Time between periods could signal menopause

That may surprise some women because many have probably heard that longer intervals are usually the sign. According to a report in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, that's more common later in menopause. In early menopause, for women ages 42 to 52, the short cycle means the woman is probably not ovulating.

Researchers say this information could help ease the worry of women who think their changing cycle is linked to a medical problem.