Have you noticed a change in your menstrual flow lately? Has it gone from soaking up your pads and tampons every few hours to leaving only a few spots here and there? Well, before you lose your mind over what has changed, let us assure you that it’s not always a cause of worry. But you need to be aware of all the possible reasons behind less bleeding during periods. So let’s decode the curious case of your scanty period. Scroll down to read:
Light Vs Normal Period
Before we talk about why your period might be lighter than usual, let’s understand what less bleeding during periods means. According to a study published in the American Journal Of Epidemiology, on an average, one loses around five-80 ml of blood during their period. While the majority of menstruators shed between 30-40ml (about three-four tablespoons), anything less than 5ml (less than a tablespoon) is considered to be extremely light. Hypomenorrhea is the term used to describe this condition of abnormally low bleeding and you must consult your doc if you experience it.
Signs & Symptoms Of Light Period
Folks, we understand that measuring your menstrual flow isn’t possible. However, you can check for these signs and symptoms of light period to determine if your menstrual flow is scanty:
-Bleeding lasts for less than two-three days.
-Menstrual flow is very light. It’s more like spotting.
-You miss one your periods.
-Frequent spotting instead of a regular period every 21-35 days.
Should You Be Worried About A Light Period?
Periods are an indicator of our reproductive health. While regular periods with a normal flow are a sign of sound reproductive health and hormonal balance, scanty or irregular periods can indicate something’s not quite right. However, periods can vary in nature every month. Sometimes, a scanty period may simply be a result of a slight hormonal imbalance, consumption of birth control pills, stress or weight loss/gain. In this case, your menstrual flow should get back to normal after a few cycles. However, if your menstrual flow seems lighter with every cycle or your periods become irregular and feel more like spotting, there’s an underlying issue. The best way to figure it out is to observe your menstrual flow for a couple of cycles and consult with your gynae if you notice consistently scanty bleeding.
Causes Of Less Bleeding During Periods
Here are eight possible reasons why you’re experiencing less bleeding during periods. Take a look:
Menopause
Even though menopause is most likely to hit you between 40-50 years of age, its symptoms can begin showing eight-ten years before your period finally stops. This means that you could experience hot flashes, lighter and irregular periods, and extreme mood swings during the transitional stage (perimenopause) which could start in your 30s. However, less bleeding during periods earlier than that along with other symptoms of menopause can be indicative of premature menopause (earlier than your 40s).
Major Weight Changes
Following fad diets, going on extreme calorie deficits can make you lose or gain weight in a very short span of time. This unhealthy eating pattern can also lead to nutritional deficiencies. Both these factors can wreak havoc on your hormonal balance and make your periods irregular or scanty. Additionally, extreme workouts can throw your body in the “stress mode”, leading to a steep increase in your cortisol (stress hormone) levels. This too can disturb your hormonal balance, as a result of which you may experience less bleeding during periods.
Pregnancy
Periods tend to stop when you’re pregnant. However, sometimes, spotting may actually be implantation bleeding. For the unversed, it occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus and lasts for about one-two days. So if you experience a scanty period of that nature, you must take a pregnancy test and consult with your doctor.
Breastfeeding
An increase in prolactin (hormone responsible for milk production in new mothers) is synonymous with a decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels in the body. This can prevent ovulation and delay the return of your periods postpartum or simply make your periods scanty. So it can take one-two years for your menstrual flow to get back to normal after childbirth if you’re breastfeeding.
Birth Control
Birth control methods like hormonal pills, patches, rings, shots, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) can prevent ovulation in a bid to keep pregnancy at bay. Now, if your body doesn’t release an egg, your uterus won’t create a thick lining. This can result in lighter periods or skipped periods altogether. Additionally, you may also experience irregular periods if you have started or stopped taking birth control recently as your body takes time to adjust to the new hormonal levels. This should ideally settle within six months of taking or stopping the pills.
Stress
Stress shoots up the cortisol production in the body and can alter the menstrual cycle hormones. As a result, you may experience a lighter period or miss one completely. The good part is that once a stressful event passes, your periods are highly likely to return to normal.
Drug Use
Consuming antibiotics, painkillers or steroids can also alter your hormonal balance and lead to scanty or irregular periods. So always take doc-prescribed drugs and get in touch with them if you experience lighter or scanty periods.
Underlying Health Conditions
Certain underlying health conditions can also lead to irregular or scanty periods. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), for instance, is a condition in which excess androgens (male sex hormones) can prevent ovulation and make your periods lighter or irregular. In this case, your scanty period may be accompanied with symptoms like hair thinning, acne, and excess facial and body hair. Lighter periods can also be indicative of an issue with reproductive organs like your ovary and uterus. Discussing your symptoms with your doctor is the best way to determine the exact cause and seek timely treatment.
Sirona Recommends Best Products To Manage Light Period Flow
Sirona Rash-Free Pads
Sirona’s Rash-Free Pads are ultra-thin, bio-based, breathable, and devoid of any toxic chemicals like chlorine, parabens, and artificial colours. They’re skin-friendly and can keep you comfy even if your period is lighter than usual.
Sirona Dry Comfort Panty Liner
Sirona’s Dry Comfort Panty Liners are just what you need to manage spotting or light period flow. They provide protection from staining if you get a light period unexpectedly. Made with ultra-soft cotton, they’re breathable, wafer-thin, and have a “no-wear feel”. So you can step out feeling confident and comfortable at the same time.
Sirona Non-Applicator Tampons
Sirona’s Non-Applicator Tampons are made with skin-friendly fibre and have curved grooves for extra comfort and leak-proof protection. They come with a ‘twist-turn opening’ for easy insertion and are easy to use for beginners.
Sirona Menstrual Cup
Made with soft medical-grade, skin-friendly silicone, Sirona’s Menstrual Cup is super flexible. It can be folded easily and inserted minus any hassle. With a capacity of up to 28 ML, it offers leak-proof protection for eight hours straight and keeps you comfy all day. However, if you experience light menstrual flow, you can opt for a small-sized cup and go on with your day without leakages and discomfort,
Folks, if you experience lesser bleeding during periods consistently, consult a doc as soon as possible.
Featured Image: Pexels
Also Read
Period Cramps Before Periods : Here’s how you can deal with pre-period cramps like a champ.
Pain in Legs During Periods: Read this if you experience leg pain or cramps during shark week.
Home Remedies for Irregular Periods: Here’s what to do if your periods are late or early every month.
What is Pcos: Everything you need to know about the polycystic ovary syndrome.
