A Three-day Period!!
Gretchen Ferrao | Apr 02, 2007
You are out for coffee with the girls, when suddenly, the topic of conversation changes to every woman's monthly anguish. Everyone starts to exchange stories to see who has it worst during 'that time of the month'.
When it comes to your turn, you shrug and say, "You can't really complain about a three-day period… cramp-free, at that!"
There is a loud "UGH!" all around as you gloat about how lucky you are. But secretly, you are worried that there is something terribly wrong with you.
"Scanty periods are nothing to worry about, so long as they are regular," confirms Dr. Kiran Coelho, Consulting Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. The condition is referred to as hypomenorrhea.
Every month, the inner lining of the uterus is shed. And this is when you get your period. If the uterus lining is thin, then you will have a light flow.
Behind Scanty Bleeding...
...is always a good reason; either an external or internal factor.
- In the case of multiple abortions, the inner lining of the uterus thins out due to repeated scraping of the uterus.
- Scanty bleeding is sometimes the result of a c-section.
- Another reason could be tuberculosis, where thinning of the uterus lining is a side effect of the disease.
Scanty bleeding is also a positive side effect of Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs). However, Gynaecologist, Dr. Rishma Dhillon Pai cautions that OCPs could worsen the condition, if you already have a light flow.
- In extreme cases a woman might develop Asherman's Syndrome after an abortion, delivery or c-section. Here, the uterus gets scarred due to the Dilation and curettage (D&C - a gynaecological procedure) that is performed.
In such cases a hysteroscopic resection is usually advised. - Lifestyle diseases such as obesity or anorexia could also lead to scanty bleeding. Over-exercising could also cause hypomenorrhea.
- During perimenopause (the period just before menopause), your body goes through several hormonal changes. This too could cause hypomenorrhea. The symptoms of perimenopause are seen as early as the age of 35 years.
If you have recently started to experience scanty bleeding, there is no need to worry. Your cycle could change due to the thinning of the lining of the uterus.
- Hormonal imbalances such as a thyroid dysfunction and even kidney diseases could lead to hypomenorrhea.
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