Why Do Periods Change Dates: How Is Your Physical Health Linked To Your Menstrual Cycle
Changes in your menstrual cycle may not feel like the result of other changes within your body, but, Dr. Welsh says, it could be indicative of something else going on.
Whether its your diet, lifestyle, sleep, or changes in routine, this can all show up as changes in your menstrual cycle, she says. There may be underlying conditions picked up through changes in your periods. Dont ignore it. Your hormone levels have a direct link to things like heart health and bone density, so its good to keep an eye on.
Wed recommend booking a checkup with your healthcare professional, as a starting point.
Extreme weight loss or weight gain and over-exercising can also change your cycle. Why? Well, if you lose lots of weight, your body might stop producing the reproductive hormones that control your menstrual cycle. Similarly, if you put on a lot of weight, your body may produce an excess amount of estrogen, which can stop your periods.
Similarly, certain hormonal conditions can alter periods, like disorders of the thyroid and production of another pituitary product called prolactin, Dr. Minkin explains. Prolactin can also be produced by taking certain medications .
Most changes in your menstrual cycle are totally normal, Dr. Welsh reiterates. However, if your periods become consistently irregular, it may be a symptom of an underlying health condition like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome .
Other Causes Of Change
Besides age, there are many other reasons for irregular or missed cycles. Pregnancy and breastfeeding naturally prevent the body from going through the menstrual cycle. Contraceptive methods, such as extended-cycle birth control pills, Nexplanon, DepoProvera, or the Mirena IUD, may safely change how frequently a woman has her period. These can also be used as treatment for painful or heavy periods. Stress, such as a death in the family or midterm exams, can delay a menses on rare occasions for some women. More concerning causes of irregular menses are excessive exercise, polycystic ovarian syndrome , extreme weight loss or gain, uterine fibroids, uterine cancer and thyroid disease.
How Many Days Can You Miss Your Period Without Being Pregnant
Some people have their period every 28 days like clockwork. But most people will experience a late or missed period at least once without being pregnant, and thats perfectly normal. For many, a late period can trigger thoughts of potential pregnancy. But a late period doesnt necessarily mean that youre pregnant.
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When Do Periods Start
Periods start during puberty. The average age for puberty to start in girls is 11, but can be earlier or later.
Periods usually begin at around the age of 12. Some girls will start them later, and some earlier everyone is different. To start with, periods might not happen every month but from the ages of around 16 to 18 most people who menstruate will find their periods are regular.
It can be helpful to keep a note of your period dates and symptoms using a calendar, a diary or an app. This can help you know when to expect your period and have period products with you.
If you havent started your period by around 16 though, its a good idea to see your doctor to find out why it hasnt happened yet. However, a delay in starting periods isn’t usually anything to worry about.
Your First Period And Your Menstrual Cycle During Your Teens
First periods happen during puberty, about two years after breasts start to develop, typically around age 12. First periods are often light and last two to seven days.1 For teenagers, any menstrual cycle that lasts 21 to 45 days is considered normal.1 It may take several years before a teenagers menstrual cycle becomes regular.1,2
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What Is Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome is a rare but sometimes deadly condition caused by bacteria that make toxins or poisons. In 1980, 63 women died from TSS. A certain brand of super absorbency tampons was said to be the cause. These tampons were taken off the market.
Today, most cases of TSS are not caused by using tampons. But, you could be at risk for TSS if you use more absorbent tampons than you need for your bleeding or if you do not change your tampon often enough . Menstrual cups, cervical caps, sponges, or diaphragms may also increase your risk for TSS if they are left in place for too long . Remove sponges within 30 hours and cervical caps within 48 hours.9
If you have any symptoms of TSS, take out the tampon, menstrual cup, sponge, or diaphragm, and call 911 or go to the hospital right away.
Symptoms of TSS include:10
- Sudden high fever
How Often Should I Change My Pad Tampon Menstrual Cup Sponge Or Period Panties
Follow the instructions that came with your period product. Try to change or rinse your feminine hygiene product before it becomes soaked through or full.
- Most women change their pads every few hours.
- A tampon should not be worn for more than 8 hours because of the risk of toxic shock syndrome
- Menstrual cups and sponges may only need to be rinsed once or twice a day.
- Period panties can usually last about a day, depending on the style and your flow.
Use a product appropriate in size and absorbency for your menstrual bleeding. The amount of menstrual blood usually changes during a period. Some women use different products on different days of their period, depending on how heavy or light the bleeding is.
