Why is my period early?

An early period usually means ovulation happened early, shortening the cycle - and ovulation timing shifts for ordinary reasons: stress, travel, illness, big exercise or weight changes, and perimenopause, where cycles often shorten before they lengthen. A cycle anywhere in the 21 to 35 day range is normal, per womenshealth.gov, so a period a few days early is usually just variation, not a symptom. The useful distinction: is it an actual period - normal flow, normal duration - or light early spotting? Early spotting has its own list: ovulation spotting mid-cycle, implantation bleeding in early pregnancy, breakthrough bleeding on hormonal birth control - especially missed pills or a new method - and, less commonly, infections or cervical causes. A true early period repeats as a full flow; spotting stays light and brief. When early periods are a pattern: cycles consistently under 21 days, bleeding between periods every cycle, or a new persistent change in your 40s deserve a check - thyroid problems and perimenopause sit high on that list, and the visit is a simple hormone conversation. A one-off early period with an otherwise normal cycle needs nothing but a note in your tracker. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text. Describe your usual cycle and what changed, and it can help you read it.