Scanty monthly norm or pathology. What is hypomenorrhea and what are its symptoms? Hypomenstrual syndrome after abortion, curettage, miscarriage

Scanty periods are physiological and pathological. In general, a period of 3 days with a small amount of discharge is considered normal. Every woman dreams of such a situation. But if before that the menstruation was 5 days, and then sharply reduced - this is already a cause for concern. However, such a violation of the monthly cycle, under certain circumstances, may be normal. Is there any reason for concern? How to act in such a situation?

In medicine, the reduction of menstrual flow in women is called hypomenorrhea. And a decrease in the number of days of menstruation is “oligomenorrhea”. The processes are indicated by a violation of menstrual function, an imbalance of hormones. The deviation is primarily associated with a violation of the ovaries.

The main purpose of the ovaries is the production of hormones in sufficient quantities for a full menstrual cycle. Scanty periods are observed due to estrogen deficiency. In the first half of the cycle, under the influence of estrogen, an increase in the endometrial layer on the uterus occurs. Its purpose is to ensure the full development of a fertilized egg in the uterus in the event of conception. At the end of the menstrual cycle, if fertilization has not occurred, the uterus begins to reject this layer. The process is accompanied by a certain discomfort, pain due to contractions of the muscles of the penis. Menstruation begins with the release of vaginal secretions, cervical mucus, particles of the endometrium.

In a normal menstrual cycle, a woman's period lasts 3-5 days. The amount of discharge for the entire period is from 50 to 150 ml. A downward deviation indicates an underdeveloped layer of the endometrium - there is nothing to reject. There are many factors that influence ovarian dysfunction. From external influences to inflammatory processes and diseases. Anything can cause a violation.

Scanty periods within the normal range

In some cases, scanty periods are considered normal. And if the following situations occur in the life of women, the reason for the violation of menstruation is extremely clear.

• The formation of the menstrual cycle

Girls have 2 years to complete this process. For 2 years, critical days come with a delay of 1 to 6 months, and the discharge is often scarce. The situation is normal for puberty. But if within 2 years the menstruation does not normalize, the help of specialists is needed.

• Climax

The situation with meager periods is repeated in women with menopause. At this time, there is an inhibition of reproductive function. Critical days behave differently. Breaks from 1 to 6 months. Periodically there are scant discharge. Then they completely disappear. If the process begins in a timely manner, after the age of 45, there is no cause for concern. But careful attitude to your body and regular visits to the gynecologist is a must.

• Birth control pills

Taking hormonal drugs affects the nature of menstruation. Birth control pills inhibit ovarian function. Prevents them from producing estrogen. Along with this, the level of progesterone increases. Hormones come from outside. Therefore, a situation is possible when the ovary completely refuses its duties. The body will have to work in new conditions, according to a certain scheme. 28 days duration of the whole cycle. Of these, 5 days are allocated for menstruation. However, in the first months of taking the pills, the body perceives all this negatively. As a result of high hormonal stress, menstruation may not occur at all. Or the selection will be small. In addition, brownish ointments can accompany a woman until the next expected period. The situation requires a response when scanty periods continue after 3 months of taking the pills. It should be noted that the critical days with pills should differ from the previous ones in a smaller amount of discharge. If the menstruation is 50 ml, there is no reason for concern.

• Birth of a child

After childbirth, the body will have to reverse hormonal changes. Menstruation is restored almost a whole year. The first menstrual flow should appear after the end of breastfeeding. But meager periods are possible when complementary foods are introduced to the child. The situation is associated with the production of a large amount of "milk" hormone. It simply does not allow menstruation to occur so that the quality and quantity of milk does not change. When the need for feeding disappears, the body begins to restore its functions. At first, small ointments are observed, and this is normal. If the situation continues for about a year, it is necessary to consult a specialist.

Causes of scanty periods under the influence of external factors

The situation can be regarded, on the one hand, as a normal phenomenon, on the other - a deviation. That is, under certain circumstances it should be so, but not desirable.

• Climatic conditions

The reason for scanty menstruation can be moving to a new place of residence, a temporary vacation in warm countries. We are talking about a sharp change in temperature, humidity, time. The body gets a lot of stress. Still undecided how to proceed. Of course, this situation is reflected in the monthly cycle. Allocations are small for 2-3 days. The reason is simple and generally safe. After returning to their native places, the cycle is restored, menstruation comes normal. The same thing should happen in the new conditions within 3 months. If a woman has changed her permanent place of residence.

• Nervous stress

The central nervous system coordinates all the processes of a woman's monthly cycle, including regulating the production of hormones. Unpleasant moments in a woman's life last month, an unfavorable psycho-emotional situation at home, at work, lead to a violation of the monthly cycle. The body can react with menstruation with strong intensity and weak. Scanty periods are more common due to severe overwork, tension, depression. Bleeding is preceded by severe stress. To restore the normal monthly cycle, it is necessary to exclude adverse factors. More rest, sleep, relieve stress after a hard day. If the situation repeats itself for several months in a row, the help of specialists will be required.

• Abortion

As a result of an abortion, a sharp change in the hormonal background occurs in the body. In general, it is difficult to predict the reaction. But there are 2 options. Either menstruation will begin with a strong intensity, or meager periods will come. Bleeding should be regarded as an alarming symptom. Scanty periods are normal after an abortion. Normal should come in the next monthly cycle.

• Operations on the genitals

Surgical treatment often causes scanty menstruation. This is due to mechanical damage to the tissues of the uterus, other genital organs, hormonal imbalance. The recovery period in each case is individual. But not more than 6 months.

• Taking medications

The cause of scanty menstruation can be treatment. This mainly applies to hormonal drugs. Including, when used independently to induce menstruation or establish a monthly cycle. As well as drugs that affect blood clotting. One of these is acetylsalicylic acid. Scanty periods can cause an excessive amount of vitamin C in a woman's body.

• physical exhaustion

The situation with scanty menstruation is often found in athletes who subject the body to constant strong physical exertion. Although exemplary physical education, on the contrary, has a beneficial effect on a woman's body. They appear in women who, by the nature of their activities, are constantly tired in the physical plane.

