What Should You Eat During Your Period to Increase Menstrual Flow?

Scanty menstruation (hypomenorrhea) refers to a condition in which the menstrual cycle remains largely regular, but menstrual flow is significantly reduced—sometimes amounting to only a few drops before ceasing entirely. It is classified as a menstrual disorder. Hypomenorrhea frequently co-occurs with delayed menstruation (oligomenorrhea) and is often accompanied by weight gain. In adolescents and women of childbearing age, this condition may progress to amenorrhea; in perimenopausal women, it often heralds the onset of menopause. So, what foods can be consumed during menstruation to increase menstrual flow? The following section addresses this question.

What to Eat During Menstruation to Increase Menstrual Flow

Generally speaking, during menstruation one may consume foods rich in vitamin E and iron—for example, spinach—which helps replenish blood lost during menses. Additionally, spinach may alleviate dysmenorrhea and promote smoother menstrual flow, thereby reducing or preventing abdominal pain. Foods containing phytoestrogens—such as soybeans—can also support endogenous estrogen production and thus help increase menstrual volume. Pumpkin is rich in zinc, which helps lower blood lipid levels and facilitates menstrual discharge. Rose tea promotes blood circulation, resolves blood stasis, regulates menstruation, and relieves pain; it improves systemic circulation and endocrine function while aiding in the elimination of stagnant blood. However, caution should be exercised: avoid cold or cooling foods, keep the abdomen warm, and abstain from sexual intercourse to prevent infection.

Knowledge Expansion: Causes of Scanty Menstruation

1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a gynecological endocrine disorder commonly associated with hormonal imbalances. When estrogen levels are excessively low, the endometrium fails to proliferate adequately, resulting in an abnormally thin endometrial lining and consequently scanty menstruation. Additional manifestations may include ovulatory dysfunction.

2. Hyperprolactinemia

Amenorrhea may also occur. Hyperprolactinemia is a syndrome characterized by elevated prolactin levels, amenorrhea, galactorrhea, anovulation, and infertility, triggered by internal or external environmental factors. Normal pulsatile secretion and circadian rhythm of prolactin play crucial regulatory roles in mammary gland development, lactation, and ovarian function.

3. Endometrial Tuberculosis

This condition is typically caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of the endometrium. Genital tuberculosis usually first affects the fallopian tubes before progressively spreading to the endometrium and ovaries. Besides causing hypomenorrhea, endometrial tuberculosis may also lead to infertility and lower abdominal heaviness or dull pain.

The above outlines dietary strategies for increasing menstrual flow during menstruation. We hope this information proves helpful.