What are some reasons that can cause a shorter period?

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What are some reasons that can cause a shorter period?

Menstruation is a natural part of a woman’s life. Regular menstruation is a sign of normal health.

A menstrual cycle usually occurs within 28 days and lasts for about 3-7 days. However, some women may find that their periods are lighter and shorter. Is this worrisome? And what are the causes? Let’s find out the answers together in this article.

 Menstruation is a natural part of a woman’s life. Regular menstruation is a sign of normal health. A menstrual cycle usually occurs within 28 days and lasts for about 3-7 days. However, some women may find that their periods are lighter and shorter. Is this worrisome? And what are the causes? Let’s find out the answers together in this article.

What are the symptoms of amenorrhea?

     Hypomenorrhea is a condition in which the menstrual period is shorter or lighter than usual. Symptoms include very little menstrual blood flow, shorter periods than usual, irregular periods, and no heavy bleeding in the first 1-2 days, but light bleeding or spotting for several days instead of continuous bleeding.

What amount is considered a light period?

     A normal menstrual flow should be between 5 and 80 ml. If you lose less than 5 ml (about 1 tablespoon) of blood per day, or less than 30 ml per cycle, you may be experiencing light menstruation. It is important to note that the amount of menstrual flow can vary from month to month and from person to person, and is related to factors such as age, hormonal birth control use, and certain health conditions.

Reasons for decreased menstruation

     A lighter period can have a number of causes, and it can be completely normal or a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment. 

Natural causes

  • Pregnancy : Pregnancy will cause your period to stop.
  • Breastfeeding: Hormones produced during breastfeeding can inhibit ovulation and cause periods to become lighter or temporarily stop.
  • Menopause: As women age and enter menopause, their production of sex hormones decreases, which can cause periods เล่น UFABET ผ่านมือถือ สะดวกทุกที่ ทุกเวลา to become lighter or stop altogether.
  • Stress: Stress can affect your hormones and cause your period to be lighter or absent.
  • Excessive exercise: Excessive exercise can reduce body fat levels, which can affect hormone production and cause a lighter period.
  • Rapid weight changes: Rapid weight loss or weight gain can also contribute to lighter periods.
  • Low body weight: Being underweight can cause your body to not produce enough sex hormones, which can cause your periods to be light or spotty.
  • Lack of certain nutrients: If the body lacks iron or vitamin B12, it may cause a period to be less frequent. Iron deficiency may cause the blood to not have enough oxygen for the body and uterus. Lack of oxygen in the uterus may cause the lining of the uterus to thin and menstrual periods to be less frequent. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the production of red blood cells. Therefore, a vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia, which may also cause a period to be less frequent.

Medical causes

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A common hormonal disorder in reproductive-aged women, this condition causes a hormone imbalance that can lead to light periods.
  • Thyroid disorders: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause light or absent periods.
  • Hypogonadism: A condition in which the body produces low levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. When the body does not produce enough of these hormones, ovulation does not occur or occurs irregularly, resulting in no growth of the lining of the uterus and no menstrual periods. 
  • Pituitary gland dysfunction: The pituitary gland is the gland that controls the production of sex hormones. If the pituitary gland is dysfunctional, it can cause a decrease in menstrual periods.
  • Uterine fibroids: Uterine fibroids can interfere with ovulation and may cause the uterine cavity to deform or block blood flow, which can cause a reduced menstrual flow.