• Improper nutrition

The reason for poor menstruation is associated with an inadequate replenishment of the woman's body with useful microelements, vitamins. This is due to a strict diet, malnutrition. Sudden weight loss leads to hormonal imbalance. The situation is dangerous not only by a decrease in the intensity of secretions, but also by their complete absence.

• Pregnancy

This factor cannot be ruled out. Especially if there was a significant delay before the arrival of scanty menstruation. Allocations of low intensity in some cases do not pose a danger. Doctors call this phenomenon "washing the fetus." But they should stop after 2 - 3 days. If this does not happen, the discharge intensifies - a breakdown or presence is possible. In any case, you need to see a doctor. Do a pregnancy test first. In case of bleeding, call an ambulance.

Pathological causes of scanty menstruation

The most unpleasant reason for a change in the intensity of secretions is diseases, inflammatory processes. You can't solve the problem on your own. It is necessary to contact a gynecologist, other specialists. The woman has to undergo an examination, examination. Some diseases are detected quickly, qualified treatment is prescribed. It takes a long time to identify others. Recognizing the disease by symptoms alone is difficult. Since most of them are associated with hormonal imbalance, inflammation, infection. The symptoms are similar. And in some cases, the disease at first is completely asymptomatic. The only cause for concern is the change in the intensity of menstruation.

In addition, the cause of meager periods can be diseases of the reproductive system, central nervous, endocrine and individual internal organs, which are responsible for the hormonal balance, the reproductive function of the woman's body. For example, inflammation of the uterus, ovaries, erosion, uterine fibroids at the initial stage of the disease can cause the arrival of scanty menstruation.

There are more than enough reasons for menstrual irregularities. Rather than guessing, it is better to immediately go to see a doctor, start treatment, if necessary. It is interesting that there is a situation when menstruation changes after certain circumstances and for a woman in an altered state it remains throughout all cycles. For example, after childbirth, long-term use of contraceptives, change of residence. How to recognize the alarming symptoms of a cycle disorder and the usual change in menstruation?

Symptoms of anxiety discharge

At the expected time of menstruation, a woman observes droplets of blood on her underwear, or a small amount of colored mucus. The color varies from pink, red to brown. The dark color appears due to the rapid clotting of blood under the influence of oxygen. Discharge continues for 1 to 3 days. In the presence of diseases of the genital organs may not stop for a long time. But they are accompanied by severe pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, weakness in the body.

If the cause of changes in discharge is external factors, the woman's well-being does not change much. In general, the symptoms of normal menstruation remain. Nausea, irritability, mild malaise, cramping pain in the lower abdomen, discomfort in the lower back, change in stool, breast enlargement.

However, do not forget that the lack of treatment, if necessary, and a long period of small secretions can lead to a weakening of a woman's sexual function, reduce libido, lead to infertility, and cause a complete absence of menstruation - amenorrhea. The causes of incomprehensible discharge must be dealt with with a doctor.

For every girl or woman, the first days of the menstrual cycle bring many uncomfortable moments, even if they pass quite favorably. The greatest concern and anxiety is caused by smearing vaginal discharge in the initial phase of menstruation. Allocations of a smearing nature may also be present in other periods of the cycle and provoked by completely harmless factors. To find out the cause of the appearance of such symptoms, it is necessary to consult a specialist.

It is impossible to ignore the appearance of bloody spotting, since this fact may indicate serious pathologies of the reproductive system that require immediate medical intervention.

ICD-10 code

N91 Absence of menstruation, scanty and infrequent menstruation

Reasons for poor discharge instead of menstruation

Scanty discharge, which passes quickly enough without causing pain, is considered by many gynecologists to be conditionally normal conditions that do not require medical correction.

Slight brown discharge that appears immediately before the onset of menstruation, as a rule, indicates a decrease in the level of the hormone progesterone and the initial stage of detachment of the inner mucous layer of the uterus.

Scanty discharge after the completion of menstrual bleeding can be provoked by non-evacuated endometrial remnants, blood clots that have not passed through the narrow cervical canal. Allocations of a smearing nature usually stop by the 5-7th day from the onset of menstruation.

If such problems appear in the middle of the menstrual cycle, then the cause may be hormonal contraceptives or a recently placed intrauterine device. Thus, the endometrium adapts to a foreign body inside the uterine cavity.

Scanty discharge may appear during the movement of the egg from the ovary at the time of rupture of the mature follicle.

The appearance of vaginal discharge of a pink hue is most often provoked by violent sexual games, trauma to the cervical canal, the presence of erosion on the cervix, after defloration.

All of the above causes of meager spotting are a conditional norm.

Risk factors

Allocations of dark colors - from light brown to black, appearing regularly and lasting more than a week, are risk factors. They are considered pathological:

• if they appear regardless of the menstrual cycle;
• not related to the use of hormonal drugs;
• accompanied by a rise in temperature, pain in the lower abdomen, burning, itching and soreness in the genitals;
• during menopause, if before their appearance menstruation was absent for more than one year;
• spotting meager discharge during gestation;
• the patient has a history of tuberculosis infection, endocrine diseases
• with their regular occurrence after having sex.

Pathogenesis

Scanty discharge instead of menstruation that occurs during lactation or premenopause does not require treatment. Problems associated with the hormonal background, identified through research, can be solved with the help of specific therapy. Such discharge can occur when the psychological balance is disturbed, and in this case it is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle and correct the emotional state.

Scanty spotting of a smearing nature is a pathology and serves as a reason for contacting a gynecologist in the following cases:

• if a girl who has reached the age of 15 does not have full menstruation,
• appear at any gestational age,
• painful menstruation (pain is localized in the lower abdomen), signaling an ectopic pregnancy,
• their appearance in the middle of the cycle, independent of the intake of specific hormonal drugs.

Symptoms of scanty discharge instead of menstruation

Scanty discharge is determined by drops of blood that have a light or dark shade.

Such discharge continues in time like a normal menstruation or a little less. Accompanied by cephalalgia, aching pain in the lumbar region, pulling pain in the back, bouts of nausea or impaired stool. During the menstruation itself, the symptoms described above may worsen, and some women may experience nosebleeds.

Scanty discharge can be asymptomatic and the woman does not feel any discomfort. At the onset of puberty in girls, such phenomena are not dangerous. During menopause, scant discharge is possible and is also not a pathology, but indicates changes in the hormonal background of the body.

