Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 16 July 2023
Periods can tell a lot about your health and habits. Tracking menstrual flow – especially changes in heaviness and duration – can greatly help understand early if something is messing up within your body. Although a light period is often normal and nothing to be worried about, having a little bit of anxiety is understandable.
This blog explains everything about light periods – whether it is normal or abnormal – and the ways to increase blood flow during periods
Every woman’s menstrual cycle is different, and they have their own version of normal period flow”, says an expert OB/GYN at A4 Fertility Centre. “This range can largely vary between 20 and 40 ml of blood over the spanning period of three to seven days”, she continues. Then, how do we differentiate light periods from the normal flow? It is quite simple! Unless you notice significant changes in your regular flow, there is not much reason for concern
Here are some of the potential signs that indicate a need for medical evaluation
Understanding what causes light periods can help determine if natural ways work for you when attempting to increase blood flow
So, here’s the list to name a few reasons for light menses
Hormonal Birth Control : One of the most common causes of lighter periods, or hypomenorrhea, is hormonal birth control. No matter in what form you take them (pills, patches, rings, or shots), they can lighten your flow. In fact, many healthcare providers prescribe them to reduce a woman’s very heavy periods. So, if you have just started taking hormonal contraceptives, it is normal to notice changes in the heaviness of your flow. They even sometimes make you completely skip your cycles. There is nothing to be worried about.
Stress : Research claims that an extreme level of stress can cause potential changes to your body, including menstrual cycles. It can directly influence the hormones necessary for regulating your periods, thereby causing absent or lighter periods. If you experience significant depression, or for that matter, stress your body with heavy workouts, your periods are likely to lighten up.
Age and Perimenopause : When a woman explains to the doctor about the changes in her flow, the first thing they notice is her age. Women in their mid-40s to early 50s (perimenopausal phase) may notice lighter periods due to the fluctuating hormones. With ageing, they experience a significant diminishing need for changing pads throughout the day compared to their 20s or 30s.
However, it is important to understand that not everyone experiences lighter periods during perimenopause. Some may experience heavier or longer cycles before menopause, which becomes unpredictable.
Weight Fluctuations : Both rapid weight loss and weight gain can affect your menstrual cycle, causing lighter or sometimes no periods (amenorrhea). This is because significant weight loss can stop ovulation, while excessive weight gain can interfere with hormone levels and create an imbalance in them. Either of them can result in irregular or lighter bleeding. Your body needs balanced, stable weight and a healthy lifestyle for regular hormonal function, thereby menstrual function.
Pregnancy : Though it might be surprising, some women do notice light bleeding or spotting when they are pregnant, especially in the first trimester. This is sometimes mistaken for lighter or unusual periods. It is important to understand that true menstrual periods are not possible while pregnant. But it’s very common to notice light spotting 6 to 12 days after ovulation when pregnancy begins.
Light vaginal bleeding can also indicate an ectopic pregnancy, especially around 6 to 8 weeks from your last normal menstrual period. An ectopic pregnancy can be a serious complication, where the egg implants in the fallopian tube. When in doubt, consult a healthcare provider.
Breastfeeding : Breastfeeding can also cause lighter periods. That’s because breastfeeding produces prolactin, which suppresses the estrogen and progesterone hormones. This can consequently minimise the buildup of the uterine lining, thereby causing irregular, lighter or absent periods.
Medical Conditions : Women with underlying conditions like PCOS (overproduction of androgens), thyroid dysfunction (particularly hyperthyroidism), and Asherman’s syndrome (scar tissue in the uterus) can experience lighter or irregular periods.
Cervical Stenosis : Cervical stenosis is a rare medical condition where the cervical opening is narrowed or closed completely, blocking the passage of menstrual blood. The condition is widely known for resulting from menopause, scarring, or previous procedures. It can particularly create uncomfortable symptoms, such as painful, lighter or absent periods.
