Minor menstrual bleeding during which there is a blood loss of no more than 50 ml. It can last for several days as well as occur in the form of prolonged spotting.
Symptoms and course scanty periods
Scanty periods are most often caused by hormonal disorders, changes in the uterine cavity as well as neurotic disorders. Ovarian failure may be the cause of insufficient secretion of oestrogens affecting the endometrium.
The endometrium does not grow properly or it becomes hypertrophied and insufficiently desquamated during menstruation. Scanty periods are very common in polycystic ovarian syndrome and in infertility. Often, scar-like adhesions are formed in the uterine cavity after uterine curettage procedures due to damage to the basal layer of the mucous membrane.
Such a complication is called Asherman's syndrome. Asherman's syndrome can also occur as a result of chronic inflammation of the endometrium or after surgical procedures on the uterus. Scanty periods can also be one of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and Graves-Basedov disease at the same time.
With hormonal contraception in the form of the pill or IUDs releasing levonorgestrel, menstrual bleeding is much less heavy.
When to go to the doctor and treating scanty periods
Any disorder of menstrual bleeding requires medical consultation. This includes scanty periods. Careful diagnostics are required for appropriate treatment. Hormonal tests and Medical US and other tests may be ordered. Causal treatment is applied. This is usually treated with hormonal agents and through hysterosalpingography.
Treatment scanty periods
Menstrual periods that are too scanty can also be treated with herbal soaking baths to improve the blood supply to the small pelvic organs. Often a back massage in the sacral region has the desired effect.