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Why Do Periods Change Dates: When Should You See Your Doctor About Changes To Your Menstrual Cycle
You know your body best. Missing a period, having two periods in a month, or experiencing a cycle jump from 24 to 31 days can be scary and isolating if it hasnt happened before. But help is at hand.
Dr. Welsh says its always better to speak to your doctor or health care professional, when you first start to worry: Anything that feels abnormal or worrying to you is a reason to see your doctor. Just be open with them. They see this day in and day out.
All you need to say is Im concerned my cycle isnt regular or Im bleeding a lot heavier or My period is inconsistent. Lay out what youre particularly concerned about. They should be able to investigate things if they arent right.
You can keep tabs on the changes in your cycle by using a period tracker like Flo to log any changes in mood or symptoms. Similarly, try to note down any changes in the color, texture, and amount of your menstrual blood.
If you have one period that’s a bit early or late, or you skip one period, and everything reverts back to normal, do not worry, says Dr. Minkin. But if cycles stay erratic, do check in with your health care provider. They will talk with you and may order some blood tests. Your doctor may also conduct an ultrasound scan or suggest a urine pregnancy test.
Its also useful to share any lifestyle or general health changes with your doctor at your appointment.
References
Why Does My Period Date Change Every Month
Written by: Dr. Amy Beckley, PhD, Founder and Inventor of the Proov test the first and only FDA-cleared test to confirm successful ovulation at home.
Your period date changing every month is not as uncommon as you think it is. Period dates vary. You’re likely not going to get your period on the same date as the previous one due to changes in menstrual cycle, which ranges from 21-35 days.
It might occur more or fewer days than the actual day, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it. Periods, during the first couple of years of menstruation, are often irregular due to the development of a delicate hormonal balance that leads to a regular cycle.
However, if after years of regular cycles, your period falls completely out of range of your regular cycle, then you should consult a doctor.
In this blog, we’ll address all the possible causes of change in period dates, solutions, and what you can do to maintain a regular cycle.
Your period date changing every month is not as uncommon as you may think.
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Noticing Bigger Changes In Your Cycle
Variations that are more significant also occur. They are often temporary, lasting only one or two cycles. These can happen for reasons such as an undetected miscarriage, high stress, or not getting enough calories. If you donât ovulate at all in one cycle, for example, that cycle may be longer with a slightly lighter period . The cycle and period following that one may also be a bit different. Temporary irregularities in the menstrual cycle are usually nothing to worry about .
But irregular cycles can also be longer lasting. These are cycles that continually fall outside of âregularâ ranges . Long-term irregularities can happen in response to things such as working night shifts and high-intensity exercise or due to medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome . Many people have undiagnosed medical conditions which affect their cycle . Periods that are very heavy, or painful may also signal an issueâendometriosis, for example, is a common cause of painful menstruation.
Reproductive hormones play a role well beyond reproduction. They affect everythingfrom your sleep, mental health and weight to your bone density and heart health. Cycles that consistently fall outside of “normal” ranges should be addressed with a healthcare provider.
Read more about irregular cycles and their causes.
Why Do Periods Change Dates: What Is Your Menstrual Cycle
Your menstrual cycle refers to the process your body goes through each month after you experience puberty. No two periods are the same. If you reach out to friends, youll notice that their cycles may be longer or shorter than yours. Youll probably also notice that after you have a baby or as you make the transition into menopause, your menstrual cycle may change.
The average menstrual cycle for a woman or person with a uterus who doesnt use hormonal contraception lasts around 21 to 35 days. This marks the total number of days between the start of one period and the beginning of your next one.
Day one of your menstrual cycle coincides with the first day of your period. Its normal for periods to last anywhere from two days to a week, and during this time, the levels of your reproductive hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are low.
After your period ends , your estrogen levels begin to rise as your body prepares to release an egg. This is called ovulation and it generally marks the midpoint in your cycle.
Once ovulation has taken place, your progesterone levels rise to prepare your body for a potential pregnancy, even if the egg hasnt been fertilized. The lining of your uterus thickens so it can support a fertilized egg, should one happen to embed itself in the lining in a process called implantation.
Your menstrual cycle is a really delicate system, and each hormone will impact when you bleed, your symptoms, and when you ovulate, Dr. Welsh explains.
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Can I Skip A Period For A Month
Yes. If you have a long menstrual cycle of 35 days, then it possible you may skip period for a month
Some calendar months have 28 says while others have 31 days. This means if you have a 35 days menstrual cycle, you could miss a period for a month.
Should I get worried?
Not yet. There are other reasons why your period is late. However, if you calculate your menstrual cycle and chart it, you can easily detect when its irregular or abnormal.
