Periods that are lighter than usual are not normally a cause for concern. People often find that their menstrual flow varies from month to month, and some months are simply lighter than others. In some cases, a light period can be due to stress or weight loss. It can also indicate pregnancy or a hormone-related condition.
What causes your period to be shorter or lighter than normal?
Many factors can alter a person's menstrual flow and make their period unusually light. Body weight, exercise, and stress can all cause light periods and knowing why can be helpful. Lighter periods than normal do not usually cause concern.
Why are my periods getting lighter?
What Are Some Other Causes of a Light Periods?
- Pregnancy. It is widely known that periods tend to stop if you become pregnant; however, some women do experience some light bleeding - or spotting - particularly during the early ...
- Stress. ...
- Birth control. ...
- Weight loss or gain. ...
Why do periods get lighter?
You might be grateful for a lighter flow, but it could be cause for concern.
- It could be a sign of pregnancy. While one of the clear signs of pregnancy is missing your period, it turns out that some women continue to experience bleeding ...
- You’ve lost or gained a ton of weight. Fluctuating weight can mess with your menstrual cycle, making your periods a lot shorter or lighter. ...
- Stress is messing with your body.
What causes light periods?
A shift or imbalance in hormone levels is the main cause of light periods. Light periods most commonly affect women who are approaching menopause because at that time in their lives women produce less estrogen, one of the hormones that regulates menstrual periods. Light periods can also occur in girls who have just begun to menstruate.
Why does my period lighten up?
Lina Akopians, M.D., Ph.D., a specialist in reproductive endocrinology at the Southern California Reproductive Center, says that a period that lightens up substantially could be caused by a hormonal issue or a structural one (meaning something happened to an organ in your body).
Why does my period feel shorter?
Fluctuating weight can mess with your menstrual cycle, making your periods a lot shorter or lighter. That’s because when you gain weight, storing more fat in your body can affect your hormone levels and throw them out of balance.
What is it called when the walls of the uterus stick to each other?
Most women who have gone through routine dilation and curettage (D&C) procedures heal with zero complications, but sometimes severe scarring causes the walls of the uterus to stick to each other, causing what’s known as Asherman’s syndrome.
Can you miss your period while pregnant?
While one of the clear signs of pregnancy is missing your period, it turns out that some women continue to experience bleeding or a light version of their period when they’re pregnant , says fertility expert Janet Choi, M.D., medical director at CCRM in New York.
Can a D&C cause a period to lighten up?
If your period seems to have lightened up a lot after you’ve had a D&C, this might be your problem. You may need surgery to remove the scar tissue.
Can you ignore a lighter period?
The bottom line: While having a lighter period than normal isn’t necessarily cause for alarm, don’t ignore the change. Track your cycle for a couple of months, and if it doesn’t go back to your normal, make an appointment with a gynecologist.
Is it good to have a light period?
So if you have a light period, a.k.a. hypomenorrhea, it might seem like a good thing. While less bleeding may very well make you more comfortable, it could be a sign something’s gone awry. (An unusually heavy period can also be cause for concern.)
Why is my period light?
A light period could be a sign of problems with hormone levels or another medical condition. Polycystic ovary syndrome and issues with reproductive organs can lead to irregular periods. Discussing symptoms with your doctor may help you determine the cause of lighter than normal periods.
Why does my period change?
However, your period can change over time and because of different circumstances. For example, if you are pregnant, you will not experience a period because the lining will not detach. Every woman and period is different, so your period may come like clockwork or be more unpredictable.
How often do you get your period?
Overview. Understanding what’s “normal” for a period will help you determine whether your period is, in fact, light. A period comes when the lining of your uterus sheds through your cervix and vagina, generally on a monthly basis. Your period is generally consistent in number of days and the level of flow. Women typically get their period every 21 ...
Why does my period get irregular?
Being extremely underweight can cause your period to become irregular because your hormones are not working normally . Additionally, losing or gaining an extreme amount of weight can cause irregularities with your period.
What causes irregular periods?
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are types of eating disorders that may cause irregular periods. Eating disorders can lead to low body weight, which can alter hormones that regulate your period.
What does it mean when you have no period?
A light period can be a sign that your body is not working as it should. You should talk to your doctor about what might be causing it. Women who experience no period for three months or longer may be diagnosed with amenorrhea. Read more: Menstrual problems ».
Can you have an unusual period?
Remember that you may experience an unusual period for no particular reason, but you should still let your doctor know. They can help determine any underlying causes that may be affecting your menstrual cycle and vaginal bleeding.
What other symptoms might occur with light periods?
Light periods may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
How long does a light period last?
Each period typically lasts from four to seven days.
What is the amount of blood loss during a period?
The amount of blood lost during a menstrual period ranges from 20 to 80 milliliters (mL). Blood loss of less than 20 mL may be considered a light period. A shift or imbalance in hormone levels is the main cause of light periods. Light periods most commonly affect women who are approaching menopause because at that time in their lives women produce ...
What to do if you have a light period?
If your light periods are persistent or cause you concern, seek prompt medical care.
Can you have a lighter period with oral contraceptives?
Women who use hormonal contraceptives, including oral contraceptives, may also experience lighter periods. Light periods are not the same as the complete absence of menstrual periods, medically known as amenorrhea. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, are pregnant and experience vaginal bleeding.
Why is my period lighter than normal?