Scanty brown discharge instead of menstruation

The reasons that affect the changes in the menstrual cycle can be very diverse:

• the age of the patient;
• sexual life (its presence or absence);
• pregnancy or breastfeeding period;
• operations on the organs of the reproductive system;
• infectious and inflammatory process in the pelvic organs.

In girls of puberty, at the beginning of the formation of the regularity of the menstrual cycle, scanty brown discharge may be noticed, which is the norm for the first year of the onset of menstruation. If in the future this situation persists, then a consultation with a pediatric gynecologist is necessary.

During the onset of menopause, vaginal discharge of a brownish tint sometimes appears, which is caused by the physiological extinction of ovarian function, the production of the steroid hormone progesterone. This phenomenon should not cause concern, since it is permissible during the premenopausal period.

If a woman has a high probability of pregnancy, and at the right time, instead of menstruation, light or dark brown discharge is observed, ending after a while with normal menstruation, then the cause is a hormonal imbalance.

If menstruation does not start after spotting, then it is necessary to take a pregnancy test and examine the blood for hCG.

The appearance of scanty brownish discharge during gestation may indicate an insufficient amount of hormones responsible for the normal progression of pregnancy. In this situation, there is a threat of spontaneous abortion. Here you need an urgent consultation with a gynecologist and hospitalization in a hospital, where an analysis will be prescribed to determine the level of hormones and the condition of the expectant mother and child will be assessed.

Another reason that provokes the appearance of scanty brownish discharge is an ectopic pregnancy, the test results will be positive, the position of the fetal egg is determined by ultrasound.

If the discharge, which has a light brown tint, appears earlier (3 days) of menstrual bleeding and is accompanied by intense stabbing and cutting pains in the lower abdomen, then this may be a symptom of the manifestation of adenomyosis.

If the discharge lasts more than 3 days after the end of menstruation, an urgent consultation of a specialist is necessary - this may be one of the signs of endometriosis, a tumor of the uterus.

If the patient does not use hormonal contraceptives, then spotting in the middle of menstruation indicates the presence of inflammation of the uterus (acute and chronic endometritis), inflammation of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis), cervical erosion, malignant or benign tumors of the cervix, torsion of the legs of the ovarian cyst.

Brown discharge appears due to STDs (trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea).

When pathological scanty discharge of a brownish tint appears, a consultation with a gynecologist is required, who will determine the cause of their appearance, prescribe studies and a treatment regimen.

Scanty spotting instead of menstruation

Often women have to go to the gynecologist with complaints of scanty spotting instead of menstruation. Not many women and girls know when doctors regard such discharge as a variant of the norm, and when it is considered a pathology. A cause for concern and referral to a specialist is scanty spotting in the middle of the menstrual cycle. This may indicate uterine fibroids, benign or malignant tumors.

Taking oral contraceptives is often accompanied by the appearance of bloody discharge. Similar phenomena can be observed at the beginning of the use of hormonal drugs (the first 2-3 months). If the situation does not stabilize after 4 months, then you should consult a doctor to replace the hormonal agent.

Scanty discharge instead of menstruation is the norm in girls during menarche (the onset of the initial stage of menstruation). The appearance of such secretions is associated with changes in the hormonal background.

Scanty pink discharge instead of menstruation

The most common causes of pink discharge instead of menstruation are:

• pregnancy. With various pathologies of progression of pregnancy, scanty pink discharge from the vagina may occur.
• hormonal disorders caused by a lack of progesterone;
• pathology of the cervix;
• mechanical damage to the cervix;
• establishment of a contraceptive spiral;
• vaginal candidiasis.

The appearance of light pink discharge may also be a variant of the norm. Such discharge may appear on the eve of menstrual bleeding. If after 1-2 days menstruation does not occur, then this is the reason for a visit to a gynecologist at the clinic.

Scanty discharge instead of menstruation is a sign of pregnancy

Scanty discharge from the genital tract can be observed when the zygote is implanted into the wall of the uterus. Such bleeding in most cases begins a few days before the onset of natural menstruation (on the 20-26th day of the menstrual cycle). Due to this feature of implantation bleeding, it is often perceived as menstruation that began earlier than the due date. Reproductologists consider such bleeding to be the beginning of pregnancy. At this time, the analysis of hCG will not be informative, because significant changes in the female body have not yet occurred. Scanty or spotting instead of menstruation may be brown, red or pink, not containing clots and mucus.

To differentiate implantation bleeding from menstrual bleeding, a woman needs to keep a calendar of the menstrual cycle. Menstruation begins with spotting, gradually increasing, and then decreasing and stopping.

Implantation bleeding in time is much shorter than menstruation, scanty and the volume of released blood does not increase.

After the end of such bleeding, after 7 days, a pregnancy test can be done.

Pharmacy tests in case of pregnancy will show a positive result, because by this time a sufficient amount of hCG is already accumulating in the female body. If there is no certainty about what caused the meager discharge instead of menstruation, then it is better to contact a medical clinic for an accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment.

Diagnosis of scanty discharge instead of menstruation

To determine the cause of the appearance of scanty discharge from the genital organs and the severity of the pathology, the following tests can be prescribed:

• general analysis of blood and urine,
• examination of blood and aspiration material for the presence of antibodies to infections,
• smear from the cervix for cytology,
• endometrial biopsy,
• hormonal research,
• Mantoux test.

Instrumental diagnostics

To determine whether scanty discharge is the norm or a pathology, first of all, it is necessary to make an ultrasound diagnosis of the pelvic organs. In the process of ultrasound, it will be possible to determine the phase of the menstrual cycle, the state of the corpus luteum, the thickness of the endometrium, the presence of a fetal egg, the presence of an ectopic pregnancy, and based on these data, draw a conclusion.

To exclude serious diseases of the reproductive sphere, hysteroscopy and hysterography, pipel biopsy and diagnostic curettage of the endometrium can be used.

Perhaps the appointment of MRI and laparoscopy, radiography of the Turkish saddle (to exclude the pathology of the pituitary gland).

Differential Diagnosis

Differentiation with meager discharge instead of menstruation comes down to determining the disease that caused such a pathology. A personal visit to the gynecologist of a patient who has encountered this problem is necessary. Correspondence consultations with specialists can significantly harm health.

