A healthy menstrual cycle typically lasts between 21 and 35 days. Cycles that consistently fall outside this range—either very short or very long—can indicate an underlying issue with ovulation or hormone balance.
Understanding the length of your cycle is crucial for monitoring your reproductive health and identifying potential problems early.
Very Short Cycles (Polymenorrhea)
A menstrual cycle that is consistently shorter than 21 days is known as polymenorrhea. This means ovulation occurs earlier than usual or the luteal phase (the second half of the cycle) is too short.
Short cycles can be caused by perimenopause, stress, or thyroid dysfunction. A short luteal phase can also make it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant, potentially affecting fertility.
Very Long Cycles (Oligomenorrhea)
Cycles lasting longer than 35 days, or having fewer than 6-8 periods a year, is called oligomenorrhea. This usually indicates that ovulation is not occurring regularly (anovulation).
The most common cause of long cycles is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Other causes include significant stress, excessive exercise, eating disorders, and thyroid issues. Proper diagnosis is essential to manage these conditions effectively.
Need a consultation?
Call or WhatsApp the clinic if you need an appointment or want to ask about visit timings.