Women experience menstruation for a period of five to seven days. If there is a decrease in the number of days of their periods, it is necessary to visit the doctor. Shorter periods may indicate underlying conditions such as hormonal irregularities. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical guidance if there is any change in the pattern of the menstrual cycle, persistent irregularities or concerning symptoms related to the menstrual cycle.
Causes of short periods
Short periods, known as hypomenorrhea or scanty periods, have many causes. Age can become a factor, too.
“In early adolescence or the onset of puberty, some may have short cycles. A few women may also have scanty periods as menopause approaches,” says Dr Sandhya Rani, senior consultant, obstetrics and gynecology, Aster Women and Children Hospital, Whitefield, Bangalore.
Stress, lack of physical activity, and recent weight gain can also change the period flow. Hormonal issues like polycystic ovaries, thyroid issues, high prolactin hormone and high testosterone levels can cause periods that last for just a day or two.
“Hormonal imbalance could be due to overnutrition or undernutrition, under exercise or over exercise,” says Dr Jyoti Kankanala, obstetrician and gynecologist, Citizens Specialty Hospital, Hyderabad. “Various reasons like the history [medical and lifestyle] of the person should be evaluated.”
Other causes of short periods
- Post-delivery, women will have decreased periods.
- Medical termination of pregnancy
- Dilation and curettage (D&C) surgery
- The uterine wall getting stuck
- Certain medications or pills
- Undergoing radiotherapy
- Pregnancy
“At times, if a woman’s period lasts for a day or two, it could be due to pregnancy. The less flow or spotting is implantation bleeding. Hence, depending on the age group and the recent lifestyle history, the exact cause needs to be assessed,” adds Dr Rani.
“If the girl or woman has been having scanty flow from the beginning of her periods, it may be normal. If it is a recent change in the pattern of menstruation, it needs to be evaluated,” adds Dr Rani.
Treatment and lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes can help address any menstrual concerns. “Lifestyle changes have two aspects: First, a balanced diet. If the woman is overweight, she is advised to lose weight by limiting her intake of fatty foods and carbohydrates and increasing protein consumption. The second aspect is exercising, yoga and meditation that helps women to deal with stress and regulate their periods,” says Dr Rani.
Combining cardio and strength training is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a balance between diet or nutrition and physical activity is also important to avoid putting stress on your body. Any physical activity should be done for 20-30 minutes three to four times a week. Avoid opting for major fasting regimes and overexercising.
“If needed, one can consult a dietician to get a diet plan that suits their body type,” says Dr Kankanala.
How do short periods affect fertility?
If a woman has been having a flow that lasts for just two days from the beginning, it does not affect fertility because that is normal.
“If there is a sudden change in the menstrual flow due to issues like hormonal imbalance, weight gain, medications, lack of physical activity or stress, it may have an impact on fertility. In such cases, identifying and correcting the primary cause is important,” concludes Dr Rani.
Takeaways
- It is normal for women to bleed for two days or so if that has been her pattern of menstruation from the start.
- If changes in menstruation patterns are observed, and lifestyle modifications do not help overcome the issue, it must be evaluated by a doctor.
- If sudden changes in the flow during periods occur, along with issues like hormonal imbalance, it could impact fertility.
