Can a Hormone Imbalance Cause Lighter Periods?
Irregular menstrual cycles can be a source of concern for women who do not understand the cause of the irregularity. In many cases, a short, heavy, skipped or lighter period may be caused by a hormone imbalance.IdentificationMarcelle Pick, a Nurse Practitioner in Obstetrics/Gynecology, discussed common causes of irregular periods on WomenToWomen.com. According to Pick, irregular periods–such as light periods–are almost always caused by an underlying hormonal imbalance.HyperolactinemiaHyperolactinemia is caused by an abundance of the hormone prolactin; it often results in short, irregular or light periods. The condition can be caused by stress, exercise, certain drugs or an underactive thyroid, among other causes.Secondary AmenorrheaSecondary amenorrhea occurs when the body has extremely low levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is responsible for ovulation and menstruation. The condition typically causes extremely light periods and may even cause menstruation to stop
