Family Planning Plus

You may just be enjoying a brief respite from your period. In other words, your period may resume the next day. However, shortened periods can occur for a number of different reasons. As women age, their periods may change in length or amount of flow. Most commonly, menstrual irregularities are caused by some type of hormonal imbalance (for example, using a hormonal method of birth control, entering perimenopause, or other causes). Menstrual cycles and periods may be affected by increased stress, a change in routine, increased exercise, diet and weight loss, and some illnesses and medications.

Generally, yeast infections do not affect the length of your period. However, they often will occur just before your period. In a normal menstrual cycle, estrogen deposits glycogen (a form of sugar) in the cells that are found in the lining of the vagina. The release of progesterone causes the cells to shed into the vagina, so the sugar becomes available for yeast to feed on, multiply and grow. Estrogen and sugar production peak at the midpoint between periods, and then progesterone begins to build and sugar is released. Yeast infection symptoms can follow the hormonal pattern of this cycle. Usually, the most severe symptoms occur before the onset of a woman’s period when more sugar is available. During and after the flow, symptoms are likely to subside.   Source: http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/women/yeast-infection/the-basics-of-yeast-infection.htm

Some STDs can affect the menstrual cycle and periods. If you are concerned that you may have contracted a sexually transmitted infection, you may want to get tested. If you live near one of our offices, please call us for a free STD screening. If you live further away, contact the STD clinic, Family Planning, or Planned Parenthood office closest to you.