[taurusfroggy]

my "monthly" cycle has always lasted from 23-26 days, from the first day of my period to the first day of my next period. I have read that a normal cycle can range from 21-35 days. Is this true, or is my cycle abnormally short?

[crystalc173]

Mine lasts about the same as yours, if you are on any type of birth control this could be causing it because thats what caused mine to be short i believe.

[taurusfroggy]

I am not taking any birth control, never have.

Mine lasts about the same as yours, if you are on any type of birth control this could be causing it because thats what caused mine to be short i believe.

[KMonte85]

It's perfectly normal.

Normal cycles, as reported, are just "averages" ...some are going to be more, some less. You're not at all out of any sort of normal range.

[sheilam1965]

I have noticed that my diet and/or things that I ingest will cause my cycle to be longer or shorter. For example, if I drink coffee or eat too much garlic, my period will come within 23-26 days.

On the other hand, if I drink cherry juice daily or eat cherries, my period will come within 30-31 days! This especially is true if I avoid coffee and garlic over the course of the month.

I don't know if my body is just especially sensitive, but there is definitely a connection for me.

By the way here are some other things that can cause my period to come faster and/or be heavier: Nyquil, pineapple, aspirin or Tylenol.

Anyway, try to take note of your diet. See if you see a pattern. Maybe even get some cherry juice and see if it works for you like it does for me. You can usually find a good not-too-sweet one at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods.