Menstrual disorders are the most common issue that brings women to a gynecologist. What could short menstrual cycles indicate? Read this article to learn the key information.
Menstrual Cycle – Overview
To better understand menstrual disorders, it is important to know what a normal menstrual cycle looks like. On average, a woman experiences about 400 menstrual cycles throughout her lifetime. During menstruation, the volume of blood lost usually does not exceed 70 ml. A normal menstrual cycle lasts between 21 and 35 days. If it lasts less than 21 days, it is considered a short menstrual cycle, known as polymenorrhea. If it lasts longer than 35 days, it is a long menstrual cycle, referred to as oligomenorrhea.
There is no cause for concern if the menstrual cycle is regular and the woman experiences ovulation symptoms. Some variation in cycle length is acceptable, as long as it does not exceed 7 days. The length of the menstrual cycle is calculated from the first day of menstruation to the last day before the next bleeding. It is advisable to keep a menstrual calendar to track past cycle durations and predict upcoming periods.
What Do Short Menstrual Cycles Indicate?
Short menstrual cycles may indicate health issues related to hormonal mechanisms. A shortened cycle or absence of menstruation is often caused by dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. The hypothalamus plays a key role in secreting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to release gonadotropins (FSH and LH) responsible for triggering ovulation.
Another potential cause of short menstrual cycles is thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid hormones have a significant impact on ovulation. If their levels are too low, menstruation may become irregular. Many women with hypothyroidism experience menstrual disorders, which can contribute to infertility. Neglecting thyroid disorders may also negatively impact pregnancy, increasing the risk of premature birth or miscarriage.
Chronic stress can also contribute to menstrual irregularities. Acute or prolonged stress increases cortisol levels in the body. If cortisol remains elevated for too long, it can disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to either more frequent or less frequent periods. Ovulation disorders are also linked to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), being underweight, obesity, or approaching menopause.
When Should You See a Specialist?
Every woman’s body is different, so menstrual disorders should always be assessed on an individual basis. If your menstrual cycles have been regular in the past, it is natural to look for information online. However, if you have noticed irregular cycles for three consecutive months, this is a sufficient reason to schedule a consultation with a gynecologist or endocrinologist.
Here are some additional recommendations:
✔ Keep a menstrual calendar to monitor irregularities.
✔ If you experience lower abdominal pain during intercourse or notice spotting between periods, consult a doctor.
✔ If your menstrual cycle lasts 40 days, take a pregnancy test. If the result is negative and your period does not return in the next cycle, seek medical advice.
✔ Have a Pap smear (cytology test) every three years.
✔ Follow your doctor’s recommendations and do not modify medication dosages without consulting a specialist.
For a thorough diagnosis, it is recommended to perform TSH, fT4, and prolactin (PRL) tests to determine the cause of short menstrual cycles. It is also crucial to check sex hormone levels, including estradiol, progesterone, FSH, and LH, to assess ovarian function and the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Additionally, TSH and fT4 levels help rule out hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Seeking guidance from a gynecologist or endocrinologist can provide personalized medical care tailored to your needs.
At LuMedic, you can schedule an appointment by calling +48 22 150 20 20 and choosing a specialist:
- Dr. n. med. Luiza Napiórkowska – Endocrinology
- Dr. n. med. Anna Kępczyńska-Nyk – Endocrinology
- Dr. n. med. Anna Lewicka – Gynecology, Endocrinology
- Dr. Anna Wójcikiewicz – Gynecology
- Dr. Iga Siarkowska – Gynecology