I want you to pay close attention to the potential causes of scanty flow. Various factors could be contributing to this, and it’s essential not to overlook them.

Hormonal Imbalances: Your menstrual cycle is entirely controlled by hormones. Keeping your hormones in balance is key to maintaining your overall well-being. If there’s a disruption in the levels of estrogen and progesterone, your body won’t be able to properly shed the uterine lining. This leads to lighter periods. You need these hormones to work together, and if they don’t, you’ll experience irregularities in your cycle.

• Low Estrogen: If estrogen is too low, the uterine lining doesn’t develop properly, leading to lighter bleeding.

• Low Progesterone: Without enough progesterone, the lining may not shed fully, causing your period to be very light or even absent.

Stress and Mental Health: Listen, I understand that stress can be overwhelming, but did you know it affects your body in ways you might not notice? High stress triggers cortisol, which impacts estrogen and progesterone levels. When that happens, your periods become irregular or lighter.

Weight Fluctuations: If you’re constantly dieting, or if you’re dealing with eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia, or if you’re losing weight too rapidly, it can cause hormonal changes that affect your cycle. Low body fat signals to your body that you’re not in a state to carry a pregnancy, which could result in scanty or missed periods. Gaining excessive weight can also throw off your hormones, leading to reduced menstrual flow. Healthy weight management is key for a healthy cycle.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): If you have PCOS, your chances of experiencing reduced period flow are significantly higher. PCOS causes hormonal imbalances, and one of the symptoms is irregular periods or even no periods. It’s important not to dismiss these symptoms. PCOS may also lead to other symptoms like acne, excessive hair growth, and infertility, so it’s vital you take care of it.

Thyroid Disorders: Your thyroid plays a key role in regulating menstruation. Both hypothyroidism (slow thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can lead to changes in your period flow. If your thyroid isn’t working properly, your whole hormonal system will be affected, and I don’t want you to ignore that.

Contraceptives and Birth Control: Some forms of birth control, especially hormonal methods like the pill, IUDs, and implants, can change the way your body functions. They prevent ovulation and might result in lighter or missed periods. You should be aware of how these contraceptives can affect your cycle, and if you notice anything unusual, please talk to me about it.

 Approaching Menopause: As you approach menopause, hormonal changes naturally occur. Many women notice changes in their periods during perimenopause, the phase before menopause. Periods can become lighter, shorter, and less predictable. This is completely natural, but we’ll still keep an eye on it to ensure everything is on track.

 Uterine or Cervical Issues: Conditions such as fibroids, polyps, or endometriosis can cause problems with your menstrual cycle. These are growths in or around your uterus and cervix that might block or interfere with normal bleeding. It’s crucial to get these conditions checked because they could contribute to lighter or irregular periods.