What Happens At Menopause
Women are born with about a million eggs in each ovary. By puberty about 300,000 eggs remain, and by menopause there are no active eggs left.
On average, a woman in Australia will have 400-500 periods in her lifetime. From about 35-40 years of age, the number of eggs left in your ovaries decreases more quickly and you ovulate less regularly until your periods stop. Menopause means the end of ovulation.
Not Sure What To Do Next
If you are still concerned about bleeding between periods, check your symptoms with healthdirect’s 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 .
Got Two Periods In One Month These Are All The Possible Reasons Why
Its bad enough dealing with your period once a month the cramps, the mood swings, the ruined underwear But twice?
As it turns out, getting your period twice in one month isnt all that abnormal. But if youre part of that group, know this: Irregular bleeding can have different implications depending on age, medical history, and family history, says Dr Alyssa Dweck, a gynae and author of The Complete A to Z for Your V. So its important to seek ob-gyn guidance if you have persistent, recurrent, or worrisome bleeding habits.
So 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 Dr Lakeisha Richardson, a gynae 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.
If you dont just have a cycle thats on the shorter end of the spectrum, your period might actually be bleeding linked to a medical condition or missed birth control. And even though most of the reasons are totally benign, seeing your doctor can help identify the cause.
Heres what might be going on if youre getting two periods in one month and what to do to get your cycle back on track.
1. You forgot to take your birth control.
What to do about it
2. Youre pregnant.
What to do about it
Also Check: Taking A Pregnancy Test Before Missed Period
Is It Normal To Miss A Period
There are several times in a persons life when irregular periods are expected: when a person first starts having periods , during breastfeeding, and at the beginning of perimenopause . On average, most people get their periods every 28 days. But a healthy persons menstrual cycle can last from 21 to 35 days. Apart from puberty, menopause, and pregnancy, a missed period may indicate a health issue.
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.
Recommended Reading: Can A Woman Have A Period And Be Pregnant
Stis Or An Involuntary Miscarriage Can Cause Vaginal Bleeding
Dr Ranjana Becon Consultant Gynaecologist Columbia Asia Hospital explains: It is not a reason to worry but if it occurs repeatedly it should be taken care of. It can be a sign of your body indicating hormonal changes or some infection. The vaginal bleeding can indicate a medical concern as well which can be understated as menses by many females. Sexually transmitted infections can also cause vaginal discharge. Not only that, a sudden miscarriage can also leads to a lot of vaginal bleeding.
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.
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Your Thyroid Isn’t 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.
Why Do I Have Irregular Periods After Birth
If youre experiencing irregular periods after pregnancy, youre not alone. Read about the causes of this common condition, and learn when your menstruation should return to normal.
Arguably one of the best parts of pregnancy: your period disappears for nine whole months! Once menstruation finally returns, though, it will be confusing and unpredictableand that’s totally normal. Heres everything you need to know about irregular periods after birth.
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You Might Have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Or Pcos
If you are frequently getting periods twice or thrice in a month, chances are that you might have PCOS. This condition causes hormonal imbalance in the body which can further cause period irregularity. Watch out for other signs of PCOS such as unintentional weight loss and abrupt weight gain.
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You’ve Been Traveling Recently
If you get back from vacation and find an earlier-than-expected period welcoming you home, you might be able to blame said vacation on your irregular bleeding. Depending on how far from home you went, excessive traveling can disrupt your period.
Interfering with your circadian rhythms, like changing time zones or working night shifts, can cause changes in the hormones that trigger your cycle, says Dr. Masterson.
What to do about it
As long as the travel was a one-time thing, this should resolve on its own. If you work the night shift regularly, though, irregular periods might be your new normal. Aim to clock at least six hours a night, and make the most of the sleep you do get by blocking out noise and light and avoiding using screens right before you nod off.
Since youre already feeling the effects of late nightsand shift work can do harm to your health over time, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, GI problems and even heart diseaseyou may want to consider talking to your boss about whether its possible to rework your schedule.
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Two Menstrual Periods In One Month
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Getting your period twice in one month can be surprising, not to mention annoying and uncomfortable. And if youve never experienced this before, you also might find yourself worried that something concerning is going on in your body.
Getting two periods in one month isnt always a cause for concernyour body may be following its normal menstrual cycle, which can range in length between 24 and 38 days. So, if your cycle is less than a month long and you have your period at the beginning of the month, you may see it appear again toward the end of the month.
