Poor cycle: all the reasons why it happens and when to worry
If you notice a poor period, it can certainly be an alarm bell that should not be underestimated. The advice we give you is to contact your doctor or gynecologist immediately to investigate the reasons for this event more thoroughly, in addition to specific tests such as pelvic ultrasound and control. of the level of hormones in the blood, can help to identify the causes.Before we continue, we suggest this video that explores the issue of PMS.
Poor cycle: what does it consist of?
Before explaining all the causes of poor periods, we would like to focus on the difference between menstruation and menstruation. Not everyone knows that these two terms mean very different things.
- By menstrual cycle 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).
- Menstruation is 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 generally a woman in normal conditions has blood losses equal to 28-80ml, when the cycle is poor these are reduced to about 20ml. In addition, those who have a poor cycle not only notice it for a 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 be contrasted with hypermenorrhea (very abundant cycle) .
See also
Occasional low cycle and recurrent low cycle
- Occasional Poor Menstrual Cycle
When the menstrual cycle is low and this happens rarely, we shouldn't worry; often the causes are stress, fatigue, anxiety and worries.
If your period is low, it always has been and it is regular, we can tell our gynecologist, but it shouldn't be a problem anyway.
- Poor Menstrual Cycle Recurring
If the poor menstrual cycle tends to occur with a certain frequency, it is good to investigate with appropriate tests. 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 tests, which involve measuring the levels of the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle.
An ultrasound and a pelvic exam will also 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 already mentioned, the causes of the poor cycle are many. One of the things you never think about is that the uterus could have a smaller anatomical conformation, for example, so the membrane that detaches during menstruation is smaller and the cycle shorter.
If you have undergone a partial hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) that has shrunk the uterus, you may also have a poor period.
The endometrium (membrane that covers the uterus) could be damaged following surgery or inflammation, so it is less sensitive and this leads to 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 as anemia or psycho-physical stress 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 that affect 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
- Inflammation of the uterus
- Uterine polyps and myomas
- Ovarian cysts
- Ovarian tumors
- Hypo / hyperthyroidism
Complications
If the period is poor, not producing an adequate amount of mucosa to facilitate the implantation of the egg, this could be the cause of the difficulty in getting pregnant.
The most effective cure for poor periods
Once the cause or, in some cases, the causes that lead to low menstruation has been identified, it is necessary to move on to the treatment. If it is not possible to identify a specific pathology, it may be that the low cycle is a transitory phenomenon and will be regularized in a short time.
Is low cycle a sporadic event? Don't worry excessively, but bring this to your gynecologist. Quite often it is enough to correct the shot with adequate nutrition, moderate exercise, stress control and other 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 surgery.
Frequently asked questions
If I have a poor period, does this mean that I am pregnant?
It is not certain: scarce blood loss can occur at the beginning of pregnancy, this is because after 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 you suspect be 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 beginning of your period 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. However, if you have any doubts, 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.