Possible causes of scanty discharge instead of menstrual bleeding may be:

• hormonal contraceptives,
• pregnancy,
• premenopause.

Treatment of scanty discharge instead of menstruation

Therapy of meager discharge instead of menstruation depends on the cause that provoked the onset of this symptom and is prescribed by a doctor only after a thorough examination of the patient, a detailed history taking, and passing all the necessary tests and examinations.

In the event of scant discharge caused by gynecological diseases, the treatment is carried out by a gynecologist. The doctor may recommend hormonal preparations that stabilize the functioning of the ovaries (folliculin, estradiol, norkolut; oral contraceptives - bisekurin, non-ovlon), vitamin and mineral complexes that include vitamin E. Each hormonal preparation has its own regimen prescribed by a qualified specialist.

With a lack of estrogen generation, folic acid can be used, which stimulates and activates an increase in the level of these hormones.

Treatment of chronic adnexitis and endometritis requires the use of antiphlogistics, physiotherapy and resolving therapy, antibiotics may be prescribed.

With algomenorrhea, drugs are prescribed that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties (indomethacin, ibufen). These medications should be started three days before the expected menstrual bleeding and finished on the 2nd day of menstruation.

In case of ectopic pregnancy, torsion of the legs of the ovarian cyst, ovarian apoplexy, urgent hospitalization and surgical intervention are required.

If the cause of poor discharge instead of menstruation is endocrine pathology, then consultation and observation with an endocrinologist is necessary.

If hypomenorrhea was provoked by a tuberculosis infection, then you should contact a phthisiatrician.

In the presence of mental disorders or psychological problems that have become a provoking factor in the occurrence of meager discharge instead of menstruation, it is necessary to be observed by a gynecologist together with a psychologist or psychiatrist. Often, in such cases, it is recommended to take sedative drugs based on plant materials (novo-passit, valerian, motherwort preparations)

To normalize the menstrual cycle, doctors widely use vitamin complexes.

vitamins

Vitamin E (tocopherol) helps to eliminate the delay in the onset of menstrual bleeding with irregular menstruation. In the second half of the cycle, the endometrium begins to grow intensively under the influence of the hormone progesterone. In the absence of pregnancy, the endometrial layer is shed and exits the uterine cavity. Menstrual bleeding may be delayed due to hormonal disorders and insufficient thickening of the endometrial tissue. The resulting imbalance explains the irregularity of the occurrence of menstruation.

If the examination did not reveal any health problems, then you can try to regulate the menstrual cycle on your own. 10 days before the expected period, you can take 0.4 g of tocopherol to stimulate ovarian function. The drug is used 1 hour after eating 1 time per day. The risk of such self-medication is minimal if there is no hypersensitivity to tocopherol.

In case of malfunction of the ovaries and the absence of ovulation, the gynecologist may prescribe ascorbic acid 1 tablet three times a day and vitamin E (tocopherol acetate) 1 tablet twice a day from the second half (day 14) of the 28-day menstrual cycle. Do not forget about the side effects that occur with an overdose of vitamin preparations - itching and redness on the skin, nausea, and abdominal pain. Before you start using vitamin-containing medicines, you should carefully read the detailed instructions for use from the manufacturer.

The dosage of vitamin preparations is selected by the doctor in such a way as to prevent overdose.

Physiotherapy treatment

The choice of physiotherapeutic methods depends on the main reason that caused the appearance of meager discharge instead of menstruation. In each case, physiotherapy is selected by a gynecologist together with a physiotherapist. Treatment can combine several different procedures according to the influencing factor. The influence on the body with the help of an electric current, a magnetic field, a laser beam can be local or general. In the presence of a chronic inflammatory process of the reproductive system, gynecologists prescribe a combination of several different procedures. The complex of physiotherapeutic procedures recommended by the doctor includes: vacuum sanitation of the cervical canal, ultrasonic sanitation of the vaginal cavity and uterus, thermal irrigation and thermal application of the vagina, magnetophoresis with drugs, endourethral electromagnetophoresis with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, vaginal darsonvalization, magnetic laser therapy, laser blood treatment.

The methods of physiotherapy also include drinking mineral-rich waters that regulate water and electrolyte balance. Restoring the normal level of saturation of the body with microelements plays an important role in the successful treatment of gynecological problems.

Alternative treatment

For the treatment of endometriosis with scanty discharge, traditional healers suggest using clay (blue or gray) instead of menstruation. Care must be taken in the choice of raw materials. Clay should be taken without inclusions of sand, earth, organic residues, pre-crushed and poured with enough water to soften it. In the morning, pour out the water, and mix the resulting liquid to a creamy state. Then put the gruel (750 g) in a small container and heat it up. When the liquid contained in the clay begins to boil, leave the pan on the fire (1-2 minutes), remove from the stove and cool slightly. Put on a plastic wrap and form a large cake 2-3 cm high. Put it on the lower abdomen. It is necessary to ensure that the compress is warm, but not hot. From above, cover the compress with a warm scarf and lie down for 2 hours. At the end of the procedure, wash the stomach with warm water. The number of activities ranges from 5 to 8, each requiring fresh clay.

A mixture of raw palm sugar (jaggery) and sesame seeds. Take 2 tablespoons three times a day. Palm sugar is a natural antioxidant, provides a surge of strength and energy for the body (it contains sucrose, glucose, fructose), a high iron content is an excellent tool for preventing anemia, and helps to normalize menstrual function. A great addition to jaggery is sesame seeds. Sesame seeds contain - Zn, Mg, Fe, P, Ca, vitamins of groups A, B, C, antioxidants, phytoestrogens.

With scanty spotting, instead of menstruation, pineapple juice will be useful, which contains bromelain, micro and macro elements, and a complex of vitamins. Pineapple juice should be drunk in 2-3 tbsp. twice a day.

Herbal treatment

Traditional medicine suggests using herbal infusions, decoctions, fresh juices in the treatment of pathologies that are the root cause of scanty discharge instead of menstruation. Infusions of herbs, juices contain substances useful for the woman's body, vitamins, microelements.

Carrot seeds. A medicinal infusion is prepared from the seeds. Grind carrot seeds (1 tbsp), pour 1 tbsp. boiling water and let cool. Take the resulting decoction of 2 tbsp. at one time several times a day.

