2024-07-21 18:00:58
Hot flashes can be a result of normal hormonal changes or a symptom of health problems. Stress and scarcity are some of its causes.
Menstrual bleeding that is less in quantity or lasts a few days more than usual is known as hypomenorrhea.. The only manifestation can be in menstrual volume, but it can also be accompanied by pain, nausea or constipation.
Bleeding will be hypomenorrhea when it does not exceed 30 ml per cycle. Another feature may be a shorter duration, limited to a day or two.
Sometimes, this is an isolated condition, which does not show serious risks or require treatment. However, it can also be a symptom of underlying diseases. For this reason, It is important to consult a gynecologist.
How do I know if I have hypomenorrhea?
Although monthly cycles are different for each woman, there are a series of parameter that defines a time as normal and it follows:
- 30 ml is the average amount of blood, with a maximum of 80 ml.
- Menstrual bleeding appears approximately every twenty-eight days.
- Menstrual flow lasts between three to five days.
However, in conditions such as youth, hypomenorrhea, hypermenorrhea and other disorders is considered expected. They are changes that come from hormonal changes and irregular ovulation.
However, The presence of any unusual characteristic should lead to medical consultation. Menstrual bleeding that is present only on one day or in an amount that is not enough to fill 7-8 intimate wipes during the entire period can be an indication of hypomenorrhea.
Since it is difficult to measure the millimeter of the period, a marker of days or the number of sanitary wipes used can be used to determine hypomenorrhea.
What are the symptoms?
In addition to being lighter than regular menstruation, Other rotational changes may appear. That is, periods that are in place, which occur every 30 or 40 days, or an increase in frequency, with repeated bleeding before 21 days have passed.
Another possibility is that your menstrual period is light, but then there is a strange breakthrough. Or some cycles are incomplete and secondary amenorrhea occurs.
Symptoms may also appear depending on the cause. after hypomenorrhea, as follows:
- headache
- Nausea and constipation
- Dark brown discharge with odor
- Colicky pain and severe cramps
What are the causes of hypomenorrhea?
Hormonal changes and imbalances can cause a shorter period. Thus, low levels of estrogen and progesterone regulate the regularity and volume of menstruation. Therefore, both youth and age approaching menopause are risk factors for hypomenorrhea.
Also, during the first months after childbirth, women who breastfeed exclusively experience a period of amenorrhea, due to high prolactin levels. As lactation continues, prolactin gradually decreases and hypomenorrhea begins, as a preliminary step to restoring normal cycles.
Even so, There are diseases and habits that cause the flow of light and they are not part of the natural stages of growth and aging. Let’s see what they are.
Malnutrition and marked weight changes
Sudden changes in body composition alter the proportion of hormonally active muscles. For example, lipids. This adjusts the concentration of estrogen and, therefore, varies with the menstrual cycle.
Nutritional deficiency is also a cause for hypomenorrhea. For example, low levels of zinc intake They are associated with the flow of light.
Eating disorders
Hypomenorrhea in this condition It is often the result of changes in body weight and hormonal imbalances. People with anorexia nervosa, often experience amenorrhea. However, before that, it is common for them to go through a very light flow stage.
Stress or anxiety
Excess cortisol results in low estrogen and progesterone production. This happens under prolonged stressful conditions or when experiencing periods of extreme anxiety.
However, tends to be a temporary position. Once the stress is over, the period returns to normal.
Structural changes in the home
Some diseases and disorders that change the appearance of the uterus, such as polyps or fibroids, are shown with changes in the moon. The same happens with injuries to the body or the results of uterine surgeries..
Contraceptive use
Some women experience lighter or less frequent periods when using hormonal contraceptives. This is because The methods reduce ovulation and affect estrogen and progesterone levels.
Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) also have adverse effects of changes in the menstrual cycle. Them with levonorgestrel They are mostly associated with long-term hypomenorrhea.
Thyroid diseases
Low levels of thyroid hormones in the blood can reduce menstrual flow. Also for many women with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, Menstrual disorders are its main symptomswith infertility problems.
Hyperprolactinemia
High levels of prolactin in the blood, as occurs with breastfeeding, can also be a symptom. Its high circulating concentration regulates menstrual blood patterns.
According to research, hypomenorrhea is not a disorder closely related to hyperprolactinemia, but it can occur. It is up to 19% of patients. The most common are oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea.
Asherman’s syndrome
This disease is rare, but a serious condition. It is characterized by formation of adhesions or scars in the uterus.
Both hypomenorrhea and infertility is part of the definition of medical art. To find a solution, surgical removal of adhesions and hormone therapy are used.
Low body fat percentage
A very low level of body fat can be associated with sustainable weight loss or the development of a significant body composition. Such is the case of athletes with many muscles or ballet dancers. ballet. Female soccer players, for example, are sensitive to changes in their menstrual cycle.
The truth is that fat is responsible for metabolism and hormone function. Too little availability changes the internal balance, which is why it can present with hypomenorrhea.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
In PCOS, The body produces high levels of androgens, which interferes with the maturation and release of eggs. This ovarian dysfunction leads to the formation of very small cysts in the ovaries.
One of the most common symptoms of menopause is menstrual irregularity. This manifests itself with irregular, absent or rare periods.
What can I do if I have hypomenorrhea?
An important step for suspicion and certainty is to keep track of your period. Write down the duration and amount of flow over several periods to get a better idea.
With that information, The next thing would be to consult with a medical professional, who will examine the symptoms to determine the cause of the minimum period. You may be asked for blood tests and ultrasounds.
The treatment will be subject to the assessment. Sometimes, it will be enough to change some lifestyle habits, such as diet or the intensity of physical activity. If the problem comes from stress, it can be corrected through meditation, yoga or relaxation techniques.
On the other hand, hypomenorrhea that starts from the uterus, hormonal imbalances or polycystic ovary or Asherman’s syndrome will have to be treated with a specific medical system.
Can we prevent hypomenorrhea?
Since periods of poor flow result from habits or lifestyle situations, they can be addressed with lifestyle changes. Although it must be noted that some reasons cannot be avoided.
In any case, the following tips can contribute to balanced hormonal health:
- Do moderate physical activity.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and tobacco.
- Eat a balanced diet in micronutrients, including foods rich in iron, folic acid and vitamin B12.
- Avoid fats, fried foods, sausages and highly processed foods. Instead, consider healthy fats, such as those from avocados, nuts and olive oil.
There are also natural remedies for various menstrual disorders. In the case of hypomenorrhea, according to anecdotal data and popular knowledge, it may be possible to increase the amount of discharge with more garlic, parsley, onion, and chamomile in the diet.
If using herbal infusions, always do so under prior medical consultation.
Managing your period with a calendar download is very useful. Also, today you don’t need paper or carry a notebook everywhere. You can use mobile apps that make the job easier.
Remember that hypomenorrhea can be a symptom of several conditions, some more important than others. Therefore, rather than using preventive measures or resorting to natural remedies, it is key to seek medical treatment when you notice a menstrual cycle or one that is only one day.
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