5 reasons why your flow is lighter
Have you ever got your period and thought to yourself “why is my flow so much lighter this month?” You usually fill a regular size tampon in 3 hours but now you’ve left it in for hours and it’s still not full. While fluctuations in your cycle are completely normal, sometimes a lighter flow can be the signal that something else is happening. In this blog, we breakdown 5 reasons why your flow might be lighter.
1) Stress
If you’re experiencing an increased amount of stress at work, in your relationships, or in other aspects of your personal life, this may impact your cycle. Try to identify any stressors that you’re experiencing in your life and see if there are opportunities to manage them.
2) Hormone Changes
There are several conditions that may be impacting your hormones and as a result, your menstrual flow. Some of these conditions include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperthyroidism, or a significant weight gain or loss. If you think you may be experiencing one of these conditions, it is best to consult a medical professional. They’ll typically start by running blood work to see if they can identify signs of any of these conditions.
3) Birth Control
One of the most common reasons for a lighter flow is going on hormonal birth control. Many doctors actually prescribe it to individuals with a heavy flow for this reason. If you just started taking birth control or got an IUD inserted, it’s common for your flow to become lighter.
4) Perimenopause
Many individuals begin to experience lighter periods as they age and approach menopause. Perimenopause can begin in your late 30s but more commonly it begins from ages 40-44.
5) Pregnancy
While one of the signs of pregnancy is a missed period, some individuals do continue to bleed or get a light period when pregnant. Unusually light periods or spotting may be the sign of an ectopic pregnancy which can be very dangerous. If you think this may be the case, take a pregnancy test and/or consult a medical professional.
So now that we’ve covered the most reasons for a light flow, we’ll cover what you can do to manage a lighter flow!
Try a light size tampon!
Tampon size has nothing to do with the size of your vagina. Tampon sizes are actually related to absorbency and the volume/heaviness of your flow. If you have a heavier flow, you will likely use a regular or super size tampon, whereas if you have a lighter flow, you may opt to use a light tampon. Picking the right absorbency can seriously affect your comfort levels!
We wrote a guide to help you decide the right size for your flow.
If your flow is suddenly becoming lighter, consider opting for a light size tampon. At marlow, our tampons come in light, regular, and super absorbencies. They’re made from 100% organic cotton without any added fragrances or dyes.
Struggling to get a tampon in with your light flow? Try marlow lubricant!
Your blood acts as a natural lubricant when inserting a tampon. However, if you have a light flow, especially towards the beginning or end of your cycle, you may not have enough natural lubrication which can cause pain or discomfort when inserting a tampon. If you have a light flow, make sure you’re using a light size tampon.
You can also try dipping your tampon in our Marlow lubricant for smoother and more comfortable insertion. The lubricant provides added moisture, making it easier to insert.
The bottom line
In summary, these are the 5 most common reasons for a lighter flow. If you are experiencing a lighter flow, consider trying a light size tampon and dipping it into the marlow lubricant for added comfort. When in doubt, always consult a medical professional for the best advice.