Saffron. Two pinches of finely ground raw materials must be mixed with 1 tbsp. milk at room temperature. Take the received remedy during the day.

Aloe. Freshly squeezed juice from aloe leaves is drunk in 2-3 tbsp. three times a day.

During meager painful periods, healers recommend a collection consisting of the following ingredients, taken in equal volumes (20 g each): laxative joster bark (buckthorn), white birch leaves, peppermint leaves, yarrow, valerian root and blackberry leaves. One glass of boiling water pour vegetable collection, let it brew, strain and drink throughout the day.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic doctors with scanty or spotting discharge instead of menstruation recommend various herbal preparations.

In the treatment of primary amenorrhea, the two most commonly used homeopathic remedies are Pulsatilla and Calcium carbonicum.

Pulsatilla used in puberty, with an unsteady menstrual cycle. Due to hormonal instability, menstruation is irregular, the color of the discharge varies from dark to light pink or almost colorless. Before menstruation, there are pulling pains in the lower abdomen. The psychological state is labile (tearfulness, touchiness). This remedy is used according to an individual scheme, selected by a homeopathic specialist.

Pulsatilla is available in granules. Apply sublingually: the prescribed number of peas is placed under the tongue and the grains are completely dissolved. Reception is carried out on an empty stomach. For amenorrhea, dilution D200 is used.

Calcium carb.. Used in puberty, when the establishment of the menstrual cycle is late. Concomitant symptoms: palpitations, nervousness, anxiety, shortness of breath and cephalalgia. Apply granules sublingually, 5-10 grains up to 4 times a day for 30 minutes. before or after meals. The standard course of therapy is 14 days.

Mulimen. Non-hormonal agent, which includes a complex of natural herbal ingredients, used in gynecological practice for the treatment of psychosomatic symptom complex. Mulimen is recommended for menstrual disorders (algodysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, hypomenorrhea, polymenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, scanty spotting), mastopathy, PMS, premenopausal and menopausal syndromes.

Drops are used sublingually. The standard scheme is from 3 to 5 doses per day - 15-20 drops each. With severe pain, the drug is allowed to be used at intervals

30 minutes. 10 drops, for 2-3 hours. 200 drops - the maximum daily dose. After stopping the pain attack, therapy is continued according to the standard regimen.

Drops immediately before taking it is allowed to dilute with water of 20-50 ml. Drink 30 minutes before a meal or 60 minutes after a meal.

It is allowed to dissolve the daily norm of the drug in a glass of water and take it in small portions throughout the day. The medicinal properties of the product do not decrease when used in dissolved form.

Bryonia and Phosphorus. They are used when secondary amenorrhea appears (delayed menstruation, excluding pregnancy), due to hormonal disorders or infections. The underlying disease is subject to complex therapy, and herbal remedies can be an effective addition to it.

Surgical treatment

In some cases, with the appearance of scanty spotting, urgent surgical treatment is indicated.

If dysfunctional uterine bleeding occurs, therapeutic and diagnostic curettage of the uterine cavity is used.

The scheme and tactics of treating patients with scanty discharge instead of menstruation in menopausal and premenopausal periods is aimed at eliminating the causes of bleeding. Women with malignant tumor processes of the endometrium, myometrium, and ovaries undergo surgical therapy.

Excision of ectopic gynecological pathologies (tumors, cysts, ectopic nodes of fibromyomas) is performed by hysteroscopy under anesthesia.

After surgery, therapy is prescribed using hormonal means to stabilize ovarian function. With the development of anemic conditions due to prolonged bleeding, therapy is needed to increase the level of hemoglobin. With a large loss of blood, infusion therapy may be prescribed - transfusion of donor blood, drugs containing plasma or red blood cells. Effective auxiliary methods to eliminate the symptoms of anemia, normalize the menstrual cycle, stop uterine bleeding are:

• complex vitamin therapy,
• phytotherapy,
• apitherapy,
• aromatherapy,
• physiotherapy procedures.

Menstruation plays an important role in a woman's life. Their course is regulated at the level of the central nervous system, associated with nutrition, the state of the immune system, and general development. The stability of the menstrual cycle is very important. Equally important is the nature of the discharge. A change in the volume and composition of menstruation may portend the presence of pathologies. One of the forms of violation of the normal course of menstruation is menstruation without blood, occurring in a variety of situations, dangerous or harmless.

In normal cases, blood is always an attribute of menstruation. Blood flowing during menstruation may be dark or bright scarlet, but it should normally be present.

Due to the influence of various factors, sometimes blood may be absent. This means that at the onset of menstruation, all the relevant signs appear, such as pain, irritability, changes in the mammary glands. But instead of blood, colorless or slightly spotting discharge appears. When all the conditions of the cycle are met, but menstruation passes without blood, the discharge takes less time and is very scarce, they speak of the presence of hypomenorrhea.

Causes of scanty periods

Many factors influence the course of menstruation. A lot depends on the hormonal background, but not always. Hormones do not act on their own, but through tissues that react to them, primarily the endometrium. Often after a long time there is bleeding without menstruation, weakening the endometrium, reducing its sensitivity. Subsequent periods, regardless of hormones, can be spotting, scanty due to undermining the strength of the endometrium.

Although in most cases the reasons lie in the unsatisfactory state of the hormonal balance, the psychological factor can act as an impetus for its violation. An unbalanced psyche or diseases of the central nervous system lead to a variety of malfunctions in the body, including hormonal, accompanied by menstrual irregularities and hypomenorrhea.

Often, the causes of the appearance of meager periods after medical manipulations are endometrial damage or interference with the mechanism of regulation of sex hormones. This happens with hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, taking OK and other hormonal medications.

There are also other causes of hypomenorrhea:

• a special lifestyle, including dietary restrictions, high physical and nervous stress;
• susceptibility to inflammatory and infectious diseases in acute and chronic form;
• endocrine disorders such as diabetes, pathology of the thyroid gland.

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In addition, hypomenorrhea should be divided into primary and secondary, since the threats they pose are completely incomparable. Primary hypomenorrhea usually has no serious side effects. Most teenagers go through it. Secondary - the result of the appearance of problems that need to be solved in order to establish a normal menstrual cycle.

