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What a short menstrual cycle says about your pregnancy chances

It's true that periods affect a woman's chances of getting pregnant. Let's find out how a short period cycle is linked to fertility.
Short menstrual cycle can affect fertility
Find out if a short menstrual cycle can affect fertility. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock
Natalia Ningthoujam Published: 29 Jun 2023, 06:20 pm IST
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We might complain about period cramps every month, but menstruation can tell a lot about a woman’s fertility. Your monthly period cycle can even hint at your chances of getting pregnant. If you are finding it hard to conceive, focus on your menstrual cycle first. According to a study led by researchers of Boston University School of Public Health, short period cycles and early or late onset of menstruation are all linked with less chances of getting pregnant.

Health Shots consulted Dr Asha Hiremath, Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Laproscopic Surgeon, Motherhood Hospitals, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, regarding the link between menstrual cycle and fertility.

period cycle and fertility
Short period might affect fertility. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

What is a short period?

Women of reproductive age experience the natural physical process of menstruation, which can range in duration that depends on person-to-person. We generally have periods that last for five days. So, short period is a menstrual cycle that lasts for less time than usual time frame often fewer than five days, explains Dr Hiremath.

Short menstrual cycles can be caused by a variety of circumstances such as hormonal abnormalities. The hormone levels can shorten the period cycle because hormones are essential for controlling it. Hormonal balance can be affected by stress, weight changes and the use of hormonal contraceptives and this could result in shorter periods.

period cycle and pregnancy
Short period cycle might be a sign of erratic ovulation. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

How does a menstrual cycle affect pregnancy?

The expert shares that a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant might be impacted by the duration of her menstrual cycle. This could be a sign of erratic ovulation or a smaller window of fertile time. Everyone knows the egg must be released from the ovary during ovulation in order for it to be fertilised. Ovulation that is irregular or infrequent can simply make it harder to get pregnant. But period cycle alone can’t be signify infertility, as there are many other factors that can affect fertility, says Dr Hiremath. So, there are factors such as age, unhealthy weight, sexually transmitted infections and smoking that can affect fertility.

Here’s what to do to avoid a short menstrual cycle

It is essential to determine the root cause of short periods in order to resolve or prevent them. To identify the precise cause of the short cycle and create a tailored strategy, speaking with a doctor is advised. The doctor might tell you to:

• Exercise regularly
• Use relaxation techniques to manage stress levels with breathing exercises. Maintain a healthy weight with a balanced diet and exercise
• Correct any hormonal imbalances with drugs or hormonal therapies.

You need to keep in mind that every woman has a unique circumstance, and the treatment strategy should be adapted to her particular requirements and medical background.

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It’s true that the menstrual cycle often reflects the status of a woman’s overall health, and variations in its length might indicate hormonal imbalances. It might also suggest whether or not ovulation is happening in the right manner. But fertility is based on many more factors, so you should also work on them. For instance, if you are on the heavier side, try to lose weight. And if you are into smoking, it’s time to give it up!

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About the Author

Natalia Ningthoujam has written on various subjects - from music to films and fashion to lifestyle - as a journalist in her career that started in 2010. After getting stories from the crime scene, police headquarters, and conducting interviews with celebrities, she is now writing on health and wellness which has become her focus area. ...Read More

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