A scanty menstrual period is one in which the
duration of flow is less than two days or the amount of blood flow is
less than normal. Medically it is known as hypomenorrhoea.
Causes-
* Constitutional: In some women it may be
normal to have less bleeding during menstrual periods. Less blood flow may be
genetic and, if enquiries are made, it may be found that woman's mother and/or
sister also have decreased blood flow during their periods. Pregnancy can
normally occur with this type of decreased flow during the period .The
incidence of infertility is the same as in women with a normal blood flow.
Constitutional scanty menstruation perhaps best explained by assuming the
presence of an unusual arrangement, or relative insensitivity, of the
endometrial vascular apparatus.
* Uterine: Scanty loss sometimes means that the
bleeding surface is smaller than normal, and is occasionally seen when the
endomaterial cavity has been reduced in size during myomectomy or other plastic
operation on the uterus. However, it rarely indicates uterine hypoplasia
because the presence of this condition in a uterus which is responsive to
hormones betokens ovarian under activity, and this manifests itself by
infrequent rather than scanty menstruation.
* Hormonal: Scanty menses or periods can occur
normally at the extremes of the reproductive life that is, just after puberty
and just before menopause. This is because ovulation is irregular at this time,
and the endomaterial lining fails to develop normally. But normal problems at
other times can also cause scanty blood flow. Anovulation due to a low thyroid
hormone level, high prolactin level, high insulin level, high androgen level
and problems with other hormone can also cause scanty periods. Scanty menses
can also occur after long-term use of oral contraceptive as a result of
progressive endometrial atrophy.
* Nervous and emotional: Psychogenic factors
like stress due to exams, or excessive excitement about an upcoming event may
cause hypomenorrhea. Such factors suppress the activity of those centers in the
brain that stimulate ovaries during the ovarian cycle (to secrete hormone like
estrogen and progesterone), and may result in low production of these hormones.
Diagnosis
1.Blood test- Tests for the level of hormones like FSH, LH,
estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, prolactin, insulin and androgen are
important.
2.Ultrasound of lower abdomen.
3.MRI and D&C.
Treatment-
Unless a significant causal abnormality is found no treatment
other than reassurance is necessary. Treatment is a per cause in case of
significant causal abnormality.
Role of homoeopathy
Homeopathic remedies often bring relief. Menstrual problems
that are chronic or severe are best addressed with the guidance of an
experienced practitioner: a constitutional remedy can help to bring balance to
a person's system on many levels.
Please E-mail dr_ramanand@rediffmail.com for any questions/treatment