Primary hypomenorrhea

Transition teenage girls to adulthood lasts several months. The very first periods come without exact observance of the frequency and amount of discharge. During this period, menstruation can be very scarce. This feature of menstruation continues until the body adapts to the systematic release of hormones at the right time and in the appropriate volumes. At this stage in the development of the menstrual cycle, scanty discharge is considered as primary hypomenorrhea. The appearance and nature of menstruation means its end. Normally, primary hypomenorrhea can last no more than one year. Prolongation of hypomenorrhea for a longer time, especially over two years, indicates a possible congenital defect of the reproductive system and the need for examination.

Secondary hypomenorrhea

After the normalization of the menstrual cycle and the appearance of full-fledged, clear, correct discharge, failures sometimes occur. In this case, during menstruation, smearing substances are again noted, which come out in a very meager amount, frightening women with their unusualness. This is how secondary hypomenorrhea is formed, often meaning the development of pathology. Surgical interventions, infections and inflammations, lifestyle features, endocrine diseases are responsible for its occurrence. When the body copes with the situation that has arisen, secondary hypomenorrhea may disappear over time. But most often, medical attention is required to solve this problem.

Many women of childbearing age do not pay attention to the nature of menstruation, if they are regular and have a more or less regular cycle. It is worth knowing that not only the frequency of discharges and their duration, but also their nature matters.

Scanty periods (hypomenorrhea)- is one of the violations of menstrual function. Lean periods are said to occur when less than 50 ml of blood is released during menstruation. As a rule, such menstruation looks like spotting or dripping discharge of a dark brown or, conversely, a light color.

In most cases, scanty periods are not accompanied by discomfort, but sometimes headaches, nausea, pain in the lower back and lower abdomen can be observed. Symptoms depend on the reasons that caused the reduction in menstrual flow.

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Depending on the age of the woman, the causes of meager periods will be different, these disorders can be not only pathological, but also physiological.

In young girls during the first two years after the onset of menstruation, as well as in women during menopause (during the period of fading of the reproductive function), such changes do not cause concern, while in mature women this may indicate serious health problems.

In a girl, the establishment of a cycle occurs within a year or two, at this time menstruation can be not only scarce, but also rare, for example, when the cycle lengthens to 5-8 weeks; menstrual flow may be short and last less than two days (oligomenorrhea). Menstruation can even be extremely rare, occurring only 2 to 4 times a year. But all these violations must necessarily disappear, and the cycle will be established. If this does not happen, and menstruation remains irregular, then it is necessary to talk about the pathology of the menstrual function and consult a doctor.

Scanty menstruation, as a natural phenomenon, can also occur at a time when the possibility of having children in a woman is suspended due to age-related changes. This precedes the complete cessation of menstruation - menopause, and is 2 years.

Physiological hypomenorrhea during these periods of a woman's life is possible, but this does not mean that it will be present in everyone. In addition, gynecological diseases cannot be excluded, for various reasons, in these two age periods.

Pathologically scanty menstruation, for the convenience of diagnosis, is divided into:

• primary hypomenorrhea, when, in fact, there was not a single normal menstruation, it is observed in adolescent girls;
• secondary hypomenorrhea, when menstruation was absolutely normal for some time, and then there was impoverishment, which became the cause of the woman's concern.

Possible causes of scanty periods:

The reason for the occurrence of meager periods may be a violation of the systems and organs that regulate the menstrual cycle at the hormonal level - the pituitary gland and ovaries. Violation of the natural rhythmic production of hormones leads to insufficiency of the circulatory system in the uterus and inferior changes in the endometrium (uterine mucosa) during menstruation. As a result, scanty periods are observed.

But the main reasons are:

• weight changes - both its loss as a result of diets, increased physical exertion, anorexia, exhaustion, as well as uncontrolled weight gain and obesity;
• metabolic disorders;
• lack of vitamins in food, anemia;
• stress and emotional stress, nervous diseases, mental changes;
• endocrine disorders;
• injuries and operations on the genitourinary organs;
• anomalies in the development of the genital organs, removal of part of the uterus;
• genital tuberculosis;
• sexually transmitted infections;
• occupational poisoning (exposure to harmful substances on the body);
• breastfeeding period;
• taking oral contraceptives.

Symptoms: how to identify scanty periods

The symptoms of scanty periods most often appear externally as drops or barely visible marks on a woman's underwear, and the color of scanty periods ranges from light to dark brown. If menstruation has become scarce, then while maintaining a regular cycle, their duration is reduced.

More often, meager periods pass without any particular disturbances in well-being, but sometimes there are cramping pain due to uterine contractions. Headache, chest pain, nausea, or indigestion may also occur.

Very rarely, nosebleeds are possible. Prolonged scanty periods can cause a decrease in sexual desire and infertility, which is associated with a decrease in the level of the hormone estrogen.

In some cases, with scanty periods, the menstrual cycle lengthens and menstruation passes with painful symptoms.

Changes of a psychological and neurological nature are also possible: increased emotionality, depression, nervous irritability or apathy.

If the above signs appear, you should immediately contact a gynecologist and undergo a thorough examination in order to find out the cause of meager periods.

Scanty periods during pregnancy

Many people think that menstruation should not occur during pregnancy. It is not always so. In the first month of pregnancy, scanty periods may occur.

This can happen because after the fertilization process, the fetal egg does not have time to reach the right place in such a short time, and there has not been a serious restructuring of the hormonal background.

From the second month of pregnancy, all hormones begin to work normally, pregnancy develops, and menstruation during pregnancy should not normally pass.

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Periods that occur in the first month of pregnancy are not menstruation. Bloody discharge is not as plentiful as regular periods. There are several reasons for such phenomena.

The appearance of blood from the vagina may indicate detachment of the fetal egg. If this process is insignificant, then the body copes by itself and does not allow the fertilized egg to leave the uterus.

In some cases, spotting may indicate a spontaneous abortion that has begun. A miscarriage can be recognized by red bleeding with pulling pains in the lower abdomen in the first trimester of pregnancy or cramping pains with remnants of the fetal egg in the second trimester.

The cause of scanty periods during pregnancy may also be insufficient secretion of the hormone progesterone or excessive production of androgens. In rare cases, a similar symptom can be caused by the presence of heart disease in the fetus, an ectopic pregnancy.

