What causes menstrual flow to become progressively lighter?

Menstrual flow gradually decreasing may be due to non-disease factors, or it could result from medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Non-disease factors

Consuming excessive cold or raw foods during menstruation, exposure to cold, or experiencing significant stress recently may obstruct pelvic blood circulation and lead to blood stagnation, resulting in reduced menstrual flow. Symptoms can generally improve by drinking more warm water, getting adequate rest, and correcting unhealthy lifestyle habits.

2. Disease factors

1) Hyperthyroidism

Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones can suppress the production of androgens, leading to lighter menstrual bleeding. It is recommended to take medications such as methimazole tablets, methylthiouracil tablets, or propylthiouracil tablets under a doctor’s guidance to inhibit thyroid hormone secretion and alleviate symptoms.

2) Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Reduced estrogen secretion from the ovaries causes hormonal imbalance, leading to thinning of the endometrium, decreased menstrual flow, or even amenorrhea. It is recommended to take medications such as ethinylestradiol cyproterone tablets, drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets, or dydrogesterone tablets under medical supervision to promote cyclical shedding of the endometrium and improve symptoms.

In addition, pituitary adenoma may also be a potential cause. It is advisable to visit a hospital for appropriate examinations to determine the underlying cause and receive suitable treatment accordingly.