What a short menstrual cycle says about your pregnancy chances

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.

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.

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.

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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!