One of the most common causes for shortness or an elongation of the menstrual period is hormonal imbalance. Women with hormonal imbalances may require estrogen shots or medication to get their cycle back on track. Women who experience a condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may be put on medications to regulate their periods. Other women could be prescribed birth control pills to help regulate the frequency and length of their menstruation.
The menstrual cycle and period are often affected by the surroundings and lifestyle of the woman. Stress from work or relationships may cause the bleeding to become more severe or stop sooner than normal. For some women, increased exercise may lead to a shorter menstruation cycle. A common reason a woman's cycle may shorten is because other women live with her. One study, conducted in 1971 by Martha McClintock at the University of Chicago, determined that women who live together often have the same cycles or very similar ones. It's common among housemates and even female relatives to be on the same cycle. This has come to be called "the McClintock effect." Moving into a new situation also may cause the number of days to decrease. In serious cases of anorexia and bulimia, periods may cease completely or become very short as the woman loses weight.
If your periods are much shorter in duration than what you were experiencing before and if that continues for several months it is advisable to consult your doctor.
The menstrual cycle and period are often affected by the surroundings and lifestyle of the woman. Stress from work or relationships may cause the bleeding to become more severe or stop sooner than normal. For some women, increased exercise may lead to a shorter menstruation cycle. A common reason a woman's cycle may shorten is because other women live with her. One study, conducted in 1971 by Martha McClintock at the University of Chicago, determined that women who live together often have the same cycles or very similar ones. It's common among housemates and even female relatives to be on the same cycle. This has come to be called "the McClintock effect." Moving into a new situation also may cause the number of days to decrease. In serious cases of anorexia and bulimia, periods may cease completely or become very short as the woman loses weight.
If your periods are much shorter in duration than what you were experiencing before and if that continues for several months it is advisable to consult your doctor.