As you begin to experience bodily changes caused by hormone fluctuations, one of the many symptoms you will encounter is a change in the frequency and severity of your periods. Some women experience lighter periods, some heavier ones, and some begin to skip them. Here we are going to talk about menopause and lighter periods.

What are lighter periods?

Lighter periods are menstrual bleeding that involves blood flow that is less than a woman has experienced in the past. These periods may or may not be accompanied by accompanying symptoms (e.g., cramping) similar to or different from those experienced in the past.

Read about heavy periods due to hormone imbalance

How are lighter periods associated with perimenopause and menopause?

During perimenopause, women generally begin to experience lighter periods starting in their 30s and also can experience less frequent periods. This occurs because estrogen levels are declining. Estrogen is associated with increasing the thickness of the lining of the uterus, less of the hormone means less blood is released.

How can you manage lighter periods in menopause naturally?

Lighter periods is not a symptom that necessarily needs any type of intervention. Many women welcome them, in fact. However, you can help regulate your hormones and reduce the number and severity of other menopause symptoms you may experience along with lighter periods by trying a few natural remedies or supplements. You should discuss any herbal supplement use with a knowledgeable medical professional before you start taking them.

Read about taboos in women’s health

• Soy supplements and soy foods may help balance hormones and manage symptoms associated with hormone changes. In a 2017 study, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women who took 100 mg soy isoflavones for 12 weeks showed a significant improvement in symptom scores.
• Focus on nutrition with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, lean protein (including plant protein), and healthy fats.
• At least five days a week, do weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jumping, trampoline, hiking, or strength training.
• Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep nightly. Quality sleep is critical for hormone activity. Did you know cortisol (stress hormone) levels decline during the first few hours of sleep? Try our Morphus Sleepus supplement to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer because of it's four synergistic ingredients.
• Limit or eliminate caffeine and alcohol.
• Practice stress reduction techniques daily. Stress takes a big toll on hormone balancing. Meditation, progressive relaxation, deep breathing, yoga, and other relaxing activities are recommended on a daily basis.
• Consider hormone-balancing herbs. Nigella sativa (black cumin seed; has phytoestrogen properties) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera; helps with stress and sleep), [Note: We have our own black seed oil formula called ThymoQuin. Buy it here.]

when to call your doctor

If you begin to experience abnormalities in menstrual bleeding, such as sudden heavy bleeding, spotting after your period or after sex, longer periods than usual, blood clots, or periods that are closer together, contact your doctor.

bottom line

Lighter periods are common during perimenopause. They typically don’t require any type of management, although you may want to adopt some lifestyle changes or take natural supplements to help balance your hormones, which may relieve other symptoms.