The normal amount of blood during a woman's menstrual period is between 30-100 mL. If the menstrual flow is light, it means that the amount of blood each time is less than 20 mL, or even just a few drops. A menstrual period lasting less than two days is also considered a sign of light menstrual flow. In severe cases, it may develop into amenorrhea.
So, what should be done if menstrual flow is light? Is it necessary to check estrogen levels?
1. First, it is important to understand the reasons for light menstrual flow. It could be due to low estrogen levels, poor endometrial development, and other factors. Estrogen stimulates the proliferation and thickening of the endometrium, and the thickened endometrium sheds and bleeds to form menstruation. If the estrogen level in the body is low, the endometrium may not thicken enough, resulting in less bleeding during menstruation.
In this case, it is necessary to undergo a hormone panel test, ultrasound, and other examinations to see if estrogen levels are low and if the endometrium is too thin, and then treat accordingly. If estrogen secretion is insufficient and the endometrium is too thin, it not only affects menstruation but also fertility. Medications such as progesterone and Progynova can be taken to regulate endocrine function and thicken the endometrium. After taking the medication, it is important to have regular follow-up checks.
2. If light menstrual flow is not due to insufficient estrogen secretion, it may be related to factors such as qi and blood deficiency, kidney deficiency, etc. For example, congenital deficiency of kidney qi and essence, excessive sexual activity, exposure to cold during menstruation, and malnutrition may all lead to light menstrual flow. In this case, medications such as Wu Ji Bai Feng Wan, Xiao Yao Wan, or Dang Gui Yang Xue Granules can be taken to regulate the body.
In addition, it is important to pay attention to eating foods rich in iron and with good nourishing effects, such as milk, eggs, soy milk, spinach, mussels, black-bone chicken, angelica, goji berries, red dates, lamb, black beans, and mulberries. During menstruation, longan and brown sugar water can be consumed to regulate the body. About a week before menstruation, women should avoid raw, cold, and spicy foods. Avoid intense and prolonged exercise, ensure rest, get enough sleep, maintain a regular routine, and avoid staying up late. During menstruation, clean the genital area daily before bed to prevent infection. Choose soft, cotton, and breathable underwear, wash and change them frequently, and dry the washed underwear in the sun. Avoid sexual intercourse during menstruation to prevent affecting the menstrual flow.
