All About Hypomenorrhea
Having less blood flow during menstruation is natural for some women. If a woman’s low blood flow is hereditary, she might find out that her mother or sister has the same problem while menstruating. It’s not uncommon for women to become pregnant while experiencing this type of light blood flow. Infertility is as common in women with normal blood flow as it is in those with infertility. Endometrial vascular system insensitivity may explain constitutionally minimal menstruation. Hormonal contraception treatments such as oral contraceptive pills, hormone-releasing IUDs (such as Mirena), or hormonal implants (such as Depo-Provera) are known to cause reduced menstrual flow as a side effect. There is less endometrium to shed because most hormonal contraceptives include low estrogen levels, which inhibit endometrial growth. Hormonal contraception users often enjoy this side effect as a benefit.
It is usual for women to have light or irregular periods between the ages of puberty and menopause. That is because ovulation is uncommon during this period, and the endometrial lining does not form regularly. Reduced blood flow can also be a result of more common health problems. Anovulatory illnesses such as hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, hyperinsulinemia, androgenic, among others, can induce abnormally short periods.
Despite this, light periods, also known as hypomenorrhea, are a menstrual flow problem, and any underlying medical concerns should be thoroughly checked by a doctor.
What is Hypomenorrhea?
Hypomenorrhea is a condition in which a woman’s menstrual blood flow is abnormally light or scanty. It is generally a menstrual disorder characterized by extremely little monthly flow. It can be as little as 30 ml or even less. If you have this condition, your periods may last approximately two days.
A light flow, on the other hand, does not always show an underlying issue. The monthly flow of a woman varies according to individual. Some women have light periods of blood flow, while others have a heavy flow.
Reduced blood flow can occur as a result of puberty, menopause, or even pregnancy. However, if you have less than 20-30ML of blood rather than the typical 30-80ML, it may be advisable to consult a gynecologist. You are not required to measure it precisely, but you can make an educated guess based on any abrupt or gradual change in your flow patterns. When you are under stress, you may experience a heavier or lighter flow, irregular menstruation, or none at all.
Furthermore, some personal life issues can create stress in various ways:
- variations in everyday eating and sleeping routines
- increased chronic health problems
- increased consumption of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or other substances
Any of these stressors can impact your menstrual cycle, mainly the volume and duration of your flow.
What are the most general causes of hypomenorrhea?
There could be several reasons why your period is lighter than usual. While it may appear to be a huge benefit at first, providing you with greater personal comfort, it may be causing you more harm and may suggest an underlying menstrual issue. Here’s a list of hypomenorrhea causes and general issues:
Pregnancy:
If you are having a very light period, light period, or hypomenorrhea, you are very likely pregnant. While not having your period is the most obvious sign of pregnancy, a light period or spotting may also suggest pregnancy. Hypomenorrhea may be a sign of ectopic pregnancy in more uncommon circumstances. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the egg and sperm fertilize in the fallopian tube rather than the uterus. It is potentially harmful and should be evaluated by your gynecologist. It is essential to see your doctor to ensure that an ectopic pregnancy is not causing hypomenorrhea.
Weight gain or loss:
If you’ve suddenly lost a lot of weight or gained a lot of weight, this could be a sign of hypomenorrhea. It occurs because rapid weight loss or growth can produce significant swings in your hormone levels, throwing them entirely off track. Losing weight in harmful ways, such as fasting for extended periods or missing meals, also affects your body’s hormonal balance. It has an immediate effect on your menstrual cycle and may result in hypomenorrhea.
Hyperthyroidism:
Hyperthyroidism is a common cause of hypomenorrhea. An overactive thyroid gland can cause serious health problems and should be checked right away.
Contraceptive pills:
Contraceptives are well-known to cause hypomenorrhea. It is very typical to have extremely light periods when on birth control, particularly hormonal contraceptives like a hormonal IUD. However, you should consult your gynecologist to be sure.
PCOS:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition in which the female body produces an abnormally high level of testosterone. Period irregularity, insufficient flow, or missed periods are usually associated with hypomenorrhea. PCOS can show itself in several other ways, which is why you should test it.
Menopause:
Hypomenorrhea usually occurs during the early stages of menopause or at the onset of menopause. It is an entirely natural occurrence and should not cause anxiety.