A lighter period than normal can be caused by many things, including pregnancy, stress, illness, and other things. Sometimes a woman will have spotting and think her period is about to start and not see any more bleeding. This can be implantation bleeding, which is the earliest sign of pregnancy, that is sometimes mistaken for a menstrual cycle.
What are the effects of menstrual cycle?
Emotional stress, such as the loss of a loved one, or major life stressors in work or your home life can take a toll on your body and affect your menstrual cycle. 1
What to do if your period is unusual?
If your period seems unusual in any way, take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy is the most likely cause of something being different in your cycle, particularly if you have not been using birth control.
Can you wait until your next period to get your results?
To get the best results, it might be best to wait until you miss your next period. This can be a home pregnancy test or a pregnancy test from your doctor, midwife, or health department. In most cases, you do not have to notify anyone of the test or the results. Even if you know you're pregnant, if you had a lighter-than-normal period, ...
Does weight affect your period?
If you have experienced a sudden shift in weight, this can sometimes affect your menstrual cycle. Over-exercising can also affect your periods, especially when you put a lot of physical stress on the body.
Why does my period lighten up?
Lina Akopians, M.D., Ph.D., a specialist in reproductive endocrinology at the Southern California Reproductive Center, says that a period that lightens up substantially could be caused by a hormonal issue or a structural one (meaning something happened to an organ in your body). That said, here are the top reasons that might explain why your flow ...
Can thyroid problems cause a period?
Abnormally light periods and missing periods are also a symptom of hyperthyroidism. If you’re experiencing some of the other symptoms of an overactive thyroid, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Can a D&C cause a period to lighten up?
If your period seems to have lightened up a lot after you’ve had a D&C, this might be your problem. You may need surgery to remove the scar tissue.
Does weight affect your period?
Fluctuating weight can mess with your menstrual cycle, making your periods a lot shorter or lighter. That’s because when you gain weight, storing more fat in your body can affect your hormone levels and throw them out of balance. In a similar way, losing weight from restricting calories can put your body into stress mode and create an imbalance of hormones. Dr. Akopians notes that “your body needs a healthy balance between protein, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins,” to keep operating normally.
Why do women love their periods?
No one likes the cramps and mood swings but we pay special attention to our periods because they’re also indicative of our overall health status. In particular, our periods can provide us with an insight into our reproductive health. For women who want to start a family of their own, even the slightest change can be a cause of worry.
How long does a period last?
On average, a woman will lose less than 80ml of blood during the course of a period. In addition, a period lasting anywhere between 3 to 7 days is considered normal. At the same time, keeping an eye on the flow is extremely important. Both heavy and light periods can point to hormonal issues, underlying illnesses and excessive stress.
Can you have a light period?
It is recommended that if you are experiencing a light period or have been facing fertility issues , you must speak with a doctor to determine what the particular issue is in your case. Suddenly noticing your period becoming lighter may or may not be related to your fertility but is something that does require a medical consultation.
Is light period a cause of concern?
Light periods can be a cause of concern. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Does period flow indicate fertility?
So, ladies, a period flow can say a lot about your health. It may or may not be indicative of your fertility level. It is best to speak with your doctor to understand how to proceed with the situation.
Why Might Periods Be Lighter during Perimenopause?
Throughout perimenopause, the body's natural production of the reproductive hormone estrogen begins to decline; however, it is a gradual process. When there is a specific dip in estrogen, the lining of the uterus is thinner - meaning a lighter bleed during the period. Conversely, when estrogen levels are higher, this can lead to a heavier flow. As well as being light or heavy, these changes can also cause periods to be shorter or longer lasting.
Why do older women have periods?
While perimenopause is the most likely reason in older women, it is possible for light menstruation to occur because of other factors. Some of the most common reasons for light, irregular periods include: Pregnancy. It is widely known that periods tend to stop if you become pregnant; however, some women do experience some light bleeding - ...
What Is Perimenopause?
Sometimes referred to as the “ menopausal transition ,” perimenopause describes the period of time when menopausal changes begin. It encompasses all symptoms which occur because of the fluctuation of reproductive hormones at this time, one of which being light, irregular periods.
Do periods stop when pregnant?
It is widely known that periods tend to stop if you become pregnant; however, some women do experience some light bleeding - or spotting - particularly during the early months. This can sometimes occur at the time when a period was expected, causing alarm or confusion in some women. Stress.
Can you know if your period is irregular?
In general, most women are able to get to know their menstruation cycle, and can not only anticipate when bleeding is likely to occur, but also how light or heavy it will be and when. With this in mind, it can understandably cause confusion and concern if a period is suddenly very light, or appears unexpectedly.
Why is Nadeen's period so light?
Light periods are a big sign that the uterine lining is not getting the circulation it needs to really build up to the thickness for an embryo to implant. Unless steps were taken to discover the reason why the lining may be so thin and to also work on improving the thickness, it would continue to be difficult for Nadeen to conceive and she would be at risk for another miscarriage. No one had ever assessed her for this - not her gynecologist or her fertility doctor!
Why is my uterus thin?
Here are the main causes for a thin uterine lining: Poor blood flow to the uterus. Long term birth control use. Damage to the basal endometrial layer - from a D& C, pelvic inflammation, or scar tissue. Low estrogen. Use of clomiphene (Clomid) - a typical fertility drug used to enhance ovulation.
How thick is the uterine lining?
Studies have shown a lining that is at least 6mm in thickness is needed for implantation to occur and most IVF centers will cancel an IVF cycle if the uterine lining is not at that level. The other key way to know if you might have a thin uterine lining is by assessing your menstrual cycle.