Can your periods predict fertility problems later in life? Gynaecologist reveals 6 warning signs you shouldn’t ignore

Before obvious fertility-related problems emerge, the earliest signs may show up through changes in your periods. It is important not to assume that unusual changes in your menstrual cycle will resolve on their own, especially if they persist. ALSO READ: Girls entering puberty earlier than before? Gynecologist explains why periods may begin before age 10

Dr Rashmi Patil, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta, Bengaluru, explained how periods are closely linked to fertility and how unresolved menstrual issues may affect the chances of pregnancy later.

The menstrual cycle can give glimpses into your hormonal balance, which is essential for conception. The expert said the menstrual cycle is essential for ovulation to occur.

She elaborated, “The menstrual cycle is one of the most obvious signs of ovulation in the body. Conception requires ovulation, and a continuing change in menstrual cycle length or bleeding pattern can be an early sign of ovulatory dysfunction or an underlying reproductive condition which can affect fertility."

She also dispelled the misconception that regular periods guarantee fertility. However, she urged those experiencing irregular periods to get them checked by a gynaecologist.

As a general parameter, the doctor noted that a normal menstrual cycle during reproductive years lasts between 21 and 35 days, with bleeding lasting up to seven days. She advised watching for cycles that are consistently shorter, longer, or more variable.

There are a few period-related unusual signs that signal a problem, including undetected gynecological or metabolic issues:

Which conditions that can affect fertility may show up through changes in your periods? The doctor said, "Conditions such as PCOS, thyroid imbalance, fibroids, and endometriosis can often be identified and managed with timely assessment. Early consultation gives women clarity, helps address underlying concerns, and supports better fertility planning.”

As per Dr Patil, women should consult a gynaecologist if they experience:

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Adrija Dey’s proclivity for observation fuels her storytelling instinct. As a lifestyle journalist, she crafts compelling, relatable narratives across diverse touchpoints of the human experience, including wellness, mental health, relationships, interior design, home decor, food, travel, and fashion that gently nudge readers toward living a little better. For her, stories exist in flesh and bones, carried by human vessels and shaped through everyday endeavours. It is the small stories we live and share that make us human. After all, humans and their lores are the most natural and raw repositories of stories, and uncovering them, for her, is akin to peeling an orange under a winter afternoon sun. Always up for a chat, she believes the best stories come from unfiltered yapping, where "too much information" is kind of the point.