Asherman’s disease:
Pelvic surgeries such as C-sections, fibroid removal treatments, polyp excision, and uncommon illnesses such as genital tuberculosis causes hypomenorrhea. Anyone who suffers from this condition is at an increased risk of developing hypomenorrhea.
These are some of the most prevalent causes of hypomenorrhea. Early detection and consultation with a gynecologist will enable you to begin treatment swiftly and avoid additional hypomenorrhea-related complications.
What are the symptoms and risk factors for hypomenorrhea?
Hypomenorrhea has only a few symptoms. The most common is decreased blood flow.
The most obvious symptom to watch for, as the name implies, is your blood flow. Is it too little per day throughout your monthly period? Is the period early than the supposed time? Does anyone in your family have hypomenorrhea? It will assist you in finding the root cause.
There are various things to consider when analyzing who is at a higher risk of developing hypomenorrhea.
Hereditary –
As previously stated, someone with a family history of hypomenorrhea is at a very high chance of developing this disorder.
Use of contraceptive pill –
People who use contraception regularly are at a higher risk of hypomenorrhea than those who do not.
Factors associated with age –
Age has a significant impact on the flow of blood during menstruation. It varies during adolescence and changes as you get closer to menopause. Hormonal shifts are to blame.
Physical activity –
People who do not participate in regular physical activity are more likely to develop hypomenorrhea. Exercise is critical for maintaining healthy hormone levels in your body. Studies have shown that it can help keep menstruation health in check.
Diabetes –
People with type 2 diabetes or diabetes mellitus are more likely to experience hypomenorrhea.
Alcoholism and smoking –
If you’re a heavy smoker or drinker, your menstrual health is probably in bad shape. It can result in hypomenorrhea.
Obesity –
Excess body weight is related to a slew of problems. One of the most common obesity-related issues is hypomenorrhea. Maintaining healthy body weight is essential for normal menstrual cycles.
Poor nutrition –
A lack of vitamins, minerals, or other essential elements increases your risk of hypomenorrhea. Consuming too much junk food is also harmful to menstrual health. A well-balanced food high in fresh and nutrient-dense foods is an effective hypomenorrhea treatment for regulating menstrual blood flow.
These are the danger signs of hypomenorrhea. If you have any of these conditions and have low blood flow, see a gynecologist near you right away and start your journey to a healthier lifestyle.
What is the treatment for hypomenorrhea?
Treatment of hypomenorrhea includes addressing the underlying reasons for the condition. As previously stated, hypomenorrhea can be caused by a variety of factors.
Your gynecologist may treat hypomenorrhea in the following ways:
PCOS Treatment:
PCOS is a highly prevalent condition throughout the world. PCOS affects millions of women worldwide. It is, nevertheless, extremely manageable if one maintains discipline and strictly adheres to the gynecologist’s advice. Reduced body weight, frequent exercise, and a PCOS-friendly Indian cuisine rich in fruits and vegetables all help to control the condition. It will also benefit your monthly blood flow, particularly if you are experiencing less bleeding than usual during your periods.
Cushing’s syndrome treatment:
Cushing syndrome is characterized by an abnormally high cortisol level in the body. Reduce cortisol levels in your body to promote blood flow during menstruation. Chemotherapy, radiation, and other medications all contribute to this. Your gynecologist, endocrinologist, or primary care physician will make the appropriate recommendation.
Hormone replacement therapy:
Hormone therapy is a typical treatment for hypomenorrhea since menstruation flow is so strongly tied to a woman’s hormonal composition. Hypomenorrhea can be treated with hormone therapy, which helps control your body’s hormone levels.
Self-care:
To take essential action, you must first understand the reasons for hypomenorrhea. Regular blood tests and gynecological appointments assist in monitoring Hypomenorrhea symptoms.
Medication prescribed by a physician will be determined solely by the underlying cause of Hypomenorrhea. You can also order from online pharmacy sites via free pharmacy delivery. Hormonal treatment cannot be recommended in all cases. Hormone therapy can be dangerous if not properly analyzed. The doctor will offer therapy only after doing necessary tests to diagnose the symptoms.