Diagnosis and examination for scanty periods

Any diagnostic measures begin with a consultation with a doctor, in this case a gynecologist. To determine the causes of meager periods and decide on the degree of danger of this condition for the body, a woman should undergo a medical examination after the doctor's recommendations.

The examination scheme for a patient with meager periods includes a survey and a mandatory complete gynecological examination, tests of smears from the genital tract for cytology (cell examination), bacterial culture and PCR diagnostics of genital infections, assessment of the basal temperature graph, determination of sex hormones in the blood and urine, ultrasound examination of the uterus and ovaries, taking a piece of endometrial tissue for examination (biopsy)

The treatment of scanty periods is directly determined by the results that are obtained during the diagnosis. If this condition is caused by malnutrition, psycho-emotional balance, physical activity, therapeutic measures are aimed at their elimination and regulation. According to indications, vitamin complexes, specific antimicrobial agents and hormonal preparations are used.

With meager periods, the main direction of treatment is general strengthening actions and treatment of the underlying disease. In the treatment of hypomenorrhea, excellent results are obtained by the use of homeopathic remedies, the action of which practically does not differ from the action of one's own hormones.

Accompanying meager periods with depression, apathy, general weakness, frigidity, headaches requires the use of psychotherapeutic and physiotherapeutic treatment aimed at eliminating all functional disorders. During periods of premenopause and lactation, special therapy for scanty periods is not required.

Treatment of scanty menstruation folk remedies

Brown scanty periods and scanty long periods can be treated with folk remedies only in complex therapy and after a comprehensive examination.

In the absence of menstruation, you can take onion broth (for 2 kg of onion 3 liters of water) before meals in the morning.

In the absence of menstruation, it is also advised to drink a decoction of the leaves of the stone fruit.

For painful and irregular menstruation, an infusion of elecampane root is taken. To do this, one teaspoon of the root is poured with a glass of boiling water, boiled over low heat for fifteen minutes and insisted for four hours. Drink three to four times a day, one tablespoon.

Also, with meager periods or their absence, they drink an infusion from the inflorescence of tansy. To prepare such an infusion, a tablespoon of inflorescence should be poured with a liter of boiling water, let it brew for two hours. Drink no more than twice a day, on an empty stomach.

Prevention of scanty periods

To prevent scanty periods, you need to spend as much time as possible in the fresh air, lead an active lifestyle, but do not abuse physical activity, because this also leads to disruption of the menstrual cycle and causes scanty periods to appear ahead of time. Perhaps sometimes the complete absence of menstruation.

Learn to avoid stress, which also leads to hormonal imbalances and affects the menstrual cycle. In order to better cope with emotional stress, it is worth mastering various relaxation techniques.

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Sometimes a woman is upset that her periods are too scarce. In this case, the desired pregnancy does not occur. What to do: treat or wait? Do not delay the visit to the doctor, because it may be a sign of a serious illness. The examination will show exactly what the reason is. In some cases, this problem disappears by itself, as soon as the woman goes on vacation, changes the situation, calms her nerves. But it may also take a long time to get better.

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What is hypomenorrhea

The volume of blood that is released during the entire period of menstruation is normally 50-150 ml. Menstruation is considered scanty, in which less than 50 ml is secreted. This condition is called hypomenorrhea. Usually it is accompanied by oligomenorrhea (reduction in the duration of menstruation). If normally menstruation lasts 3-7 days, then with oligomenorrhea this period is reduced to 2 days, sometimes less.

Hypomenorrhea in some cases (for example, with menopause) may precede the complete absence of menstruation (amenorrhea). Lean periods are considered a natural physiological state in girls during puberty, when the cycle has not yet been established (in the first 2 years after the onset), as well as in women during premenopause, when the functioning of the ovaries is impaired due to aging. A decrease in estrogen levels leads to the fact that the uterine mucosa does not have time to develop sufficiently, so the volume of menstruation decreases.

In women of childbearing age, such periods most often indicate diseases of the genital organs. An investigation is needed to establish the cause.

Symptoms that accompany scanty periods

With a decrease in the volume of menstruation and their short duration, the discharge may be lighter than usual or have a brown tint, resembling only traces of blood. At the same time, they come on time or with a delay, and the duration varies from several hours to several days.

If a woman previously did not have pain and other unpleasant symptoms during menstruation, then with a decrease in their volume, headaches, nausea, aching pain in the lower back, in the chest, and indigestion appear.

Scanty dark discharge in infectious or inflammatory diseases of the internal genital organs has an unpleasant odor. There are pulling pains in the lower abdomen. Every time during menstruation, bleeding from the nose may occur.

Video: In what cases meager periods require attention

Causes of hypomenorrhea

Among the main reasons for meager periods can be called a change in the ratio of hormones in the body, which occurs as a result of natural processes (the formation and extinction of sexual function), gynecological or endocrine pathologies, the use of hormonal drugs for treatment or contraception.

In addition, there are other reasons for meager periods:

1. Diseases of the thyroid gland. The hormones produced in this gland directly affect the formation of estrogens and the functioning of the reproductive organs. Disorders in the work of the thyroid gland cause the maturation of the egg will not occur, it will not be able to leave the follicle (protective capsule). With a low level of estrogen, the uterine mucosa does not have time to develop. She is too thin for a full period.
2. Overweight or excessive thinness. In adipose tissue, as well as in the ovaries, estrogen is produced. In overweight women, this accumulation leads to an excess of hormones. The lack of adipose tissue in too thin women leads to their shortage. In both cases, hormonal disorders appear that affect the state of the reproductive organs.
3. Scanty periods (up to complete disappearance) occur with anorexia. In addition, the cause of the pathology is a sharp weight loss after a special diet or forced starvation.
4. Anemia, beriberi. Without micro and macro elements, as well as vitamins, the production of hormones in the body and normal metabolism are impossible. Hematopoiesis is disturbed. Exhaustion of the body inevitably affects reproductive abilities, leads to infertility, the occurrence of cancerous tumors.
5. Damage to the genital organs during childbirth, abortion, curettage, leading to a change in the structure of tissues that interferes with the normal course of the processes of the menstrual cycle. If, after cleaning the uterus, menstruation becomes scarce, and the discharge has an unpleasant odor, then sometimes you have to do a second curettage, since, most likely, shell particles have remained in the uterine cavity or an infection has occurred.
6. Congenital abnormal development of the genital organs, partial removal of the uterus.
7. Physiological processes associated with hormonal changes in the body (pregnancy, lactation, menopause).
8. Increased physical and neuropsychic stress, work with harmful chemicals, unfavorable ecology.

