What are the possible causes of the problem?

Your cycle has changed and suddenly you’re noticing that you’ve been having fewer periods? Or the much shorter duration of the cycle? Is there a risk of pregnancy? Check out some reasons that may be causing changes in your menstrual flow.

Changes in menstrual flow can have several reasons. Also known as hipomenorreia, this is a recurring change that is usually linked to hormones. Furthermore, although it is not always a worrying sign, it is worth paying attention. It turns out that, when associated with other symptoms, this could be a sign from your body that something is not going very well.

How is menstrual flow determined?

Firstly, we need to understand that what determines the amount of blood flow during menstruation is the thickness of the endometrium. The endometrium is a layer of blood that is formed with the increase in hormones such as progesterone and estrogen – the same ones that make it possible to receive a fertilized egg, in the case of pregnancy. Thus, it is formed one camada endometrial in your body during the ovulation phases.

If this hormonal increase is not significant, or if there is a lack of hormonal control, it is possible that there will be little menstruation. Furthermore, other changes may be present, such as a shorter cycle time or a change in the appearance of the blood.

When should I worry about my few periods?

A decrease in the amount of menstruation is usually a sign of great concern:

• If there is no menstruation for more than 3 cycles;
• If you have recurrent bleeding between periods;
• If you are experiencing pain during your periods;
• When it is accompanied by other sudden symptoms.

Furthermore, women who have had menstrual flow all their lives do not need to worry. After all, the amount of flow actually varies between each woman.

Most common situations that cause changes in menstruation

In some cases, the change may be indicative of some other problems. Check below some of the most common causes that generate changes in menstrual flow, causing little menstruation:

Polycystic ovary

Polycystic ovaries, or PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a possible explanation for decreased menstrual flow. It turns out that there is a hormonal imbalance that directly affects a woman’s ovulation, which directly affects the cycle and menstrual flow.

However, this is not the only symptom. Hair loss, increased acne or weight gain are also possible symptoms that, together with changes in the menstrual cycle, may be synonymous with polycystic ovaries.

In these cases, the best thing to do is consult your gynecologist to confirm or not confirm the suspicions and start treatment – ​​which can be done through better eating habits and, in some cases, medication.

Hyperthyroidism

Another possible cause of little menstruation is hyperthyroidism. In this condition, the body reduces the amount of thyroid hormones, which are the same ones responsible for increasing metabolism.

As a result, you end up using more energy than normal, which can lead to tiredness, anxiety and even weight loss. Furthermore, in some cases, the menstrual cycle is also affected.

If you are suspicious of the possibility of having the condition, see a doctor, such as an endocrinologist, general practitioner or even your gynecologist. Thus, treatment can be carried out through the use of specific medications for the condition.

Physical exercises

Believe it or not, physical exercise can also alter your period. Due to the low energy available, the loss of body fat and changes in stress levels, hormones can also be altered, especially in the case of very intense physical activity.

In this case, the ideal is to assess whether the amount of exercise is in balance with other factors in your body and whether you are feeling good about it. In the case of very intense changes, it is worth seeing a doctor to check whether the situation is harmful to your body or whether it can be maintained normally.

Intense changes in weight

In the same sense as exercise, very sudden changes in weight can also impact the menstrual cycle. Additionally, underweight women may also have problems with few periods. This occurs due to factors such as inadequate nutrition, emotional issues (such as stress, for example) or intense physical exercise.

Therefore, very restrictive diets can be harmful. After all, the body needs time to adapt. In these cases, a healthy and balanced diet is essential. In addition, monitoring by professionals in the field, such as nutritionists and endocrinologists.

Emotional changes and stress

Situations of very abrupt emotional changes and sudden stress can cause the body to overproduce some hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline.

As a result, excess cortisol, for example, causes the brain to considerably reduce the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone – necessary to stimulate the menstrual cycle. Therefore, the flow may also decrease.

However, in situations like this, after the most intense period of stress, the cycle usually returns to normal. But it is worth seeking medical advice in case of very intense and lasting changes. Furthermore, it is also recommended to seek treatment for emotional issues whenever possible.

Pregnancy

In some cases, women may lose a small amount of blood in the first few weeks. This situation is often confused with a small period, but it is not. In fact, this is just bleeding caused at the time of fertilization. In this case, there are no risks. However, confusion of symptoms may also occur in cases of gestational bleeding. In this case, due to the risk, medical supervision is necessary.

Therefore, if you suspect pregnancy, the ideal is to take a pregnancy test. It is also worth consulting your gynecologist to request a blood test. However, a decrease in menstruation alone is not usually a sign of pregnancy. In fact, in this case menstruation is always interrupted.

Age

It is very common for your cycle to have some changes throughout your life. In the 20s to 30s, for example, there is a greater chance of having fewer periods. However, these questions tend to vary according to each organism.

However, after a while, the cycle tends to become more regular and may increase. Then, near the arrival of menopause, the cycle slows again, until it stops. This occurs because, during this period, the hormonal load gradually decreases.

These changes are quite common. However, if you notice anything strange, consult your gynecologist to check if everything is ok. In fact, also take advantage of the moment to clarify any doubts! Don’t forget to ask anything you’re not sure about. It is very important to know how your body works.

And there? Do we help?

So maybe you might also be interested in this article: Prolonged menstruation – Possible causes and treatment