Eating disorder : Eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia nervosa can affect your menstrual cycles by causing low body weight. It works just as well in significant weight fluctuations. The low body weight can disrupt the hormones responsible for regulating ovulation and menstruation. This can lead to irregular or lighter periods.
To increase blood flow and promote healthier periods, you may have to focus on regular movements, a balanced diet, and certain lifestyle changes. Here are some natural methods to increase flow.
Heat Therapy : Apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to the lower abdomen to dilate the blood vessels, thereby potentially strengthening lighter flow. You can also try taking warm baths for better circulation and muscle relaxation.
Light Exercise : Engage in gentle exercises, such as walking, cycling, swimming, and yoga, to specifically improve blood circulation to the pelvic region. These activities can aid in shedding the endometrial lining and reduce muscle tension, increasing menstrual flow.
Ginger : Ginger is known for having warming agents. It aids in promoting circulation and stimulating uterine contractions, thereby encouraging period flow.
Cinnamon : Similar to ginger, cinnamon also has warming properties that help to stimulate blood flow, thereby potentially assisting with light or irregular periods. This spice is sometimes used to alleviate menstrual pain.
Turmeric : In traditional medicine, turmeric is used as a warming spice to support hormonal balance and blood circulation, especially to the pelvis. An effective method to enhance reproductive wellness.
Seed Cycling : Seed cycling involves consuming specific raw seeds at specific times of the menstrual cycle. This method helps to balance hormones, improve fertility, enhance circulation, and increase menstrual flow. You may have to consume:
Vitamin C : Fruits that are rich in vitamin C, such as pineapple, papaya, and mangoes, can support the ovaries and manage uterine health. This can happen as vitamin C plays a role in balancing hormones, supporting the uterine lining buildup, and subsequently enhancing shedding.
Iron-Rich Foods : Consuming iron-rich foods, such as spinach, red meat, pumpkin seeds and lentils, can produce necessary nutrients for blood production, ultimately supporting healthy menstruation.
Healthy Fats : Healthy fats found in fish, nuts, and avocados can support the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones. This ensures a healthy uterine lining and smoother menstrual flow.
Stress Management : If stress is the potential culprit of causing lighter periods, you can practice meditation and yoga to manage it.
Stay Hydrated : Keep yourself well-hydrated throughout the day, especially during periods, to promote circulation. You can drink herbal teas, coconut water, or just plain water.
A light period (hypomenorrhea) is not a medical condition. That’s because they are often caused by natural factors like hormonal shifts and lifestyle factors. That is why there is not much reason for concern unless they are persistent.
It is appreciated trying ways to improve your uterine and hormonal health, but seeking evaluation from your healthcare provider is crucial.
1. Why is my period very light?
Various factors contribute to lighter periods. The primary reasons may include stress, breastfeeding, hormonal imbalance, thyroid, PCOS, over-exercise, and sudden weight changes.
2. Can contraceptives make periods lighter?
The answer to the question is yes. Hormonal contraceptives, including pills, patches, rings, IUDs, and implants, can make your periods lighter or less frequent. This is because they work by preventing ovulation and thinning the uterine lining, resulting in less tissue to shed (lighter flow) during periods
3. When to see a doctor about lighter periods?
Even though lighter periods are normal if they occur occasionally, the persistent ones for months may require medical help. Likewise, if lighter periods are accompanied by extreme pain or signs of perimenopause, you may need to visit a doctor
4. Does a lighter period affect my fertility potential?
While a lighter period does not directly indicate you are less infertile, it does indicate issues affecting fertility. For example, lighter periods are associated with low estrogen, a thin uterine lining, underlying medical conditions like thyroid, and inconsistent ovulation. All these factors can significantly make conception difficult.
5. Which foods can improve menstrual blood flow?
Foods that can help improve menstrual blood flow may include:
These foods are widely recognised for their ability to improve both hormonal and uterine health, which are crucial for regulating menstrual flow.
