Is It Normal for Menstruation to Last Only One Day?

Is it normal for menstruation to last only one day?

Hello, doctor.
Over two years ago, I experienced nipple discharge without being pregnant.
I had blood tests done at a major hospital to check for elevated prolactin levels, but the results were normal.
An ultrasound showed I had benign breast fibrocystic changes, and the doctor advised me to continue monitoring without too much concern.
After that, I did not pursue further follow-up.
My menstrual cycles have been regular, never lasting less than three days.
However, this month, my period was very light, which is unusual for me as I typically have heavy flow.
I only needed to change my pad once in a day, and when I woke up today, I found no blood on the pad at all.
After using the restroom, there was also no menstrual blood when I wiped.
It lasted less than a day, and it suddenly reminded me of the situation from two years ago, as I noticed nipple discharge again.
However, I have an IUD (which I have had for over a year), so pregnancy is not possible.
Why is the nipple discharge occurring again? And why did my period only last a day? Do you think these issues are related? Is there a chance that my prolactin levels could increase after more than two years, even though they were normal before?

Qiqi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/11/11

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, please monitor your condition next month to see if it normalizes.
If it remains abnormal, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2018/11/11

More Info

Menstruation is a complex physiological process regulated by hormonal changes in the body. It is generally expected to last between three to seven days, but variations can occur due to a variety of factors. In your case, experiencing a menstrual period that lasts only one day, especially after a history of regular cycles, can be concerning and warrants further investigation.

Firstly, it is important to understand that a sudden change in menstrual patterns can be influenced by several factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, significant weight changes, or underlying medical conditions. In your situation, the fact that you have been using an intrauterine device (IUD) for over a year may also play a role. IUDs can affect menstrual flow, often leading to lighter periods or even amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation) in some users.
The secretion of breast milk (galactorrhea) you mentioned, despite not being pregnant, can be linked to elevated levels of prolactin, a hormone responsible for milk production. Although your previous tests indicated normal prolactin levels, it is possible for these levels to fluctuate over time due to various factors, including stress, certain medications, or even benign tumors of the pituitary gland (prolactinomas).
The relationship between your short menstrual period and the lactation symptoms could be interconnected. Hormonal imbalances, particularly involving prolactin, can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle. If prolactin levels were to increase again, it could potentially lead to changes in your menstrual cycle, including shorter periods or even missed cycles.

Given your history and the recent changes in your menstrual cycle, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend blood tests to check your hormone levels, including prolactin, estrogen, and progesterone. Additionally, imaging studies such as an ultrasound of the ovaries and uterus may be warranted to rule out any structural abnormalities or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that could affect your menstrual cycle.

In summary, while a one-day menstrual period can occur occasionally and may not always indicate a serious issue, the combination of this change with the lactation symptoms you are experiencing suggests that further investigation is necessary. Hormonal fluctuations can have a significant impact on both menstruation and lactation, and understanding the underlying causes will be key to addressing your concerns. It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider and follow up on any recommended tests or evaluations to ensure your reproductive health is monitored effectively.

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