Light Bleeding During Periods: Causes, Symptoms and Risk Factors

Not all women bleed the same way, because not all women’s physiology is the same. A normal period has a cycle of 22 to 30 days, usually lasts for an average of five days, during which the highest blood flow is seen on the second and third days while the flow tapers off during the next two days.

Some people bleed more than others do and that is also perfectly normal. Some women may have episodes of light bleeding when the blood flow is not what they usually have or it may last for only a couple of days. So far as these are rare occurrences, and just a random departure from the normal, it is nothing much to worry about.

Consistent light bleeding where the blood flow is not much is however a cause for concern.

What is light bleeding?

What are the symptoms of light bleeding and how do we know that our periods are lighter than what it should be? On an average women lose about 30 to 40 ml of blood during periods with 80 ml being at the higher end of the range in case of heavy periods. The average translates to 6 to 8 teaspoons, so anything lesser than that can be construed as light periods.

If your periods last for less than three days on a consistent basis then you are probably having light periods. Your periods do not really soak your sanitary pads and just one pad suffices for the whole day. In effect instead of a proper blood flow, if you are having just spotting then it is light periods.

Missing normal flow months is another symptom that you are having light periods. During light periods, your pads will not really get stained red and show much period blood, so that is also a symptom of light bleeding.

What are the causes of light periods?

Girls can experience light bleeding during the initial months of their menstruation, so for a year if you experience light periods, it may not be anything to worry about. If light bleeding persists however then you need to get it checked. Same is the case for women who are in the peri-menopausal stage, just before they enter the menopause stage.

Body weight as well as diet that you follow has an effect on your health and in turn on your periods. Both obesity as well as being underweight can affect your periods. Women who have a consistent low hemoglobin levels and red blood cell count can experience light bleeding.

If you are in the habit of popping birth control pills indiscriminately then you are more likely to experience light periods, because the pills interfere with hormone production, which will in turn affect your ovulation process. Physical birth control methods such as rings and devices can also cause infections that may affect the blood flow during periods.

Too little body fat also contributes to light periods. By the same token, a low fat diet and strenuous physical activity that burns fat are all contributors to menstruation where the blood flow is lighter than normal. Body fat has an impact on our hormones and when our body is not producing enough hormones (essential for reproduction and sexual health), it will affect menstrual activity.

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), where there is a build-up of cysts within the ovaries, interferes with the process of ovulation and this can affect the blood flow too.

Is light bleeding normal?

Anything abnormal, anything out of the ordinary is definitely not good news for you. It means that there is something wrong with your body and you definitely need to get a specialist’s advice.

Are there any specific risk factors associated with light periods and bleeding? As we have already said those who are overweight, underweight, have poor nutrition, are prone to infections etc. are all at risk of experiencing light periods. Any ill health can contribute to the condition.

What is the cure for light periods?

It is essential to have the right diet where you get adequate amounts of fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals etc. Apart from a sensible diet, you need adequate exercise, which is a minimum of 30 minutes a day or 3 to 4 hours a week. The idea is to keep your weight at the level or range that is appropriate to your age and height.

Despite everything if you still experience light bleeding for more than three months at a stretch or frequently then you need to consult a doctor. A clinical examination couple of blood tests can determine underlying problems that can be treated with drugs, etc.

It is important to get diagnosed and treated on time before the situation gets out of hand.