Early Menstrual Period

Puberty starts from the age of 8-13 and with it, comes several physical changes in a girls body. It's the transition from childhood to adulthood and may seem exciting to some girls, while daunting to the others. Menstruation is one such physical change a girl's body goes through, wherein the ovaries begin releasing the eggs (under hormonal influence) that are already stored in a sac called follicle. Eggs are released from either ovary in random order every month. This means the same ovary can release eggs for two to three months in a row. Depending on the person's hormones, one may get the monthly periods every 20 days, 28 days or even every 35 days. Although women normally have a generalized regular menstrual cycle pattern, no woman has a completely regular menstrual cycle pattern, and irregularity is seen once in a while. However, onset of frequent early menstrual periods can be a cause of concern. It indicates that the body is not ovulating properly.

Periods may occur at roughly the same date every month or occur after regular intervals of 3, 4 or 5 weeks. This means if a girl has her periods after 35 days, she can expect the next onset of menstrual flow after every 35 days. Regularity in periods means we can predict the date of occurrence of menstrual period. However, with age and other physical and psychological factors, the onset of periods begins to fluctuate, making it difficult to even predict when they will occur. Early menstrual periods are those that occur less than 23 days from last cycle start day. One method to identify irregular periods is by maintaining a menstrual cycle chart, which will help you identify irregularities in the ovulation pattern. However, what causes early menstrual period?

Hormonal Imbalance
Ovulation in the body is regulated by hormones estrogen and progesterone. The right balance of these two hormones is required for proper ovulation regulation. These hormones are released by the pituitary glands under the influence of the hypothalamus of the brain. They trigger menstruation and ovulation, thus, any imbalance in these levels can conduce to early menstrual period.

Stress and Fatigue
Too much anxiety, mental stress and fatigue can also take a toll on the body's menstrual cycle patterns. Tension and apprehension causes the balance of estrogen and progesterone to tip, thereby affecting the ovulation cycle.

Reproductive Disorder
Reproductive disorders like endometriosis, wherein, endometrial tissues begin growing outside the uterus may lead to early menstrual periods. Moreover, occurrence of various infections in the reproductive system can also conduce to irregularities in the menses. Spotting can be indicators of cysts or polyps in ones vagina, uterus or cervix.

Intake of Emergency Contraceptives
The job description of an emergency contraceptive is to stop the fertilized egg or zygote from getting itself implanted on the walls of the uterus. These contraceptives comprises high levels of hormones which hinder implantation. However, these high hormones levels can alter the estrogen-progesterone imbalance and cause onset of early menstrual period. However, when the hormone levels return to normal, the periods are also seen to get back into their routine.

Early Menstrual Cycle Treatment

Early menstrual cycles do not necessarily mean you are in a crisis. Such occurrences happen to every woman and there is no need to panic. However, if you face excessive menstrual bleeding, less bleeding or pain during sexual intercourse, you need to consult the gynecologist as soon as possible. It is important to diagnose the cause of irregularities and treat them accordingly. Hormonal imbalances can be treated by medications and hormone replacement therapies are carried out if medications do not work.

If stress is the underlying cause, it is important to make lifestyle changes. Meditation, aromatherapy, massages, etc. are beneficial in relaxing the body and mind. The very fact that stress and fatigue have a direct effect on our menstrual cycle, shows how important it is for us to give our bodies time to rest. In this jet-speed life of ours, we barely give our body and mind much time to recuperate. It is important to set aside some time to relax yourself and ease yourself from the worries of this world. Do not push your body beyond its capacity. This only leads to more problems for your body.

An unhealthy mind conduces to an unhealthy body, thus, eat well, exercise well and refrain from burdening yourself with stress. Do not let yourself be bogged down by the challenges of the world!