyroid dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia, and polycystic ovary syndrome can cause irregular vaginal bleeding. Weight — Stress, too much exercise, and weight changes can cause two periods in one month.
Menarche is considered early if it occurs at or before ten years of age and late if it occurs at or later than 15 years of age. [4] Menarche is also considered delayed if there is more than a three-year lapse between the onset of thelarche and the first menses.
While it's common to have a menstrual cycle getting shorter with age, there are also other reasons that could cause this. For example, pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy, birth control, certain meds, and lifestyle choices can all affect the length of a woman's cycle and period.
Breakthrough bleeding rarely signals a health problem. But your ob-gyn can help. Breakthrough bleeding is a common concern among women using hormonal birth control. It's usually a small amount of spotting at a time when you're not expecting your period, though some women have heavier bleeding.
If your period comes early once in a while, it is likely normal and not a cause for concern. Menstruation might start early because of a change in your lifestyle, intense physical exercise, illness, or stress. However, sometimes it happens with no reason, and this is still not necessarily abnormal.
Perimenopause can begin in some women in their 30s, but most often it starts in women ages 40 to 44. It is marked by changes in menstrual flow and in the length of the cycle. There may be sudden surges in estrogen. Late Stage.
There are many things that could cause bleeding between periods, such as changes to your hormones levels, use of hormonal contraception or contraceptive devices, an infection, or an injury. Other causes of bleeding between periods may include: endometriosis. polyps (growths) in your uterus or cervix.
Like spotting after the first week after your period, women sometimes experience spotting even two weeks after. This is also due to hormone levels and is called breakthrough bleeding. Although spotting is considered normal, if it doesn't stop after one to two months, this symptom is a cause for concern.
Because there's no "normal" when it comes to your menstrual cycle, some individuals might experience more periods during perimenopause. 4 In some cases, "estrogen and progesterone surges during the menstrual cycle become shorter and higher," said Dr. Gupta. "That means your periods could come closer together."
Your menstrual cycle relies on a delicate balance of hormones. When you experience stress, hormones can fluctuate and cause occasional spotting.
It is not always possible to tell the difference. Signs that a person may be experiencing pregnancy loss, as opposed to menstruation, include: Lower abdominal cramping: Cramps are also common with periods, but during pregnancy loss, there may be strong muscle contractions and pain in the lower back and pelvis.
Things like missing your period, sore or tender breasts, feeling more tired and nausea (morning sickness) are common symptoms of early pregnancy. Some people have symptoms of pregnancy before they miss their period. Take an at-home pregnancy test if you think you might be pregnant.
Amount: Implantation bleeding is typically only spotting or a very light flow—some women only notice it when they wipe. Implantation bleeding is never enough to fill a pad or tampon like a menstrual period.
A menstrual cycle can last anywhere between 21 and 35 days. Even women with the most regular and consistent periods can get them two weeks earlier than expected. There are plenty of reasons for bleeding, but they don't have to be indicators that there's something wrong.