Is It Normal To Have Two Periods In One Month
If spotting’s not the case – and youre sure you’ve definitely had two defined periods – there are several possible causes, says Dr Jarvis. “Firstly, most women assume that the only ‘normal’ duration between periods is 28 days, when in fact, anything from about 21 to 40 days is considered normal.” She adds that some women who previously had longer cycles may experience two periods in a month if their cycle gets shorter.
If you’re taking the combined contraceptive pill and miss a couple of doses, you may also get a withdrawal bleed which seems like an extra period. “You can also get a period-type bleed after taking the emergency contraceptive pill too,” Dr Jarvis notes, adding that some forms of hormonal contraception, especially the contraceptive implant, can also lead to more frequent periods, as well as the earlier-mentioned spotting.
As for whether or not you need to urgently contact a doctor, if youve only recently changed the type of contraception you use, or are taking a form of contraception that can cause irregular periods , Dr Jarvis says its generally pretty safe to just monitor your periods for a while. However, if you’re getting other symptoms too, or find yourself feeling anxious, then there’s certainly no harm in booking in for a chat.
“Thyroid problems, losing or gaining weight quickly, illness or stress could also be the cause”
What Causes Irregular Period
Menstrual cycle irregularities such as having period twice in one month can be due to various factors. Here are some of the causes:
- Premature ovarian failure: Premature ovarian failure or primary ovarian insufficiency is described as the loss of normal ovarian function before 40 years of age. It can cause infrequent periods over a number of years.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome: This is a common hormonal disorder that can cause small cysts to form on the ovaries, leading to irregular periods.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease: This is an infection of the reproductive organs that can cause irregular menstrual periods.
- Uterine fibroids: These are noncancerous growths that occur in the uterus. Heavy periods and bleeding between periods can be due to uterine fibroids.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Missed or delayed periods can be a sign of pregnancy. After pregnancy, breastfeeding normally delays the resumption of menstruation.
- Extreme weight loss, eating disorders or excessive exercising: Menstruation can be disrupted by extreme weight loss, eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or increased physical activity.
- Thyroid problems: The uterine lining can thicken as a result of thyroid diseases and in turn cause more bleeding.
- Stress: Stress due to financial worries, arguments, or even exams can change your menstrual cycle temporarily.
Dont Miss: Using Birth Control To Stop Period Once It Starts
You Have An Infection Down There
Vaginal and cervical infections are incredibly annoying for a number of reasons, not least of all that they can cause bleeding outside of your period. Inflammation or infection of the cervix with bacteria, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, can cause irregular bleeding, says Dr. Richardson.
Many STDs often dont cause any other symptoms, although you may experience foul-smelling or gray, white, or green discharge itching or burning in your genital area or burning during urination.
You May Like: How Do You End Your Period Faster
You Have A Short Menstrual Cycle
Indeed, you can get your period twice in a month. And for some people, a bimonthly flow is totally typical.
Here’s why: “A normal menstrual period may last between 21 and 35 days, so many with normal menses may still have more than one period per month,” Dr. Verma says.
In other words, if you have a shorter cycle, you can bleed twice in the span of 30 days.
Treatment For Frequent Menstruation
The treatment for frequent menstruation depends on the underlying cause. If you have just started having periods or you normally have shorter menstrual cycles, you wont need any treatment. However, if your doctor is concerned that the frequency of blood loss due to your periods is causing anaemia, they may suggest taking iron supplements.
In some cases, hormonal birth control may be recommended to treat frequent menstruation.
Read Also: Signs My First Period Is Coming
Reasons Why You Can Get Your Period Twice A Month
Real talk: Menstruation can be exceptionally unpleasant . So, if your flow visits more frequently â say, a period twice a month â you might be freaking out a bit. After all, no one wants to deal with double the trouble.
Video of the Day
Still, you might also be worried about whether bleeding bimonthly is a cause for concern. So, is it normal to have your period twice a month?
Well, it depends. Sometimes, shedding your uterine lining twice in one month is NBD, while other times, it can indicate a more serious health issue.
“Anytime your period changes significantly, especially if it is heavier, lasts much longer or results in large blood clots or pain,” you should talk to your doctor, says Angela Marshall, MD, a board-certified internist and the CEO of Comprehensive Women’s Health. These can all be signs of an underlying medical condition.
Likewise, “whenever anyone is experiencing symptoms associated with menstruation that are impacting their lives in a serious way, whether it is frequency of periods, length of periods, pain, irritability or mood,” don’t just grin and bear it, says Nisha Verma, MD, a complex family planning specialist and the Darney-Landy Fellow at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Period-related problems shouldn’t diminish your quality of life.
We spoke with experts to understand why you get your period twice a month and when you should see a doctor.
Warning
When To See A Healthcare Provider
If you get your period more than once per month, contact your healthcare provider. “You can have a weird period episode, especially since stress, diet changes, travel, or exercise can cause irregularities, but if it’s happening over and over, you should be seen by your doctor,” Dr. Dweck explained.
