I recall a time when my friends and I were discussing our periods and were surprised to discover that we all had different symptoms and different menstrual flows. It even made us doubt our own health, but we were unaware of the various factors that could influence our menstrual flow.
Many questions about period flows lingered in our minds, and we couldn’t seem to grasp the causal factors. We didn't learn about different period flows until much later in life. Before that, we assumed that a person experiencing something different in her menstrual flow might be suffering from some kind of underlying diseases. How naive we were at that time.
Why do women have different menstrual flow?
Female bodies differ significantly from one another, and not everyone experiences the same menstrual flow. Hormones and genetics play a vital role in determining the length and intensity of periods, while underlying medical conditions can also be contributing factors.
Hormone levels can fluctuate for different reasons. Some women have heavy flow for five days, while others have lighter flow for three days. These variations are generally considered normal, but some women may also experience irregular menstrual patterns.
What are the factors that affect the menstrual flow?
Several factors can cause variations in period flow, and common factors may include.
- Diet and Lifestyle: Different people’s diet can influence hormone levels. Women who consume foods rich in manganese and antioxidants, for example, have more regular menstrual patterns, whereas those who consume a diet high in sugar and fats may experience abnormal bleeding patterns, like heavy flow or late periods. Menstrual flow can be affected by stressful lifestyle and unhealthy habits.
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): Women with PCOS often experience significant difficulties during their menstrual cycles. They may have heavy or irregular periods, and their androgen levels are usually higher than those of other women.
- Antibiotics and Birth Control Pills: Long-term use of birth control pills can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to abnormal bleeding or heavy flow whereas antibiotics can also cause irregularities of the menstrual cycle or even cause it to stop bleeding between the menstrual cycle.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The menstrual cycle undergoes changes after giving birth or during breastfeeding. Extensive breastfeeding can lead to lighter or absent periods for extended periods. When the menstrual flow returns, variations in flow are normal.
- Age: When girls have their first period, it’s common for them to experience heavier flow and longer durations compared to adults. As women approach their 30s, they often experience lighter flow and shorter periods.
What are the different types of abnormal menstrual flow?
The different types of abnormal menstrual flow are.
- Amenorrhea: The condition of not having menstrual periods.
- Oligomenorrhea: Irregular menstrual periods that occur with intervals exceeding 35 days.
- Menorrhagia: The presence of abnormally heavy menstrual periods.
- Prolonged menstrual bleeding: When menstrual bleeding persists for more than eight days.
- Dysmenorrhea: The experience of pain during menstrual periods
How does Healthy Period flow look like?
Healthy period flow typically appears crimson red without any blood clot or mucus and usually lasts for 3–7 days.
Conclusion
Every individual is unique, and their menstrual flow can be unique as well. While these factors can explain variations in menstrual flow, if someone feels that they are experiencing abnormality beyond what’s usual for them, it’s advisable to consult with medical experts for a proper evaluation.
