Very Light Period: Female Reproductive System Overview #1
Generally, some menstrual changes are caused by stress, weight loss/gain, hormonal fluctuations and other reasons. The doctors state that very light period, vaginal spotting and any unexpected bleeding can be the cases, when it is advisable to consult a doctor. Let’s gather, learn and share all possible information about very light periods.
What Is Very Light Period?
Despite menstrual cycles vary from person to person, a normal period among women is approximately once in every 28 days. Typically, each period lasts from 4 to 7 days. During menstruation, the amount of lost blood ranges from 50 to 150 ml. Consequently, less than 50 milliliters may be considered a very light period. So, light periods are menstrual flows with unusually light occurance or rather short duration of blood loss. Light periods are not just the same as ‘amenorrhea’, or complete absence of menstrual periods.
4 Symptoms of Very Light Period
Such a period may accompany some symptoms, depending on the underlying diseases, disorders or conditions. The most common signs along with very light periods are:
- Abdominal pain and cramping.
- Frequent infections, yeast or fungal infections in particular.
- Missed menstrual period.
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse.
5 Causes of Very Light Period
- The main reason of light periods is a shift/imbalance in levels of such hormones as estrogen or progesterone.
- Most commonly, light periods affect those women approaching menopause. At that time less estrogen, regulating menstrual period, is produced.
- Besides, light periods occur in young girls, who have only begun to menstruate.
- Also, any eating disorders (anorexia nervosa), excessive exercises, or thyroid conditions can cause a woman to get light periods.
- Finally, lighter periods are known to be experienced among women using hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills/patch/injection, or intrauterine devices.
Serious & Life-Threatening Reasons of Very Light Period
In some cases, those conditions include ectopic pregnancy, that is the case of pregnancy growing outside the uterus. If you are not pregnant, the doctor will determine the individual cause of your very light period through some tests, for example, pelvic examination. But if your light periods seem to be persistent or cause any concern, it’s necessary to seek for immediate medical care.
How to Diagnose the Cause of Light Periods Yourself: 5 Helpful Questions
In order to figure out your condition, you can ask yourself the following questions:
- Am I pregnant?
- Have I always had very light periods?
- When were my periods light or getting lighter last time?
- Do I have such symptoms as cramping or abdominal pain?
- Am I currently using contraceptive devices or medications?
4 Potential Complications of Very Light Period
Once the underlying cause is definitely diagnosed, you should follow a certain treatment plan specifically for you to reduce the risk of such potential complications as:
- Inability to normally participate in activities.
- Severe pain or discomfort.
- Premature ovarian failure.
Very Light Period Conclusions: All You Need to Know
1. Women usually experience light bleeding or spotting in early pregnancy. So, do not mistake this bleeding for a light period. The point is that 1-2 weeks after conception, your fertilized egg starts implanting into the uterine wall. As a result, there is light bleeding with/without mild uterine cramping. Remember that implantation spotting is to be either lighter in color and flow, or shorter in duration than normal menstrual period. Simply take a home pregnancy test, but keep in mind that not all pregnant women experience implantation bleeding in early stages.
2. Certain medications also shorten the duration of menstrual cycle and decrease lost blood amount. Thus, oral contraceptives are comprised of progestin and estrogen, which may result in even no menstrual period at all. Another kind of contraception, intrauterine devices (IUD), contain progestin and have a side effect of very light periods and spotting.
3. Very light period may also occur during menopause, because a woman’s natural body hormone levels begin to decline. According to the statistics, this is a natural event, which normally takes place between the age of 45 and 55. So, the absence of menstrual periods for 12 months definitely signifies the beginning of your menopause. Before that period it is common to have menstrual irregularity.
Well, get absolutely competent in your individual periods and stay completely healthy!