A light period that ends earlier than expected might occur for various causes. Weight, age, and medication changes can all affect your period. Light period or missing period could suggest an underlying medical issue or pregnancy. Periods occur when the lining of your uterus sheds through your cervix and vagina, which happens every month.
Your period is often consistent in terms of days and flow. Women normally have their periods every 21 to 35 days, and menstrual flow might last between two and seven days. However, your menstruation can fluctuate over time due to many causes, and you may be left wondering why is my period so light this month.
Why is My Period So Light This Month?
Are you experiencing no proper blood flow during periods? This may be due to the light period. The following factors may impact your periods every month:
Age
Your period can fluctuate in duration and flow if you are a teenager. On the other hand, if you are in menopause, then you may have irregular periods with light flow. These incidences are due to hormone imbalances.
Weight and Diet
Your menstruation may be affected by your body weight and fat percentage. Being significantly underweight can cause your period to become irregular because your hormones are not functioning properly. Additionally, losing or gaining significant weight can disrupt your cycle.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, then you are unlikely to get a period. You might see some spotting and assume it’s your period, but it could be implantation bleeding. Implantation bleeding occurs when a fertilised egg attaches to the uterine lining and may last two days or less.
Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, then your periods may not resume soon after giving birth. The milk production hormone suppresses ovulation and delays the return of your menstruation. If you are breastfeeding, then you may not have your period for several months after giving birth.
Even if you haven’t had your period yet, you can become pregnant while breastfeeding. That’s because you’ll ovulate two weeks before your first postpartum period. If you have had unprotected intercourse while breastfeeding and are experiencing spotting, then you should get a pregnancy test to ensure that the spotting is not due to implantation bleeding.
Birth Control
Hormonal birth control could be the reason for a light period. Some birth control methods prevent an egg from being released into your body. These approaches take different forms, including:
- Pills
- Patches
- Rings
- Shots
The uterus does not form a thick lining when your body does not release an egg. This can lead to milder periods or skipped periods altogether.
Stress
When anxious, your brain might alter the hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle. It may cause you to skip or have a light period. Following a stressful event, your periods should return to normal.
Over Exercising
Women who exercise frequently may notice changes in their menstruation. Athletes can be stressed, have a low body weight and use much energy. This can lead to changes or light period.
Eating Disorders
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are eating disorders that can induce irregular menstruation or light period. Eating disorders can cause fluctuations in body weight, which can disrupt hormones that control your period.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
If you have irregular periods or have stopped menstruating, then it could be due to PCOS. This alters your body’s hormones, and your eggs cease maturing.
This hormonal change may also:
- Change your weight and lead to obesity
- Cause acne
- Cause facial hair to grow
- Lead to infertility
Your doctor can use an ultrasound to diagnose PCOS. This is because PCOS causes cysts to develop in your ovaries. If you have PCOS, then your doctor will most likely prescribe that you reduce weight and use contraception tablets to help your period return to normal.
When Should You Consult the Doctor?
Your menstruation may be lighter than usual and have no underlying cause. Consult your doctor if:
- You miss three consecutive cycles without being pregnant
- Suspect pregnancy
- Have irregular periods
- Experience bleeding between periods
- Feel pain during your period
Conclusion
Light period may not indicate that you have something to be concerned about. Even a period of two to three days is deemed usual. If you have missed a period or noticed faint spotting and suspect you are pregnant, then take a pregnancy test. Keep track of your light period and consult your doctor.
