Ep 350: Do Short Cycles Cause Infertility?

Short cycles do not automatically mean your fertility is in trouble. In this episode, Dr. Carrie Bedient of the Fertility Center of Las Vegas and Dr. Susan Hudson of Texas Fertility Center unpack what a 19- to 20-day cycle may mean, when it’s worth investigating, and why your personal pattern matters. A listener’s question about short cycles, anemia, birth control, and egg supply leads to a practical conversation about cycle length versus bleeding days, changes after pregnancy, and the difference between ovarian reserve and egg quality. The Docs also explain how thyroid issues, prolactin, breastfeeding, stress, and ovarian aging can affect cycle regularity. They address a common worry head-on: Do frequent periods mean you’re using up your eggs faster or heading into early perimenopause? Get a clear, nuanced perspective on when a short cycle may simply be your normal—and when it’s time to talk with a clinician.