What Causes Your Period To Start Early?

An early period can result from a variety of causes. Given that fluctuations in the menstrual cycle are normal, it is probably nothing to be concerned about if there are no abnormal signs or symptoms associated with it. Hormonal changes frequently cause your periods to start early, particularly during adolescence and perimenopause. However, menstrual irregularities can also result from a variety of underlying medical disorders, such as endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Let us see what causes your period to start early. 

This page lists numerous potential reasons for getting an early period, along with the treatment options. 

What does an early period mean?

Your hormones are likely a little out of whack if you start your period early. Particularly if you’ve only recently begun menstruation, monthly hormone fluctuations are normal and usually nothing to be concerned about. However, a thorough examination is required to rule out potential factors for hormonal imbalance or other abnormalities if the periods are accompanied by pain or any other symptom.

7 Possible causes of Early Periods

Here is a list of several factors that may be causing your periods to start sooner than your regular date;

1. You may be entering perimenopause

Between the ages of 47 and 51 is when perimenopause, or the transition to menopause, typically starts. It may lead to changes in hormone levels, particularly those of estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Due to increasing FSH levels, some women may experience a few-days-earlier period onset. As estrogen levels decline throughout the transition, women can typically anticipate lighter and lesser frequent periods.

Treatment

• The time when the body gradually enters menopause is known as perimenopause. It is a normal physiological phenomenon and not a health issue that needs medical attention. 
• Menopause and perimenopause, however, can bring on mild to severe symptoms, and making specific changes in your lifestyle and diet as well as receiving medical treatment might ease the transition.

2. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) may be the culprit

Sexually Transmitted Infections are quite widespread. About 20% of Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have an STI at any given time.

Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, and Syphilis are three STIs that can result in vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods. However, symptoms are not always present with certain bacterial infections. If anybody does experience symptoms, they often include:

• Yellow discharge from the urethra or vagina
• Frequent urination
• Discomfort while urinating or having sex
• Rectal discharge or bleeding

Treatment

• Antibiotics, as recommended by the doctor
• Depending on the underlying problem, the dose will be determined.

3. You might have endometriosis

Endometriosis is when tissue resembling the lining of the endometrium develops outside the uterus, and behaves in the same way as the uterine lining. Endometriosis may cause profound bleeding, spotting in between periods, bleeding during a cycle, an irregular cycle, and inconsistent bleeding. Hormones and genetics might be involved, even if the reason is unknown.

According to Studies on Women’s Health, endometriosis seems to be more prevalent in women between the ages of 30 and 40. However, some factors may increase a person’s risk of getting the disorder, like;

• They are not parents
• Family history of endometriosis

Treatment

• Medications, including progestins, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, and birth control pills, may be used in the treatment of endometriosis.
• Surgery is an additional choice. A 2018 review found that 95% of patients who have surgery to remove lesions report pain reduction.

4. You are facing hormonal imbalances due to your puberty

When teenagers enter puberty, they become sexually mature. The female body begins manufacturing hormones throughout puberty, particularly, progesterone and estrogen, which help with the physical changes frequently connected with the transition to adulthood. 

In addition to causing physical changes, the hormonal changes during puberty prepare the female body for reproduction. The hormonal changes associated with puberty not only result in physical changes but also prepare the female body for reproduction.

Read more: 11 Indications of a Hormonal Imbalance

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), females often experience their first period between the age of 12 and 13. The typical menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days. However, some women may have shorter or longer cycles. 

According to data from the ACOG, the average cycle interval in adolescent females is 32.2 days. 90% of periods in the first year of menstruation last between 21 and 45 days, but cycles might be longer or shorter. 60-80% of menstrual periods last 21-34 days by the third year.

Treatment

• Since puberty is a natural process, most people do not require medical assistance.
• However, if a female enters puberty very early or very late, a doctor may advise hormonal therapy.

5. It could be due to implantation bleeding

When a fertilized egg adheres to the lining of the uterus, there may be some light bleeding or spotting. It typically happens 1-2 weeks after conception and a few days before anticipated menstruation.

Because the blood remains in the body for a longer time during implantation bleeding, it appears significantly darker than during a typical period. 15–25% of pregnancies experience implantation bleeding.

Also read: Early Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy

Treatment

• Because implantation bleeding is a common pregnancy symptom and is usually not hazardous, there is no need for treatment.

6. You might have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

One in ten women of childbearing age may suffer from PCOS which is a common condition. Although the underlying cause is unknown to medical professionals, a number of factors, such as insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance, may be at play. 

Early menstruation may result from PCOS since irregular menstrual cycles are a typical symptom. 5–10% of girls between the ages of 15 and 44 have PCOS.

Treatment

• Medication can be used to treat PCOS and reduce symptoms in affected individuals. 
• A physician might advise using birth control pills, which can help a person’s menstrual cycle become more regular, and anti-androgen drugs, which block androgens (male sex hormones) and help lessen excessive hair growth and acne.

7. It may happen because of a miscarriage 

When a pregnancy ends before 20 weeks, it is referred to as a miscarriage by medical professionals.

According to experts, pregnancy loss occurs in up to 10% of confirmed pregnancies and up to 26% of all pregnancies. Pregnancy loss is more likely to happen early in pregnancy, and some women may lose their baby before even realizing they are expecting it.

Treatment

• The body discharges placental tissue through the vagina when a pregnancy fails.
• To determine whether any of this tissue has persisted inside the body, a doctor may conduct a pelvic exam.
• If the patient is unable to spontaneously expel the tissue, the doctor might advise medication or surgery.

When should you talk to a Gynecologist?

Early periods can be caused by various health issues but can also be brought on by lifestyle factors. Visit your doctor for a consultation if you have been sexually active and think you could be pregnant; early periods can occasionally be an indication of pregnancy or implantation bleeding.

If you are suffering from delayed menstrual periods, please read this article. 

There are other medical conditions unrelated to pregnancy that might not warrant concern, but consulting a doctor will ease your mind and ensure that you get the proper care and treatment, if necessary. To find some of the top gynecologists in your city, click here.

FAQs

1. Can I do something to get my period early?

You can try to induce your periods early with specific types of hormonal birth control. You can also try some home remedies to get your periods early. Always consult a doctor before taking any medicine.

2. Can drinking water shorten your period?

According to the findings of a semi-experimental study, drinking 1600–2000 ml of water every day and regularly may help to lessen the severity of primary dysmenorrhea, shorten the duration of menstrual bleeding, and lower the average number of pharmacological painkillers used during menstruation.