What It Means If Your Period Came Early This Cycle
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If you track your period, you know that having an irregular cycle is rarely enjoyable. If your search history is filled with questions about why your period is late or you're always asking Dr. Google, “Why did my period come early?” you're not alone. And if your period is inconsistent, when should you be concerned?
Everyone’s cycle looks different, so there could be a number of reasons behind why your period came early. A typical menstrual cycle is thought to last exactly 28 days—however, it can actually land anywhere between 21 and 35 days, says to Rachel High, DO, a urogynecologist at the Center for Restorative Pelvic Medicine at Houston Methodist. “This means a normal cycle can vary by up to a few weeks and still be within standard variance," she says. "All menstruating people will experience occasional early periods during their lifetime." Whew!
Although early periods are common, you probably still have questions. Here are the most common reasons behind the unusual (and unwelcome) timing, according to experts.
Meet the expert: Rachel High, DO, is a urogynecologist at the Center for Restorative Pelvic Medicine at Houston Methodist. Keri Peterson, MD, is a physician and Women's Health advisory board member based in New York.
1. You might be pregnant.
This may come as a surprise, but it’s common to experience bleeding or spotting during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester, according to Cleveland Clinic. You may see a few drops of blood in your underwear that are actually not menstrual blood at all.
Take a pregnancy test and make an appointment to see your provider and confirm the result if you think there's a possibility of pregnancy.
2. You have an abnormal endometrium.
Early bleeding could be indicative of polyps, or growths, on the uterus or cervix, according to Dr. High. While they can often be benign, they can also be cancerous, so definitely talk to your provider if you regularly experience irregular menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods. It can also be a sign of inflammation or infection, which your doctor can help to treat or rule out as well.
3. You have cervical abnormalities.
You typically hear about Pap tests being used to rule out cervical abnormalities, but abnormal bleeding can also be a sign of dysplasia (the growth of abnormal and potentially cancerous cells on the cervix), cancerous cysts, or infection. Many providers don’t perform Pap tests yearly for every patient due to current guidelines that recommend doing them every three to five years. However, don't be afraid to speak up about abnormal bleeding when you see your doctor.
4. You could have uterine fibroids.
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that can grow inside the uterus, per Cleveland Clinic. While the word “noncancerous” may help you breathe more easily, uterine fibroids can actually cause pretty uncomfortable and heavy periods. They can also cause back pain, painful periods, the need to pee all the time, and pain during sex, so definitely talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
Treatment can include pain medications, birth control, or iron supplements to help control bleeding and/or shrink the fibroids. Surgery to remove them may be recommended depending on the severity.
5. You’re experiencing hormonal fluctuations.
Vaginal bleeding can be a sign of various underlying conditions, including hormonal imbalances, per the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Although hormone imbalances can be tricky to diagnose, seeing your healthcare provider for a full examination and lab tests can help you figure out the root cause. You may also notice early bleeding due to hormonal fluctuations as you start transitioning into menopause (which typically happens between ages 45 and 55).
6. Stress is impacting your cycle.
“Stress can increase cortisol levels, which are thought to impact reproductive hormones that may disrupt your normal cycle,” says Keri Peterson, MD, a physician and Women’s Health advisory board member based in New York.
To return to somewhat of a regular schedule, Dr. Peterson suggests trying to identify if your stress is stemming from fatigue, insomnia, and/or anxiety. “Making lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, getting more sleep, and meditating can get your cycle back on track.” Even keeping a menstrual diary or journal can help regulate your period.
7. You’re taking certain medications, supplements, or vitamins.
Certain medications, such as aspirin, vitamins, or supplements can cause anticoagulation, or thin your blood, according to Dr. High. You should always talk to your doctor before adding any medications, vitamins, or supplements to your daily regimen. And a special note for people on the birth control pill: Dr. Peterson acknowledged that missing just one pill is enough to disrupt your cycle. So, if you skipped a pill in your pack, don’t be surprised if your period takes a month or so to continue as expected.
8. You have thyroid or pituitary gland issues.
Irregular periods can be a sign of hypothyroidism and other endocrine disorders that affect the pituitary gland, such as Cushing's syndrome, which occurs when your body produces too much cortisol. If you’re experiencing other symptoms of hypothyroidism in addition to an early period, such as tiredness, weight gain and muscle weakness, definitely talk to your doctor and get a blood test to find out whether this could be the culprit.
When To See A Doctor
While period pain has sadly become societally normalized, Dr. Peterson says if the discomfort is accompanied by an early period, you don’t want to take it lightly. “If you are experiencing severe abdominal cramps or you are bleeding heavier or longer than usual, this may be a sign of something more serious and you should consult with your doctor,” Dr. Peterson says.
On another note, because a true early period is the onset of menstrual bleeding less than 21 days following the first day of your previous period, you should see your gyno if you’ve been diagnosed with either metrorrhagia (long periods) or polymenorrhea (frequent periods), says Dr. High. “Treatment varies based on the problem, but it most likely will require evaluation by exam and possibly an ultrasound,” she adds.
If your period comes early just a few times per year, you might not have anything to worry about, Dr. Peterson says. “Track your period for three to four months to see if it persists. If over time, you notice your period is constantly early, this could be a sign of an underlying health problem. In this case, you should schedule an urgent visit with your doctor,” Dr. Peterson says.
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