Patient's question:
Hello!I have had very little menstrual flow for over a year or two, and it often comes early. Could this be a medical issue? I am a 30-year-old unmarried woman who is slim and in a relationship.
Is there a way to regulate my menstrual flow and restore normal menstrual volume using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)?
Would this lead to infertility? Would it cause endocrine disorders?
My left breast often hurts, could this be related to my reduced menstrual flow?
Thank you!
Doctor's answer:
Hello, the menstrual cycle is basically normal, but the amount of menstrual flow is significantly reduced, to the point where it may stop after only a few drops, or the menstrual period may be shortened to less than two days with a very small amount of flow. This condition is called hypomenorrhea, also known as "thinning of menstrual water." It is generally believed that a menstrual flow of less than 30 milliliters is equivalent to "hypomenorrhea" in Western medicine's category of menstrual disorders.A normal menstrual cycle with a very small amount of flow, or even stopping after a few drops, and a menstrual period shortened to less than two days with a small amount of flow are key diagnostic points for this condition. This condition is often a precursor to amenorrhea.
Hypomenorrhea can coexist with abnormal menstrual cycles, such as early menstruation with a small amount of flow or delayed menstruation with a small amount of flow.
If hypomenorrhea is caused by oral contraceptives or injectable contraceptives, the medication should be stopped, and treatment can be referred to this condition.
The diagnosis of hypomenorrhea generally refers to occurrences more than twice in a row. If the menstrual cycle has always been normal but suddenly becomes hypomenorrheic, it is important to consider whether it is an early sign of miscarriage or a small amount of vaginal bleeding caused by ectopic pregnancy. Further examinations are necessary to differentiate these conditions.
Warning: Excessive blood loss during the menstrual period
Under normal circumstances, the amount of blood loss during one menstrual period is approximately 60 milliliters. Less than 30 milliliters is considered too little, and more than 80 milliliters is considered too much. How can you know if your menstrual flow is normal? Sanitary napkins can help. Generally, the usage per cycle should not exceed two packs (10 sheets per pack). If more than three packs are used, and each sheet is completely soaked, it is considered hypomenorrhea. If less than one pack is used per cycle, and each sheet has very little blood, it is also considered hypomenorrhea. Both of these conditions are abnormal.
Generally, a small amount of menstrual flow is caused by low estrogen levels. Estrogen stimulates the uterus