What does it mean if you have a short menstrual cycle, less than 28 days?

On the Louloucup blog, you’ll always find a wealth of information on women’s health, how your hormonal cycle works, and all the little details. With us, the menstrual cycle and periods are no longer a mystery!

Recently on the blog, we talked about intimate hygiene and period pain. Not long ago, we also took a closer look at long menstrual cycles, or at least, cycles that are longer than the commonly accepted average of 28 days. Together, we discussed how the menstrual cycle works, its different stages (periods, the follicular phase, ovulation, the luteal phase), shared lots of statistics, and also talked about fertility, delayed periods, and all the reasons that can lengthen a hormonal cycle that's usually pretty regular.

Today, let’s talk about the opposite situation: short menstrual cycles, those that are less than 28 days. Let’s figure out what’s happening in your body when this occurs. Why do your periods show up way earlier than expected? Is it serious? What does it actually mean for your ovulation and fertility?

A menstrual cycle is considered short when it is less than 28 days. 28 days is just an average—a reference point, not a rule. From one cycle to another, and from one woman to another, women’s hormonal cycles are constantly changing and evolving. Birth control, as well as external factors like stress, diet, and exercise, directly impact your period and your entire cycle. So don’t panic if you see one cycle last 29 days, then 27, then 32. A menstrual cycle can last 22 days, then 34. Every woman is different.

Generally, a gynecologist or doctor considers a menstrual cycle short when it lasts 25 days or less. In other words, this means that only 25 days have passed between the first day of your period and the first day of your next period.

FYI, a short cycle is also called polymenorrhea, which means periods coming back at a fairly short and too frequent interval (lasting less than 24 days).

Not excessively. If you notice a particularly short cycle among otherwise regular cycles, there’s no need to worry. It’s just a slight hormonal imbalance. Fatigue, illness, weight loss or gain, or high stress can disrupt your period and shift the start date of a new cycle.

However, if you notice that for several cycles or months your cycles are getting shorter, you should consult a professional. It’s a good idea to talk to a gynecologist, doctor, or midwife about it.

If the time between two periods is too short, it can affect your ovulation and overall fertility. Here’s what you need to know! There are two possible scenarios:

If your follicular phase (the phase between the end of your period and ovulation) is shortened, your ovaries work hard to find a mature egg, the ovarian follicle, but may not have enough time. The egg will be considered immature and won’t be able to be fertilized properly. Just so you know, this is the exact moment when estrogen levels rise. This essential hormone guarantees the maturation of the ovarian follicle.

If the luteal phase (the phase between ovulation and the start of your next period) is shortened, the fertilized egg won’t be able to properly attach to the endometrium. Why? Progesterone, a hormone, won’t have had enough time to thicken the endometrium properly. If even one hormone is missing or out of balance, the whole system breaks down, the endometrium isn’t welcoming enough, the fertilized egg can’t implant, and pregnancy can’t occur.

A tip: to know if you’re ovulating, track your temperature. During the ovulatory phase, your body temperature rises. Take your temperature every morning for several days in a row. When it’s higher than the day before, you can take an ovulation test to confirm.

What exactly causes a short cycle? While having a shorter cycle isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, it’s important to be aware of certain conditions or situations that can lead to a shorter menstrual cycle and therefore irregular periods:

• a thyroid disorder can disrupt your cycle and shorten it;
• polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS, this condition can cause ovarian cysts and a lack of ovulation, which in turn affects fertility;
• a uterine fibroid, a benign tumor growing on the endometrium, the lining of the uterus;
• A woman in perimenopause or a teenager going through puberty may experience periods that are quite variable and irregular;
• or even hyperprolactinemia, an overproduction of breast milk.

In short, a short menstrual cycle is always influenced by hormones (progesterone, estrogen, etc.) and their constant fluctuations.

An early return of your period also means an early return of PMS (premenstrual symptoms) and period pain, so it’s best to be prepared! With healthy, washable, and reusable menstrual products, of course! What are your choices and alternatives for experiencing a stress-free period?

Given the poor composition of disposable period products (tampons, pads, and liners), it’s important to choose high-quality hygiene products that are good for your body, your health, your privacy, and the planet.

To avoid irritation, discomfort, leaks, and all the stress that comes with them, take the time to choose protection that’s right for you—options that make sense for both you and the environment. Since you’ll spend many years of your life menstruating, from puberty to menopause, it’s worth being well equipped!

Today, you have options! There are plenty of menstrual products on the market to manage your period: underwear, briefs, thongs, boyshorts, strings, washable pads, and also menstrual cups and period swimwear. Louloucup helps you find the best intimate protection for you during this sometimes challenging time of discharge and bleeding.

The period underwear is the absorbent, reliable undergarment you don’t want to miss. Postpartum, during adolescence, day or night, under any outfit, period underwear absorbs even the heaviest flows and even light bladder leaks!

Our advice: choose organic and seamless styles for comfort, softness, and discretion.

Our favorite model: the Liv period underwear, a seamless black period panty for very heavy flow. An absolute must-have for dealing with the heaviest periods!

For athletes, active women, and anyone loyal to tampons, we’ve got the perfect alternative! An internal hygienic protection made from medical-grade silicone. Nothing sticks out. It’s very hygienic and, above all, super convenient. The menstrual cup is truly the go-to daytime protection for leak-free periods.

Our tip: choose a cup made in France to ensure impeccable manufacturing quality.

Our favorite model: the Loulou Turquoise cup, with unmatched softness and flexibility, perfect for women or teens who are especially sensitive.

Swimming on your period? Absolutely possible. Enjoy the beach or pool to the fullest with a period swimsuit. Super absorbent inside, super waterproof outside, the women’s period swimsuit doesn’t swell up in water. It stays in place and locks in menstrual flow perfectly.

Our advice: whether it’s a one-piece or bikini bottom, pick a style that matches your taste and habits—you’ve got options!

Our favorite model: the Laura black menstrual swim bottom, a swim brief with cute details on the back and a high waist. This period product has everything you’ll love!