The uterus is a very important organ in a woman’s body, which is not only related to fertility but also to overall health. Even small changes in the uterus can affect the hormonal balance of the body. Many times the effect of thyroid, PCOD, anemia, excessive stress, rapid change in weight or bad lifestyle is clearly visible on menstruation. Nowadays many women are facing the problem of low flow of periods i.e. light bleeding. In such a situation, it is natural to raise the question whether less period flow can be a sign of some serious disease or it can also be a normal condition.
Actually, menstrual flow depends on the inner layer of the uterus, which is called endometrium. This layer thickens every month due to the influence of hormones so that in case of pregnancy, the fetus can get nutrition. If pregnancy does not occur, this layer breaks and comes out of the body in the form of blood, which we call period. If for some reason this layer does not develop adequately, bleeding may reduce. However, if its thickness increases then the flow may be higher. Therefore, it is natural for the amount of flow to be different in every woman and it is not right to immediately link it with illness.
Light period flow can sometimes be normal, especially if the woman’s menstrual cycle is regular between 21 to 35 days and bleeding is happening for 2 to 5 days. But if the bleeding almost stops in just a day, periods are missed frequently, or the flow has become very light and irregular, then it should not be ignored. Hormonal imbalance, PCOD, thyroid problem, excessive exercise, sudden weight loss, uterine infection or previous surgery can also cause low flow. In such cases it becomes necessary to consult a gynecologist.
Apart from this, if problems like severe stomach pain, weakness, dizziness, hair fall or difficulty in conceiving are also seen along with low flow, then it can be a sign that some internal disturbance is going on in the body. At the same time, excessive bleeding for more than 7 days is also not considered normal and this also demands investigation. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to any unusual changes in your menstrual cycle.
It is very important to improve lifestyle to keep menstruation balanced. Take a balanced diet which is rich in iron, protein and vitamins. Consumption of green leafy vegetables, pulses, dry fruits and adequate water helps in keeping the body healthy. Regular light exercise improves blood flow in the uterus and keeps hormones balanced. Besides, adequate sleep and distance from stress are also important. The problem of low period flow can be understood and controlled with proper care and timely checkup.
