The majority of the time when women complain about their periods, it is due to a heavier than normal flow and the cramps and bloating that can emerge as a result. With this in mind, it’s understandable for women to feel relieved when their period suddenly becomes considerably lighter in nature. While this lighter flow may make you feel more comfortable temporarily, it can also be a sign of a number of issues.
Many women associate light periods with pregnancy, but there are plenty of other potential causes. Most of the time, a lighter period is caused by a shift or imbalance in hormone levels. That explains the connection between light periods and menopause, due to the decreased production of estrogen. Light periods may also occur in young women who have just recently begun to menstruate.
Your lighter periods can be the result of any number of causes, natural or otherwise, including:
- Age
- Weight fluctuation (either gaining or losing)
- Overexercising
- Heightened stress levels
- A reaction to hormone-based birth control
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Eating disorders including anorexia nervosa and bulimia
A light period isn’t necessarily a sign that something is wrong. Though we do recommend reaching out to your board-certified gynecologist if you experience any of the following menstrual irregularities:
- Your period lasts less than 2 days
- Your flow is very light, similar to spotting
- You miss 1 or more regular-flow periods
- You are experiencing more frequent, but lighter periods instead of the normal 21-35 day cycle
Make sure to discuss your period during your annual visit with your gynecologist. Understanding what’s “normal” for your period can be extremely helpful when trying to determine whether your period is too light or heavy. For more information or to request an appointment today, please contact Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett today. You can also follow us Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more tips, news, and updates on all of our upcoming Health & Wellness events.