Having your period a week early may be troublesome. Experts reveal that early menstrual cycles depict several signs that your body is telling you.
Though later menstrual cycle may give most women pregnancy scares, early period, however, may cause concern. Alarming as it may seem, there are several reasons as to why a women's period can sometimes arrive a week early than the expected date.
"The monthly menstrual cycle typically occurs every 28 days, is controlled by various hormones and is a key function of the female body," says Dr. Sherry Ross, MD, OB/GYN tells She Knows. "Your 'period' begins around 11-12 years of age, lasts 2-7 days and continues until your reach menopause, which occurs around 51 years old."
A regular monthly cycle may occur every 28 days, but it can vary from 24 to 35 days. Monthly cycles vary per person, and continuously change as women age. According to Elite Daily ovulation is not always stable as there are several factors that can possibly alter it. Listed below are several reasons as to why menstruation comes in early:
Stress
Stress is one of the main reasons as to why women go through irregular periods. It affects the body's stress hormone known as the Cortisol. The stress hormones affect both the estrogen and the progesterone. Dr. Carolyn Thompson stated that too much cortisol on the women's bloodstream can greatly affect the menstrual cycle.
Sexually Transmitted Infection
STI can greatly affect a regular flow which can cause light menstrual discharge. According to Elite Daily, the discharges can come in between periods, which can make you think you period came in twice.
It is important to take note of the flow as STI are thinner and lighter discharges. Do wait for a day or two the moment you'd have two menstrual cycles in a month. If there are certain abnormalities, make sure to consult your OB right away.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PCOS affects more than 5 million women worldwide, and it can greatly affect the menstrual cycle. People affected with PCOS needs to take special medication as it is more than just an irregular menstrual cycle. If the menstrual period regularly comes in late of arrives in an unnatural interval it is important to see your OBGYN right away.
