A light period is a menstrual cycle that is actually shorter and/or lighter than the usual woman’s regular period. Women should familiarize themselves with their menstrual cycle, how many pads or tampons they use, and how long their own periods last to quickly detect any changes within their periods. Changes to a women’s normal period may indicate a health problem, and women should consulte their physician if their intervals are abnormal.
A Normal Menstrual Period
A normal menstrual period, and the amount of blood loss a woman experiences, can vary widely among individual women. Normal menstrual periods last between two and eight days with an average time period of 4 to 6 days for most ladies. The amount of flow a female experiences can depend upon diet, genetics and if she’s taking birth control pills.
A Light Period
A light period isn’t a normal menstrual period. A light period occurs when a woman has a period that is shorter than her regular period or if her period doesn’t exhibit as much blood circulation as her normal period; in some cases a female may experience a light period that is both shorter and with less blood flow. A light period could also occur with less cramping and PMS than women normally exeperience with their period.
Light Period Examples
Due to the variations in women’s menstrual series, there is no one definiation of what a light period is. What is important to consider is that a light period occurs if you find a change in the normal menstrual cycle (begin to see the examples below).
Example 1: A woman usually includes a period that lasts 6 times and she normally uses 20 menstrual pads and then she has a period which lasts 4 days and only uses 10 menstrual pads; this would be regarded as, for her, a light period.
Example 2: A woman who usually has a period that lasts 3 times and uses 10 menstrual pads during her period isn’t experiencing a light period; for her, this is a normal period cycle. However, if she then experienced a period that survived 3 days and your woman used only 5 pads than this would be, for her, a light period.
The Difference between the Light Period and Spotting
tSpotting is not the same thing as a light period. Spotting is light upon again/off again vaginal bleeding that may occur in between a woman’s menstrual period or which may replace her normal period. A light period is lighter than usual but nonetheless has a characteristic steady flow of blood.
When to Talk with your Doctor
Light periods, unusual periods or spotting all warrant a consultation with a gynecologist. Abnormal periods may indicate a pregnancy, hormonal upset or can be a symptom of polycystic ovary affliction; light periods may also be an indication of impending menopause.
Women should be especially concerned if a light period appears whenever a period is not due, if they experience unusual pain with their period or if these people experience light periods followed by missed period cycles.
