Scanty menses or periods can occur normally at the extremes of the reproductive life that is, just after puberty and just before menopause. This is because ovulation is irregular at this time, and the endometrial lining fails to develop normally. But normal problems at other times can also cause scanty blood flow. Anovulation due to a low thyroid hormone level, high prolactin level, high insulin level, high androgen level and problems with other hormone can also cause scanty periods. Other cause of scanty menses still technically an abnormality of the menstrual flow, Disorders causing scanty menstruation One cause of scanty menses is Asherman s syndrome (intrauterine adhesions), of which hypomenorrhea (or amenorrhea) may be the only apparent sign. The degree of menstrual deficiency is closely correlated to the extent of the adhesions. Nervous and emotional: Psychogenic factors such as stress due to exams, or excessive excitement about an upcoming event may cause hypomenorrhea. Such factors suppress the activity of the centers in the brain that stimulate the ovaries during the ovarian cycle (to secrete hormone like estrogen and progesterone), and may result in low production of these hormones. Low body fat: Excessive exercise and crash dieting can cause scanty menstrual periods when the proportion of body fat drops beneath a certain level. It may cause a total absence of periods. First you should get following test done for diagnosis Blood Tests: Most of the common cause of decreased flow of blood during the menses can be detected by blood tests. Tests for the level of hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estrogen, prolactin, insulin are important. In polycystic ovarian syndrome, there will be high levels of insulin and androgens. Ultrasound of lower abdomen which help to diagnose the thickness of the endometrium, size of the ovaries growth of follicles, ovulation and other abnormalities. Share reports for further management.