If you notice the poor cycle, surely it can be a wake-up call not to be underestimated. The advice we give you is contact your doctor or gynecologist immediately to further investigate the reasons for this event, in addition specific examinations such as pelvic ultrasound and controlling the level of hormones in the blood can help identify the causes. Before continuing, we suggest this video that delves into the question of premenstrual syndrome.
Poor cycle: what does it consist of?
Before explaining all the causes of the low cycle, we would like to focus attention on difference between menstrual cycle and menstruation. Not everyone knows that these two terms mean very different things.
- period we mean the maturation of the egg cell and the preparation for eventual fertilization. The menstrual cycle, although very variable, returns at regular intervals about every 28 days (from the 1st day of a menstruation to the day before the start of the next flow).
- Le Menses consist in the actual loss of blood through the vagina. It typically lasts 3 to 7 days, but even then it is subjective and varies from woman to woman.
If a woman in normal conditions usually has any blood loss of 28-80ml, when the cycle is low these are reduced to about 20ml. Also, whoever has the poor cycle he notices it not only for its markedly reduced quantity, but also for the fact that it occurs every 36 days instead of every 28. In these cases we speak of hypomenorrhea to contrast withhypermenorrhea (very heavy cycle).
Occasional low cycle and recurrent low cycle
- Occasional Poor Menstrual Cycle
When the menstrual cycle is not very abundant and this rarely happens, we shouldn't worry; often the causes are stress, fatigue, anxiety and worries.
If menstruation is scarce, always have been and are regular we can tell our gynecologist, but they shouldn't be a problem anyway.
- Poor recurring menstrual cycle
If the poor menstrual cycle tends to manifest itself with a certain frequency, it is good to investigate with appropriate examinations. Often the cause is the endocrine glands and the related hormonal secretion which is altered.
In all these cases, to ascertain the causes, the doctor may prescribe first of all blood analysis, which involve measuring the levels of hormones involved in the menstrual cycle.
Also an'echography and a pelvic exam they will be useful in assessing the state of health of the uterus and ovaries and the possible presence of cysts (polycystic ovary). Finally, magnetic resonance imaging can be used to identify physical causes of the poor menstrual cycle.
The reasons why the cycle is poor
As anticipated, the causes of the poor cycle they are many. One of the things you never think about is that the uterus might have one anatomical conformation of reduced dimensions, for example, therefore the membrane that detaches during menstruation is smaller and the cycle shorter.
If you have undergone apartial hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) that has shrunk the uterus, even in this case you may see a not very abundant period.
The endometrium (membrane that lines the uterus) it could be injured following surgery or inflammation, therefore it is less sensitive and this involves a somewhat reduced menstrual cycle.
Even some diseases of the genital system can modify the normal course of the menstrual cycle, among these we have:
- insufficient production of estrogen hormones
- regression phenomena of the ovaries
- ovarian infantilism (underdeveloped ovary)
Finally, diseases of the organism such asanemia or the psycho-physical stress they also play an important role in the duration and quantity of menstrual flow.
Poor cycle: the most common causes
In addition to those already mentioned in the previous paragraph, here are some of the most common causes affecting the menstrual cycle and menstruation.
- Weight changes (weight loss or gain)
- Arrival of menopause
- Adhesions in the uterine cavity
- Asherman's Syndrome - Obstruction of the uterus (due to scar tissue)
- Polycystic ovary
- Premature aging of the ovaries
- Injuries of the endometrium
- Inflammations of the uterus
- Uterine polyps and myomas
- Ovarian cysts
- Ovarian tumors
- Hypo / hyperthyroidism
Complications
If the cycle is poor, not producing a quantity of mucosa adequate to facilitate the implantation of the ovum, this could be the because of the difficulty in getting pregnant.
The most effective cure for poor periods
Once the cause or, in some cases, the underlying causes have been identified not very abundant menstruation, it is necessary to move on to the cure. If a specific pathology cannot be identified, it may be that the poor cycle is a transitory phenomenon and it will be regularized in a short time.
Is low cycle a sporadic event? Don't worry excessively, but bring this to your gynecologist. Very often it is enough to correct the shot with adequate nutrition, the practice of moderate exercise, stress control and others lifestyle changes.
Menstruation can be regularized, in the most serious cases, with a drug treatment useful to solve the problem, especially in cases of disorders or sterility. Hormone therapy based on progesterone and estrogen can help in this regard.
In rare cases, the doctor may decide to fix the problem with a surgery.
Frequently asked questions
If I have a poor period, does this mean that I am pregnant?
It is not certain: scarce blood losses can occur at the beginning of pregnancy, this is because after the fertilization of the egg or during, some small capillaries of the endometrium can break and cause bleeding. If you notice red or dark spots and suspect you are pregnant, try a pregnancy test and see your doctor.
Is a poor period a symptom of infertility?
The diagnosis of infertility can only be made by the doctor. From a scientific point of view, if the number of days between ovulation and the onset of cycle it is short, it means that your body expels the fertilized egg before it can fix itself in the wall of the uterus.
Can heat affect your period?
Exposing yourself to very hot climates can promote sudden changes in the menstrual cycle. Usually these are temporary situations that tend to settle down when the climate also becomes mild again. If you have any doubts, however, you can always visit your doctor.
Could the poor cycle be due to the birth control pill?
If you have started taking birth control pills, it may initially change your normal menstrual flow. With the passing of the days, however, everything will be regularized. If you notice any abnormalities, report them to your gynecologist and always remember to take the pill on time.
Why do i have a poor period after curettage?
Curettage is a surgical operation useful for investigating and diagnosing any pathologies of the uterus and endometrium. It is also used following a miscarriage to remove all contents.
In some women the first cycle after curettage may be poor, while in others it is very abundant. The gynecologist will be able to explain everything and in any case consider that from the next menstruation, it should normalize.