A healthcare provider might also ask about whether you’re also experiencing other symptoms or may run additional testingblood work, ultrasound, etc.depending on what’s suspected. After that, the underlying cause will guide treatment. Examples of treatment include thyroid medication, a new birth control method, or a plan for managing PCOS.
Figuring out why you’re dealing with two periods in one month isn’t always so cut and dry, but knowing why you might be having this experience will help you and your healthcare provider make a plan to manage any underlying problems.
You May Like: Can You Get A Brazilian Wax On Your Period
Why Does My Period Come Twice In One Month
Your thyroid isnt working properly. An underactive or overactive thyroid gland can cause your period to come twice in one month. The thyroid gland is regulated by hormones produced and regulated in the same area of the brainthe pituitary and hypothalamusas the hormones that control menstruation and ovulation, explains Dweck.
You May Like: Why Do Periods Hurt So Bad
Why Are My Periods Getting Closer Together
I continued to explain to Katie that when periods become closer together, farther apart, heavier or lighter, it means that the hormone balance is changing. As an ovary gets older, the estrogen levels become more erraticsome days higher, some days lowerand the progesterone levels are lower and fall more quickly.
Why do I get my period after 15 days?
Changes to your hormones or ovulation may cause a long period. You may notice hormonal changes when you first get your period during puberty or in perimenopause. You may also experience a hormonal imbalance from different health conditions, such as thyroid disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome.
Also Check: How Long Do Period Cramps Last
How Is It Even Possible To Get Two Periods In One Month
The average cycle should occur every 21 to 35 days and last anywhere from two to seven days, explains Lakeisha Richardson, MD, an ob-gyn based in Greenville, Mississippi. So, if youre on the shorter end of that spectrum, that math could easily translate into getting your period twice in one month. And about 40 to 60 percent of women will have some irregular periods throughout their lives, she says.
About 40 to 60 percent of women will have some irregular periods throughout their lives.
Meanwhile about five percent of women can have one period followed by mid-cycle bleeding, says Anna Rhee, MD, an assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive science at Mount Sinai. “Mid-cycle bleeding occurs during ovulation due to increasing luteinizing hormone . It is usually light and lasts two to three days just in the middle of a cycle,” she explains.
If you don’t just have a cycle thats on the shorter end of the spectrum, your period might be bleeding linked to a medical condition or birth control. Even though most of the reasons are totally benign, seeing your doctor can help identify the cause and start treatment early if needed.
Here’s what might be going on if you’re getting two periods in one monthand what to do to get your cycle back on track.
Not Sure What To Do Next
If you are still concerned about bleeding between periods, check your symptoms with healthdirects online Symptom Checker to get advice on when to seek medical attention.
The Symptom checker guides you to the next appropriate healthcare steps, whether its self-care, talking to a health professional, going to a hospital or calling triple zero .
Dont Miss: How To Delay Your Period With Ibuprofen
Read Also: Can Birth Control Stop Your Period From Coming
Uterine Polyps Or Fibroids
Uterine polyps are soft growths in the endometrium. They can be as small as a sesame seed or larger than a golf ball.
You can have one or multiple polyps, which are usually not cancerous. They’re more common with age and rare in people under 20.
Symptoms of uterine polyps include:
- Post-menopausal bleeding or spotting
- Bleeding after vaginal penetration
Uterine fibroids are growths in the muscle tissue rather than the endometrium. They’re also called leiomyomas, myomas, or fibromas.
Fibroids can be inside or outside the uterus. As with polyps, you can have one or several.
Symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
- Bloating and swelling in the abdomen
- Frequent urination and being unable to empty your bladder
- Pain during vaginal penetration
- Vaginal discharge
Both polyps and fibroids can cause problems with your menstrual cycle. You may have more frequent periods , longer and heavier periods, and bleeding between periods.
The treatment for polyps and fibroids ranges from symptom management and hormonal therapies to surgical removal of the growths. In more serious cases, people need to have a hysterectomy.
Uterine growths can also affect your fertility and may even cause miscarriages.
Is It Okay To Have Periods Twice A Month
Yes, there is nothing to worry about having periods after 15 days. However, consulting the doctor to know why is never a bad idea.
Females in puberty and just before menopause might experience vaginal bleeding. The occurrence is expected during the menstrual period. The period length varies between different women. It can be distinct at various stages of their life.
You May Like: Does Pickle Juice Help With Period Cramps
The Effects Of Birth Control And Menopause
Variousforms of birth control can affect the frequency and duration of your period.The birth control pill tends to produce a regular period that occurs everymonth and lasts for three to five days. A hormonal IUD usually results in alighter period or noperiod at all. Most women experience spotting for the first fewmonths after getting the IUD.
A copper IUD may have no effect on bleeding patterns or may cause heavier and longer periods for some women. Progestin-only methods like the injection, medroxyprogesterone acetate , and the implant, etonogestrel are associated with irregular spotting as well, but most women report lighter and shorter periods.
Periods can become longer and more irregular as women approach menopause. Its important to discuss cycle characteristics with your doctor, especially women over the age of 45, as the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer increases with age.
