Gynaecologist explains 8 reasons for early periods — and when to seek help

Getting your period early? From stress to hormonal changes, here’s what causes it and when to see a doctor. (Image: Pexels)

Menstrual cycles are a part of it, the inner rhythm of life, but any shift in lifestyle or stress or health can throw off that rhythm by a day here and there. The average cycle is between 21 and 35 days long, but lots of women get their period earlier than they were expecting. An early period can be both a nuisance and a hassle, making you feel confused, concerned and almost never comfortable — in particular when it becomes routine.

There are a few things that can cause menstruation to come earlier and most of them have to do with changes in hormones. Stress, dietary changes, too much exercise and illness as well as travel can all trigger these variations. While an early period once in a while is probably nothing to be concerned about, if your periods continue to be irregular, it could mean that something isn’t quite right and that you should seek treatment.

“Your menstruation cycle reflects your own body’s hormonal balance,” says Dr Krishna Sethi, a Consulting gynecologist at ICare Global from Hyderabad. When that balance is thrown off, the timing of your period can change.”

By knowing what’s behind early periods — and how to handle or avoid the situation — you might be able both to preserve better reproductive health and to keep a lid on your overall health.

Stress and Anxiety

When you’re stressed out, it can cause hormonal imbalances that mess with when and how often you get your period.

Prevention: Do mindfulness, yoga or meditation. Chronic stress reduction also helps balance your cycle in a natural way.

Also Read: How to manage PCOS naturally: 6 Ayurvedic herbs to promote hormonal balance, improve metabolism

Sudden Weight Changes

Estrogen levels get thrown off balance with rapid weight loss or gain, resulting in premature bleeding.

Prevention: Eating well and achieving slow weight changes is preferable to drastic ones.

Overexercising

Too much of a good thing can interfere with your hormones and ovulatory cycles.

Prevention: Only exercise moderately, and give yourself enough time to recover.

Hormonal Imbalances

Early or irregular periods can be triggered by fluctuations in estrogen or progesterone levels.

Prevention: Periodic check-ups and testing hormone balance can prevent the imbalances from occurring or treat them before they develop.

Birth Control Pills or Medication

The start or stop of hormonal birth control can change your cycle.

Prevention: Speak with your gynaecologist before altering any medications or contraceptives.

Thyroid Disorders

Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are included within the conditions that alter menstrual regularity.

Prevention: Have an annual test for thyroid function and control your thyroid health with medicine and diet.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS triggers an imbalance in hormones that can result in periods that are both early and skipped.

Prevent: Reduce the risk of PCOS with a healthy diet, regular exercise and medical care.

Also Read: Don’t ignore these 10 warning signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance, says gynaecologist

Lifestyle and Sleep Patterns

A schedule that varies from day to day or a lot of travel also disrupts hormones, as does frequent jet lag.

Prevention: Keep a consistent sleep schedule and sleep hygiene, even when you are very busy!

FAQs on Shift in Period Cycles

Q: What causes a shift in period cycles?
A: Factors such as stress, dietary changes, excessive exercise, illness, travel, hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, PCOS, and changes in birth control can cause shifts in period cycles.

Q: Is an early period a cause for concern?
A: An occasional early period is usually not a cause for concern. However, persistent irregularities may indicate an underlying issue that requires medical attention.

Q: How can I prevent early periods?
A: Managing stress, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising moderately, having regular check-ups, consulting a gynaecologist before changing medications, and keeping a consistent sleep schedule can help prevent early periods.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.