Why do I ovulate so early in my cycle?

Early ovulation is our focus today: what it means, why it happens, and how it can affect pregnancy. In previous blogs, we have discussed ovulation and the importance of establishing a calendar to calculate the exact time it occurs. Every woman has a unique menstrual cycle, and some experience irregular cycles that alter the expected date of ovulation. 

Remember, fertility experts can also help you regulate your cycle. Later in this blog, we will give you some tips to maintain a lifestyle that favors the control of fertile days.

What do we consider early ovulation?

In a woman of reproductive age with a regular menstrual cycle, ovulation can occur anytime between days 6 and 21 of the cycle. If ovulation occurs before day 11, we consider this to be early and this may involve difficulties in conceiving naturally.

This brings up a question: Does early ovulation mean early period? Actually, this is not necessarily so. Ovulation and menstruation are related, but not in such a direct way. The date of the period will depend on the luteal phase (post-ovulation) which is usually constant.

What do you ovulate early?

There are several factors that can cause early ovulation.

Age

As the years pass and menopause approaches, it is common for cycles to become increasingly irregular. They may also shorten, causing ovulation to occur earlier. Let’s not forget that this period, perimenopause, can start around age 40.

Lifestyle

Factors such as stress, diet, and the consumption of toxic substances or tobacco can alter ovulation.

Weight

Both underweight and overweight can also bring forward the moment of ovulation. Excess weight can develop or worsen symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This factor eventually prevents the production of quality oocytes. Conversely, being underweight causes hormonal imbalances that directly impact the regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Stress

High stress levels affect hormonal balance, which in turn influences the regularity of the menstrual cycle.

Certain conditions

Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, diminished ovarian reserve, and/or functional hypothalamic amenorrhea can also forward ovulation.

Unknown etiology

This medical term refers to the lack of explanations for why ovulation occurs earlier than normal. In other words, sometimes it occurs without an identifiable medical cause.

Ovulating early can be normal. If it happens frequently or begins at a specific time, it is advisable to consult an expert. These changes could make it more difficult to achieve pregnancy.

Signs for early ovulation

Ovulation always produces the same symptoms, whether early or not. This way, you can predict when the day ovulation has arrived. Here are some signs, although we must keep in mind that not all women experience them or feel the same:

• Breast tenderness, which can be painful (cyclical mastalgia). It is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the breasts, which feel fuller and more sensitive. There can also be actual swelling in the nipples and armpits, with pain and tenderness.
• Increased libido due to higher estrogen levels.
• Basal body temperature changes: It drops just before ovulation and rises rapidly after it occurs.
• Changes in cervical mucus: It becomes clearer, more elastic, and slippery, with a texture similar to raw egg whites.

Early ovulation and pregnancy

The obvious question is: Is it possible to get pregnant with early ovulation? In fact, conception becomes more complicated if ovulation occurs too early. Women who ovulate before day 11 of the cycle have fewer chances of becoming pregnant compared to those who ovulate later.

Additionally, we observe that women who have had miscarriages tend to ovulate about two days earlier than those who haven’t.

Therefore, if you are trying to conceive, you should consult a specialist if you ovulate early. This could impair your fertility, especially if conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or other cervical, uterine, or pelvic problems are the cause.

Treatment when ovulation occurs earlier

If you are not seeking pregnancy, ovulating early does not necessarily affect your health directly. But if you need to regulate your menstrual cycle, certain fertility treatments can help, as they will influence the ovulation pattern.

In more exceptional cases, surgery may be the way to treat any physical problems in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus.

Lifestyle changes can also help regulate the dates of menstrual cycles and improve fertility. Here are some tips:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly, tailored to your needs
• Limit the intake of caffeine, sugar, and alcohol
• Restrict the consumption of tobacco and other toxic substances

IVI helps you with your project

In summary, early ovulation can be a problem if you are trying to conceive. A specialist can help you regulate your menstrual cycle and identify possible causes of early ovulation.

The team at IVI clinics is always at your disposal if you have difficulties conceiving. Call us or leave your information in the form below this blog, and we will contact you. Our international staff is looking forward to offer help regarding any questions and arrange an initial visit with a specialist if you wish.