Potential Risk Factors For Shorter Menstrual Cycle
Teens and preteens who have just gotten their period could easily experience having two periods in one month simply because hormonal fluctuations during puberty are normal. Moreover, this could happen for up to two years after starting menstruating.
On the other hand, youre also at a higher risk of having a shorter menstrual cycle and sometimes getting a period every two weeks if you have a family history of early-onset menopause, cysts, and/or fibroids.
Of course, just because you may be in the increased risk group doesnt mean youll necessarily have to deal with more frequent menstrual bleeding at all.
You May Like: Can You Take Plan B On Your Period
Sex Question: Why Did I Get My Period Twice In One Month
Dear Dr. H,
I got my period even though I had it two weeks ago. Why did this happen? I’m 43 years old. Am I going through menopause?
Read on for Dr. Hilda Hutcherson‘s response.
A. This isn’t menopause, but you may be entering into perimenopause. During this phase, which may last for up to 10 years, your ovaries don’t work as well as they did before. You may not ovulate each month, and your estrogen levels begin to decrease or fluctuate. This may shorten your menstrual cycles, which can cause your periods to become irregular. Stress, sudden weight fluctuations or fibroids, as well as thyroid and other endocrine problems, can also affect a woman’s cycle. While there may be nothing to worry about, I suggest that you make an appointment to see your gynecologist for an evaluation, just to be on the safe side.
Readers, has this ever happened to you? Do you have any other concerns about your period? Let’s talk about them here!
Have a question for me? Feel free to leave it in the comments section below, or send me an e-mail. And don’t forget to check back regularly, right here on Vitamin G to see if I’ve answered it.
Can You Get Two Periods In A Month
Yes, there is a possibility of getting periods twice a month if you have a shorter cycle. Other reasons for getting the period twice a month are hyperthyroidism, stress, illness or medication, birth control, excessive weight loss or weight gain, uterine cysts or fibroids, reactions to birth control methods, excessive exercise, sexually transmitted disease and the onset of menopause. If your menstrual cycle becomes shorter suddenly then you need to consult your doctor. . Also Read Why Involving Men in Menstruation is The Need of The Hour
Other conditions can also be mistaken for a menstrual cycle. In case you are pregnant, you may experience spotting in the first trimester. In spotting, there will not be enough bleeding. The blood during spotting is usually darker that period blood. Heavy bleeding is caused by a miscarriage and it can be mistaken for menstrual cycle.
Also Check: I M 11 Days Late On My Period
You’ve Recently Taken Emergency Contraception
If youve taken an emergency contraceptive and found that you bled shortly after, its because the hormone levels in Plan B, for example, are similar but higher than the ones released in your body when you use birth control, resulting in spotting. Dr. Lincoln describes it as short-term and not harmful to your body.
Why Am I Bleeding 2 Weeks After My Last Period
In the case of puberty and just before menopause, women might experience vaginal bleeding more than once each month during the menstrual period. Apart from this natural reason, diseases such as PCOD , uterine fibroids, uterine polyps, vaginal infections, or uterine infections can cause mistimed and irregular periods.
Sometimes missing your usual birth control pills can also cause intermittent bleeding between two period cycles. A period varies between different women. It can be different at various stages of their life. Generally, women experience a menstrual period once a month. This cycle happens every 21 to 35 days.
You May Like: How To Make Period End Faster
Your Thyroid Isnt Working Properly
An underactive or overactive thyroid gland can cause your period to come twice in one month. The thyroid gland is regulated by hormones produced and regulated in the same area of the brainthe pituitary and hypothalamusas the hormones that control menstruation and ovulation, explains Dweck. When one is off, the other might be affected.
If you have hyperthyroidism , you may also lose weight unexpectedly, feel nervous or anxious, have a rapid heartbeat, or have trouble sleeping. Hypothyroidism can cause weight gain, constipation, fatigue, and increased sensitivity to cold, among other symptoms.
Your risk of developing a thyroid disease could vary by race, potentially due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. According to a 2014 study in JAMA, Graves disease, an autoimmune disorder often at the root of hyperthyroidism, is more common in Black, Asian, and Pacific Islander women compared to white women. On the other hand, Hashimotos disease, which often causes hypothyroidism, is more common in white women.
What to do about it
This is diagnosed with a blood test and typically treated with medication. Hypothyroidism drugs restore your levels to a normal level so symptoms should disappear and you start feeling better soon. Hyperthyroidism medications can clear up symptoms within a few weeks by keeping your thyroid from overproducing hormones. Most of the time this treatment permanently fixes the issue, although sometimes you may need surgery.
When To Call Your Provider
While some of the causes of frequent periods are not serious and don’t need treatment, dont assume thats the case if you have two periods in one month.
- Your period becomes irregular, especially if its sudden or without an obvious cause
- Your periods are less than 21 days apart
- You have a period that lasts more than seven days
- You have an unusually heavy or painful period
- You bleed between periods
- You bleed at all after menopause
Recommended Reading: How Many Days After Ovulation Will I Get My Period