Periods are proven pranksters. From turning up unannounced on one fine day to making you wait for months, they can be tricky in more than one way. There might not be a single person who identifies as a woman who hasn’t experienced menstrual irregularities. We call them different names in different contexts, but all of them ultimately point fingers at safeguarding menstrual health.

Scanty menstruation- we all have heard of it in some way or other and maybe some of us have even worried about h aving it. This kind of light flow only lets you bleed less than 30ml of blood during one cycle whereas 40-60ml is considered to be the global standard, which makes it a menstrual irregularity- and medical science calls it hypomenorrhea.

Causes of Hypomenorrhea

Light periods may sound like a convenient thing to some- less mess, less stress, and most importantly, fewer period products. Yay, right? ABSOLUTELY NOT! If your menstrual flow is lesser than usual, it means that your body is somehow distressed and it is high time you find out the reason. They could be any of the following-

Stress
Fluctuations in weight
Dieting
Use of hormonal contraceptive tools such as IUDs (like a Copper T) or oral contraceptive pills
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Genetics- ie, if you have a family history of hypomenorrhea
An early menopause
Alcoholism
Chain smoking

Apart from these, certain health conditions can also cause your periods to be scanty, such as-

Hypothyroidism
Hyperprolactinemia
Asherman’s syndrome- scar formation in the uterus
Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Complications in pregnancy
Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia

Sign & Symptoms of Hypomenorrhea

If you bleed less than what is supposed to be normal for consecutive menstrual cycles or your period does not last longer than 2 days, you have to suspect hypomenorrhea.

Hypomenorrhea can be clinically diagnosed in a few ways. Blood tests can be run to see if there are any variations in the levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, insulin, prolactin, estrogen, progesterone, androgens, etc. Imaging techniques like MRI and USG scan can assess the features of the endometrium such as its thickness and texture, phase of your menstrual cycle, growth of ovarian follicles, and growth of ovaries. Dilatation and Curettage (D&C) may sometimes be required to analyze the underlying reason.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Hypomenorrhea

Artavakshaya is how classic Ayurvedic literature mentions hypomenorrhea. It is thought to be a condition caused by vata and kapha, especially the apana subtype of vata and kledaka subtype of kapha. When the channels carrying artava (menstrual blood) are blocked by kapha, the flow becomes scanty. Pitta also plays a role by inhibiting the proper transformation of the 7 basic dhatus. While planning treatment, one should consider the medicines and therapies that pacify vata and kapha, improve agni, purifies the blood and reproductive tissues, and enhance the rasa dhatu. Panchakarma treatments like vasti (herbal enema) and vamana (emesis) are successful in managing hypomenorrhea while virechana (purgation) is not indicated as it may further vitiate the menstrual blood.

AyurVAID Approach

Menstrual irregularities need proper care, and before that, the underlying pathology has to be thoroughly understood by a wise physician. Here at Apollo AyurVAID, we approach such conditions with proper Ayurvedic means and help you recover completely. Apollo AyurVAID is a pristine institution that bears the virtue of Ayurveda. Our doctors, skilled and proficient in their field, are here to help you by providing comfort and reassurance. In-depth assessment of the condition, precise diagnosis, thorough samprapti vighatana (breaking the disease pathway), properly planned prakriti-oriented treatment, quality procedures, safe and hygienic environment, etc are our peculiarities. We offer you complete care for the conditions that ail you.

We are:-

First NABH-accredited hospital in India
The winner of the esteemed National Award for Best Ayurvedic Centre of the year 2017 from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Industry’s best customer satisfaction score of 92%, rated by our clients

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I modify my lifestyle to prevent hypomenorrhea ?

Managing your lifestyle can go a long way than expected. A healthy diet and routine can pave the way to excellent menstrual health. Include dry fruits and nuts in your daily menu as they are an abundant source of fiber, minerals, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. Iron is a key factor that builds the majority of blood. Iron-rich food such as leafy vegetables, mushrooms, red meat, cereals, white bread, pulses like beans, prunes, watermelon, pomegranates, and seafood like shrimp, clam, sardines, and mackerel.

Can yoga practice manage hypomenorrhea ?

Yes! Unlike normal exercises, yoga is not just stretching and twitching. It is a discipline that has effects far beyond our grasp. It incorporates attention, concentration, and breathing into the rhythmic flow of your energy. Each yoga posture is meant for different body parts, and when it comes to hypomenorrhea, you have to select the postures that stimulate your HPO axis and ensure proper blood flow to the concerned organs. Some of them are-

1. Dhanurasana (bow pose)
2. Baddha konasana (bound angle pose)
3. Bhujangasana (serpent pose)
4. Ushtrasana (camel pose)

Hypomenorrhea