Video: Reasons for the appearance of scanty brown periods

Scanty periods during pregnancy

Pregnancy occurs if, after the maturation of the egg in the 2nd half of the menstrual cycle, it is fertilized. During maturation, the ovaries produce the maximum amount of female sex hormones, estrogens. They are also responsible for preparing the uterus to receive the fetal egg, the growth of the mucous membrane, where it should be fixed and developed.

After fertilization, the level of estrogen decreases, another hormone, progesterone, begins to be produced, which preserves the structure of the mucosa, preventing its rejection. Therefore, there is no normal menstruation during pregnancy.

In some cases, scanty periods still appear, which misleads a woman: she may not be aware of her pregnancy. There are several explanations for this.

Insufficient production of progesterone due to the physiological characteristics of the body. In this case, the mucosa is partially rejected. There is a danger that the fetus will be rejected at the same time, the pregnancy will be terminated at the very beginning. If a woman has small monthly periods for several months in a row, and pregnancy does not occur, she should consult a doctor and have a progesterone test done. Timely adjustment of its level will help save the next pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy. As a result of underdevelopment of the endometrium or pathologies, the fetus is fixed not in the uterus itself, but in the tubes. At the same time, a woman has meager periods due to rejection of an underdeveloped mucous membrane.

Deviations in the development of the fetus that make its normal attachment impossible, can cause partial rejection of the endometrium along with the fetal egg, the appearance of meager periods. If a woman immediately takes a test and sees a doctor, then at this stage it is sometimes possible to save the pregnancy.

Excess production of androgens(male sex hormones) in a woman's body also leads to abortion, the appearance of meager periods.

Fertilization of 2 eggs at once. If this happens, but one of the embryos is rejected due to unsuccessful fixation in the uterus or developmental pathology, then scanty spotting also appears.

Addition: Any occurrence of menstruation during pregnancy is not the norm. Most often this indicates the threat of interruption. Therefore, you should not leave such a sign unattended. It is necessary to immediately inform the doctor about the presence of such secretions. If they intensify, pain in the lower back appears, then you need to call an ambulance, since this is already a miscarriage, dangerous uterine bleeding can occur.

Scanty periods after childbirth, during lactation

During the first 2 weeks after childbirth, scanty spotting may occur. The uterus is cleansed of the remnants of the placenta and blood clots formed when the vessels are damaged. On the other hand, meager prolonged bleeding that appeared 2 weeks after birth may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process, damage to the uterus, and infection.

If a woman is breastfeeding, then menstruation normally comes at the end of lactation. The appearance of scanty periods during lactation may be the result of ongoing hormonal changes, the gradual restoration of the menstrual cycle.

Another reason for the appearance of meager periods can be a strong excitement experienced by a woman during childbirth, experiences during breastfeeding.

Reproductive diseases causing hypomenorrhea

The cause of the appearance of weak secretions of a brown hue are usually pathological processes occurring in the uterus and ovaries. These include:

endometritis- inflammation in the mucous membrane of the uterus.

endometriosis- violation of the structure of the mucosa. In this case, its pathological growth occurs, spreading to the region of the cervix, vagina and peritoneum.

hyperplasia of the endometrium. This is a type of endometriosis in which the mucous membrane grows deep into the muscle tissue of the uterus.

With these pathologies, damage to the small vessels of the endometrium occurs, due to which scanty brown discharge appears, resembling menstruation. They can occur between heavy periods.

Ovarian dysfunction- violation of the production of hormones. With this disease, the regularity of the onset of menstruation, their duration and intensity are disturbed. Scanty bleeding alternates with copious bleeding.

Polycystic ovaries. Many small cysts form on the surface. There are hormonal disorders, menstrual disorders.

polyps of the uterus. On the endometrium, growths appear in the form of a tubercle with a leg. The disease occurs as a result of hormonal pathologies in the body. One of the symptoms is scanty spotting, alternating with heavy bleeding.

Infectious diseases of the reproductive organs sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea, chlamydia, candidiasis and others) can also cause scanty periods, cycle disorders.

Tuberculosis of the uterus and ovaries. The disease manifests itself in the form of endometritis. Scanty menstruation is observed, accompanied by long delays, pain in the lower abdomen.

Examination and treatment for scanty periods

If a woman's menstruation is abnormal, there are deviations, including the volume of discharge, then a mandatory examination is necessary to determine the cause. Scanty periods may indicate serious pathologies in the body, leading to infertility or the inability to bear a child during pregnancy. In some cases, scanty periods are a symptom of cancers of the uterus and ovaries.

Warning: Often in the early stages, the signs of cancer are similar to those of ovarian dysfunction. Therefore, early examination and detection of malignant processes is of great importance.

Given the woman's age, the nature of the menstrual cycle, the presence of side symptoms, the doctor, if necessary, prescribes an examination. A blood and smear test is done to detect inflammatory processes, to establish the type of infection that has affected the genitals. A colposcopic examination is performed, which allows you to see polyps, growths of the endometrium. A blood test for hormones is taken. Ultrasound and computed tomography methods allow you to examine the state of the tissues of the uterus, ovaries, pelvic organs, detect areas of hyperplasia, the formation of tumors.

In some cases, treatment is not required (for example, if scanty periods occur during puberty or during lactation). If a woman does not have serious pathologies, it is enough to adjust her diet, change her lifestyle, take vitamins, sedatives, so that menstruation returns to normal. A special massage, aromatherapy is prescribed to relieve nervous stress, improve the blood supply to the uterus. Hot foot baths a week before menstruation help to intensify menstruation.

In the case of hormonal disorders, drugs are prescribed to restore the ratio of hormones. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, antifungal agents are used if infections are found.

To normalize menstruation in the absence of pathologies, you need to be outdoors more often, move more, quit smoking, and be less nervous. Folk remedies, for example, onion broth, help fight meager periods. To prepare it, take one medium onion for 2 cups of water. Drink before breakfast. Help infusions of tansy, calendula (2 teaspoons per 1 liter of water).