Light periods that are normally heavy may be concerning for many women. These abnormal periods may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires medical attention. This article explores the possible causes of light periods that are normally heavy.
What is a normal period?
Before we discuss what causes light periods that are normally heavy, it is important to understand what a normal period is. A normal period lasts between 2 to 7 days, with a blood flow of 30 to 80 ml. The menstrual cycle occurs every 21 to 35 days.
What are the causes of light periods that are normally heavy?
Hormonal imbalances
Hormonal imbalances may cause light periods that are normally heavy. The levels of hormones fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, and imbalances may result in irregular periods. Hormonal imbalances that may cause light periods that are normally heavy include;
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)– PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries. This condition may cause irregular periods, including light periods that are normally heavy.
- Thyroid problems– Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism may cause hormonal imbalances, resulting in irregular periods.
- Perimenopause– Perimenopause is the period leading to menopause. Hormonal changes that occur during this period may cause irregular periods, including light periods that are normally heavy.
Uterine abnormalities
Uterine abnormalities may cause light periods that are normally heavy. These abnormalities include;
- Uterine fibroids – Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus. These growths may cause heavy periods, including light periods that are normally heavy.
- Endometriosis – Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus. This condition may cause pain, infertility, and heavy periods, including light periods that are normally heavy.
- Uterine polyps – Uterine polyps are growths that form in the lining of the uterus. These growths may cause heavy periods, including light periods that are normally heavy.
Medications
Certain medications may cause light periods that are normally heavy. These medications include;
- Birth control pills – Birth control pills may cause hormonal imbalances, resulting in light periods that are normally heavy.
- Anticoagulants – Anticoagulants are medications that prevent blood clots. These medications may cause heavy periods, including light periods that are normally heavy.
Other causes
Other causes of light periods that are normally heavy include;
- Stress – Stress may cause hormonal imbalances, resulting in irregular periods.
- Weight changes – Rapid weight loss or gain may affect hormonal levels, resulting in irregular periods.
- Excessive exercise – Excessive exercise may affect hormonal levels, resulting in irregular periods.
Treatment options for light periods that are normally heavy
The treatment options for light periods that are normally heavy depend on the underlying cause. Treatment options include;
- Hormonal therapy – Hormonal therapy may include birth control pills, progestin therapy, or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists.
- Surgery – Surgery may be necessary for the removal of uterine fibroids, polyps, or endometriosis.
- Iron supplements – Iron supplements may be given to patients with heavy periods to prevent anemia.
Preventing light periods that are normally heavy
Preventing light periods that are normally heavy depends on the underlying cause. Prevention strategies include;
- Maintaining a healthy weight – Maintaining a healthy weight may prevent hormonal imbalances that cause irregular periods.
- Managing stress – Managing stress may prevent hormonal imbalances that cause irregular periods.
- Limiting exercise – Limiting exercise may help prevent hormonal imbalances that cause irregular periods.
Conclusion
Light periods that are normally heavy may be indicative of underlying medical conditions such as hormonal imbalances, uterine abnormalities or medications. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience unusual menstrual cycles to rule out underlying medical conditions. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause, and prevention strategies may include maintaining healthy weights, managing stress and limiting exercise.
Common questions and their answers related to “What causes light periods that are normally heavy?”
- What is the difference between a light period and spotting? Light periods are periods where the flow is lighter than usual. Spotting is light bleeding that occurs outside of the menstrual cycle.
- Is it normal to have a light period after getting off birth control? Yes, it is normal to have a change in menstrual cycles after getting off birth control. These changes include light periods that are normally heavier or heavier periods than usual.
- Can stress cause light periods? Yes, stress may cause hormonal imbalances, resulting in irregular periods, including light periods that are normally heavy.
References
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2019). Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/gynecologic-problems/abnormal-uterine-bleeding
- Mayo Clinic. (2019). Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menorrhagia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352829
- Office on Women’s Health. (2019). Menstruation and Menstrual Cycle fact sheet. https://www.womenshealth.gov/files/documents/fact-sheet-menstruation.pdf