Menstrual flow can vary in consistency, color, scent, texture, volume, and when it happens. Minor changes are usually not a cause for concern, especially if you’re switching forms of hormonal birth control or experiencing life changes that might cause temporary disruptions. Nevertheless, an irregular period can stop you in your tracks.
Today we’re taking a closer look at watery periodsexternal link, opens in a new tab. A watery period is when flow appears thin and diluted, rather than thicker, more opaque, or heavier. The color may be pink or light red.
Is this normal? Is this healthy? What is going on?!
Menstrual periods can change for a lot of reasons, which you can read about in“On the Rag ,” which also discusses when those changes are a cause for concern.
Is it okay to have a watery period? Is it a reason to freak out? What’s normal with periods isn’t ever the same for everyone. Everyone is different, and so are their periods, including over the course of their lives. But each person who has had a period for at least five years or so will usually have a sense of their own baseline, and it’s that baseline that a person will compare periods against to get the best sense of what feels or looks unusual.
What are common causes of a watery flow?
A watery period can sometimes occur during the start or end of a period. Many people experience periods that are lighter than their usual sometimes.
A few reasons for a watery period include:
- Starting and using hormonal methods of birth control. Hormonal methods of birth control often change periods, and in particular, will often make them lighter, as some methods work in part by thinning out the uterine lining, leading to less flow and more of a watery consistencyexternal link, opens in a new tab.
- Lower estrogen levels. Fatigue, mood swings, or headaches paired with a watery period are all things that suggest estrogen levels may be lower. Lower estrogen levels can be caused by eating disorders, menopause, autoimmune diseases, or cancer treatments.
- Dehydration. Simply being on your menstrual cycle can cause dehydration as it increases fluid loss. If you aren’t drinking enough water while on your period, your blood viscosity—AKA blood thickness—can be affected and may result in a thinner, more watery consistency. Excessive thirst can worsen cramping and bloating, too, since the uterus needs water to function properly.
- Life or body changes. Life changes like unmanaged stress or changes in your exercise routine, or changes to your body like weight loss, a recent birth, or perimenopause.
- Medical conditions. Infections, anemia, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, or endometriosis are all conditions that can contribute to watery periods.
- Medications. Some medications besides contraceptives can cause watery menstrual flow, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil, Motrin, and Aleve.
Medical conditions that may cause watery periods
Symptoms that are unusual for the person having them that persist for several days or across several periods may be indicators of conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, and PCOS, which require medical attention. If left untreated, they can lead to further problems that can contribute to infertility, pelvic pain, and other issues.
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in or around the uterus. They can cause a watery period and may present without any other symptoms than that. However, some people with fibroids also experience heavy or painful periods, pelvic pain, frequent urination, pressure in the lower abdomen, lower back pain, and constipation.
Treatments for fibroids include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Hormonal contraceptives
- Uterine artery embolization, which blocks the blood supply to fibroids
- Radiofrequency ablation, which utilizes heat to remove fibroids
- Laparoscopy involves small incisions to remove fibroids
- Myomectomy is a surgical procedure that removes fibroids without disrupting the uterus
- Hysterectomy is a major surgery that removes the uterus, which will prevent fibroids in the future
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining implants elsewhere in the body, such as in the abdomen. While endometriosis doesn’t cause watery periods, it leads to increased vaginal discharge that may appear watery. Because of this, it can be mistaken for period blood. Endometriosis symptoms include long, heavy, and incredibly painful periods. Bowel movements and sexual intercourse may also be painful.
Treatments for endometriosis include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Hormonal contraceptives
- GnRH agonists and antagonists
- Surgeryto remove endometrial tissue
- Hysterectomy is a rare treatment that removes the uterus, but it does not cure endometriosis
PCOSis is caused by higher-than-typical levels of androgen hormones. People with PCOS often have a watery or thin period due to hormonal imbalances. Weight gain, excess hair growth, and acne are other common PCOS symptoms.
Treatments for PCOS include:
- Weight management
- Eating a balanced diet
- Regular physical exercise
- Stress management
- Hormonal contraceptives
- Metformin
- Spironolactone
If you are noticing these symptoms, a health care provider can take your medical history, perform an exam, and, if needed, order lab tests to learn more about what’s going on. Not sure if you should make an appointment? Many clinics have advice lines you can call to discuss your symptoms and get you set up with an appointment if you need one.
Common questions about watery periods
Does a watery period mean I’m pregnant?
Sometimes during the implantation process, which is when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, watery or light flow can occur. But implantation bleeding differs from a watery cycle. Implantation bleeding is much lighter than a watery period and is often a brownish color. It only occurs once, whereas a watery period could happen for the duration of your cycle and be a regular occurrence each month.
So, while a watery period could be one sign of pregnancy, it isn’t the only sign. Take a pregnancy test or visit your doctor to be certain.
How do I manage a watery period?
Managing a watery period is no different than managing any other period. If your flow is watery but heavy, make sure you monitor and change your tampon, pad, or diva cup.
Drink enough water (and then some). Staying hydrated during your period can alleviate cramping and bloating. Make sure to drink eight glasses of water a day.
Limit salt intake to avoid water retention, get some much-needed rest, and, if it’s helpful for you, participate in meditation, yoga, or other gentle exercise, which can help some people with cramps.
How long should a watery period last?
If your watery period lasts longer than seven days or is accompanied by pain, visit a healthcare professional. A period will usually last anywhere from two to seven days, so anything longer may be because of an underlying concern.
How can I make my period more predictable or regular?
Your period may be irregular due to a variety of lifestyle factors and your own body, not all of which are subject to your control. As with many other things, factors such as stress, sleep, diet, and exercise may affect your period, and some people find that making changes regulates their periods. Others do not; it’s just the luck of the draw!
How does a doctor make sure my watery period is typical?
Doctors will ask you to track your period by detailing your menstrual cycle’s start and end dates, type of flow, and assessing when watery periods are most prevalent. Some doctors might perform a pelvic exam, and even further testing can include an ultrasound or an endometrial biopsy.
What is the treatment for a watery period?
There isn’t a treatment for watery periods necessarily, unless it is a side effect of another condition. If your watery period is regular, your doctor will do all of the required tests to weed out any concerns and send you on your way. If you have a particular condition that causes watery periods, you’ll be treated based on your doctor’s diagnosis.
