From the Research
Several factors can cause your period to come early, including stress, significant weight changes, certain medications like hormonal contraceptives, medical conditions such as thyroid disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), intense physical exercise, and travel across time zones or significant schedule changes. These factors can affect hormone levels, disrupt hormonal balance, and alter cycle timing, leading to early periods. According to a study published in 2018 1, irregular menstrual cycles are a common complaint among adolescents, and understanding the characteristics of the menstrual cycle helps determine the etiology.
Some key points to consider include:
- Stress as a common trigger that affects hormone levels and regulates the menstrual cycle
- Significant weight changes, either loss or gain, that can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to early periods
- Certain medications like hormonal contraceptives, especially when starting or stopping them, that can alter cycle timing
- Medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or endometriosis that may cause irregular periods, including early ones
- Intense physical exercise that can sometimes trigger early menstruation by affecting hormone production
- Travel across time zones or significant schedule changes that can disrupt the body's internal clock and affect the cycle
It's essential to note that most early periods are temporary and resolve once the triggering factor is addressed, but persistent irregularity warrants medical attention to ensure reproductive health is properly maintained. If you experience consistently irregular periods, especially with other symptoms like severe pain or unusually heavy bleeding, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out underlying medical conditions, as suggested by a study published in 2015 2. Additionally, a study published in 2010 3 highlights the importance of considering the evolution of birth control pills and their impact on menstrual cycles.