How Are Irregular Periods Managed
Because there are so many possible causes of irregular periods, any treatment will depend on the likely cause. Your doctor can arrange tests to find out what is affecting your periods.
Sometimes your doctor will recommend a lifestyle change, such as weight loss for women who are overweight, or exercising less if excessive exercise is the cause.
Your doctor might discuss a prescription for the oral contraceptive pill or the contraceptive vaginal ring to make your periods regular. These medicines contain two hormones, which take over your bodys natural hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, and control your menstrual cycles.
Even if you dont mind having an irregular cycle, it may be unhealthy to go for long stretches of time without a period. Speak with your doctor to check if this is a problem for you.
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How Is Abnormal Menstruation Diagnosed
If any aspect of your menstrual cycle has changed, you should keep an accurate record of when your period begins and ends, including the amount of flow and whether you pass large blood clots. Keep track of any other symptoms, such as bleeding between periods and menstrual cramps or pain.
Your doctor will ask you about your menstrual cycle and medical history. He or she will perform a physical examination, including a pelvic exam and sometimes a Pap test. The doctor might also order certain tests, including the following:
- Blood tests to rule out anemia or other medical disorders.
- Vaginal cultures, to look for infections.
- A pelvic ultrasound exam to check for uterine fibroids, polyps or an ovarian cyst.
- An endometrial biopsy, in which a sample of tissue is removed from the lining of the uterus, to diagnose endometriosis, hormonal imbalance, or cancerous cells. Endometriosis or other conditions may also be diagnosed using a procedure called a laparoscopy, in which the doctor makes a tiny incision in the abdomen and then inserts a thin tube with a light attached to view the uterus and ovaries.
When Is A Menstrual Period Considered Irregular
A normal cycle from the first day of one period to the first day of the next can be anywhere from 21 to 35 days, says Becky Lynn, MD, the director of the Evora Center for Menopause and Sexual Health and an adjunct associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Saint Louis University in Missouri: We all think that 28 days is the normal cycle, but there’s actually some room for variability. To determine whether your menstruation schedule is irregular, count from the last day of your previous period and stop counting on the first day of your next. Repeat this for three months. If the number of days between stopping and starting your period is outside of the 21 to 35 days range, you have an irregular cycle. Menstruation can also be considered irregular if your cycle length varies by more than 20 days from month to month.
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How Long Is A Typical Menstrual Cycle
The typical menstrual cycle is 28 days long, but each woman is different.2 Also, a womans menstrual cycle length might be different from month-to-month. Your periods are still regular if they usually come every 24 to 38 days.3 This means that the time from the first day of your last period up to the start of your next period is at least 24 days but not more than 38 days.
Some womens periods are so regular that they can predict the day and time that their periods will start. Other women are regular but can only predict the start of their period within a few days.
What Causes Abnormal Menstruation
There are many causes of abnormal periods, ranging from stress to more serious underlying medical conditions:
Other causes of abnormal menstruation include:
- Uterine cancer or cervical cancer.
- Medications, such as steroids or anticoagulant drugs .
- Medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders, an under- or overactive thyroid gland, or pituitary disorders that affect hormonal balance.
- Complications associated with pregnancy, including miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy .
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How Can You Tell If Your Period Is Coming Soon
Common signs that your period is approaching are: Youre breaking out. Acne is a common problem at this time of the month. Your breasts are sore or heavy. Youre tired but you cant sleep. You have cramps. Youre constipated or have diarrhea. Youre bloated and gassy. You have a headache. Youre having mood swings.
Do You Get Your Period 28 Days After It Starts Or Ends
This depends on your menstrual cycle. Menstrual length can vary among women. Normal cycle length is 21 to 35 days and regular. If you have a 28-day regular cycle, then your next period may occur in 28 days time. Also, women with 23 days cycle expect their period in 23 days time.
However, some conditions can change your menstrual cycle length. They are:
- Excessive exercise with weight loss
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How Do I Calculate My Menstrual Cycle
Sometimes, its possible to have an early period or a late period. However, you should chart and calculate your menstrual cycle to know its length.
- Monitor the first day of your period
- Chart it and record for months
- Count the number of days between your periods
- The number of days between 2 of your periods is your menstrual cycle
- Check if your menstrual cycle is regular or not
What Is Normal Bleeding
There is a range of normal bleeding some women have short, light periods and others have longer, heavy periods. Your period may also change over time.
Normal menstrual bleeding has the following features:
- Your period lasts for 3-8 days
- Your period comes again every 21-35 days
- The total blood loss over the course of the period is around 2-3 tablespoons but secretions of other fluids can make it seem more
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