[WOMEN'S HEALTH] EVER EXPERIENCED SCANTY MENSTRUAL FLOW? WORRY LESS, KNOW THE FACTS!

An abnormally light menstrual blood flow. It is also known as hypomenorrhoea. It can occur normally especially if the experience runs through genetic lines.

Pregnancy is not prevented by this kind of flow

Causes:

• Genetics
• Side effects of hormonal contraception methods like oral pills, IUDs, hormonal implants -  the relatively low estrogen in this contraceptives reduces the growth of endometrium hence there is little to shed during menstruation
• Age: early in puberty and just before menopause – endometrial lining isn’t developing normally
•  Low thyroid hormone level, high prolactin level, high insulin level, high androgen level and problems with some hormones can cause anovulation and also lead to scanty flow.
• Asherman’s syndrome (intrauterine adhesions)
•  Plastic operation of the uterine or myomectomy
• Emotional and Nervous factors such as stressful periods and excitement and anxiety over some expectations and events can lead to low production of estrogen and progesterone
• Low body fat due to excessive exercise and crash dieting

Diagnostic approaches include:

• Blood tests to ascertain levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Leutinizing Hormone (LH), estrogen, insulin, prolactin. Insulin and androgen levels are high in polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Ultra sonogram (also known as scan) – to ascertain the thickness of the endometrium, size of the ovaries, growth of follicles, to determine ovulation as well as other abnormalities.
• Dilation and Curretage (D & C) and MRI scans may sometimes be needed to help detect other possible causes of scanty flow

 TREATMENT: 

See your Doctor for proper assessment and diagnosis.

REFERENCES

1. everydayhealth.com (image)
2. gynaeonline.com
3. wikipedia.com