Light menstrual cycles, a condition known as oligomenorrhea, appear commonly in girls of adolescent age, the "New York Times" Health Guide indicates. In these cases, the light cycles do not necessarily indicate a medical issue. A cycle that happens less than or more than four weeks apart is also generally not cause for concern. Missed ovulation can often explain why a light period has occurred.
Testosterone
Higher levels of testosterone have been associated with oligomenorrhea and acne, the National Center for Biotechology Information states. Doctors may recommend anti-androgen therapy for women who have higher hormonal levels of testosterone and androgens.
Sheehan’s Syndrome
A lack of hormones associated with female-related body functions correlates with the symptoms of this disease, which can occur in a woman who bleeds heavily during childbirth. Symptoms associated with Sheehan’s syndrome include problems with menstrual flow, including no menstrual cycle and infrequent menstruation, MayoClinic.com states.
Pituitary Insufficiency
Pituitary insufficiency can contribute to irregular periods and requires medical treatment. Other symptoms of pituitary problems include weight loss, low blood pressure and fatigue, MayoClinic.com states.
Changes in Diet
Changes in a woman’s diet can contribute to lighter periods and irregular menstrual cycles, MedlinePlus reports. This change occurs because of the change in hormones affected by the alteration in minerals and vitamins in a diet.
Stress
Emotional stress can contribute to many problems with menstrual cycles. There may be no cycle at all or lack of sufficient flow within a cycle, MedlinePlus reports. A woman’s hormones are affected by high amounts of stress, which trigger other hormones in the body. The body becomes confused with mixed messages when high amounts of stress influence its state of well-being.
Hypothyroidism
Light and abnormal menstrual cycles can occur in women who suffer from hypothyroidism, MayoClinic.com indicates. This condition can produce irregular period flows, though it sometimes may produce heavier-than-usual flows. The woman may experience months without menstrual flow and other stretches of time with lighter-than-normal flow.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts, small growths on the ovaries, can cause problems in a woman’s menstrual cycle. Irregular periods may occur, as well as pelvic pain and nausea, the MayoClinic.com reports.
References
- MedlinePlus: Menstrual periods - heavy, prolonged, or irregular
- Mayo Clinic: Ovarian cysts
- Mayo Clinic: Sheehan’s syndrome
- The New York Times Health Guide: Menstrual Periods - Heavy, Prolonged, or Irregular
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Testosterone concentrations and oligomenorrhea in women with acne.