But aside from the length of your cycle, there are many other reasons why you might experience bleeding twice in a month. In some cases, you may be experiencing bleeding tied to a health condition rather than actually getting your period twice. Here are some of the common causes:
Do You Know What Causes Menstruation Twice A Month
Two periods in one month can be both surprising and annoying. And if this is something youve never experienced before, you might be concerned that something is wrong with your body.
Its not always a cause for concern if you have two periods in a month your body may be following its normal menstrual cycle, which can last anywhere from 24 to 38 days. Thus, if your cycle is shorter than a month and you have your period at the start of the month, you may see it again at the end of the month.
Apart from the length of your cycle, there are a variety of other reasons why you may be bleeding twice a month. In some cases, rather than getting your period twice, you may be experiencing bleeding due to a medical condition. The following are some of the most common causes:
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You Are Overworked And Stressed
Stress largely affects your health. Believe it or not, stress can trigger minor to major health issues and menstruation is one of them. Most working women lead a stressed-out life. A woman with a hectic schedule and poor lifestyle are highly likely to suffer from irregular menstruation conditions. Taking a lot of stress is one of the factors however this reason can be ruled out if the double period situation is frequent.
Reasons For Missed Periods Or Absence Of Menstruation
Some peoples periods arrive each month like clockwork. For others, periods are unpredictable and may come as a surprise. Sometimes, they dont happen at all! This doesnt necessarily mean youre pregnant.
Missed or late periods may happen for a variety of reasons apart from pregnancy. Common causes of missed or irregular periods range from hormonal imbalances to medical issues. Lets discuss the main reasons for a missed period and when its time to contact a health care provider.
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You Have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal condition in which your reproductive hormones become imbalanced. Irregular bleeding is a common symptom of this condition.
Getting your period twice in one month usually isnt anything to worry about if it happens just once or you know you have a shorter cycle. But if this is happening repeatedly each month and is different from your normal cycle, youll want to see your healthcare provider to find out whats going on.
If you would like to meet with a knowledgeable doctor, consider contacting Womens Health Arizona. As Arizonas largest ObGyn group, were trained and solely dedicated to delivering the best ObGyn experience in convenient and comfortable settings around Phoenix.
Skipping Or Discontinuing Birth Control
Birth control pills suppress your normal menstrual cycle with hormones that prevent ovulation. The pills usually come in a three-week supply followed by a week of placebos , and the lack of hormones during the placebo week is what makes you have a period.
When you go off of the pill, or even miss just a pill or two, your body may react like it does during the placebo week and start shedding the uterine lining. This can happen even if it hasn’t been very long since your last period. A similar process happens if you make a mistake with a birth control patch or ring.
The proper way to resume your birth control after missing one or more doses varies by type, so be sure to read the information that comes with your contraceptive or ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what to do. And don’t forget that you may need a backup method of contraception or emergency contraception to avoid an unintended pregnancy.
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Reaction To Birth Control
Hormonal birth control introduces hormones into your body. This can affect your menstrual cycle. You may need to try a few different types of birth control to find one that works for you. It also takes a few months for your body to adjust to a new method of birth control.
Talk to your doctor about what you should expect when starting a new birth control method.
You Have Uterine Polyps Or Fibroids
Uterine issues like polyps or fibroidsbenign lesions or tumors that can grow in the uterusare very common and may be related to hormonal issues. Uterine polyps can cause bleeding in between periods, says Dr. Dweck, especially if they are touched, like during sex, and fibroids can cause pain, back pain, abdominal bloating, anemia, pain with intercourse, and spontaneous bleeding because theyre not associated with the menstrual cycle, explains Dr. Richardson.
While fibroids can affect women of any age or race, Black women are about three times more likely to develop them compared to white women, and their symptoms tend to emerge at an earlier age with greater severity. Its unclear why exactly Black women are disproportionately impacted by fibroids, but some studies suggest that greater exposure to racial discrimination or genetics could play a role.
As the Black Womens Health Imperative notes, heavy, painful periods may seem like a fact of life since theyre so commonand many women wait years to seek treatment for fibroidsbut you dont have to needlessly suffer.
What to do about it
Head to your ob-gyn for an ultrasound, a uterine biopsy, or a hysteroscopy . Hormonal medications such as progestins and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists may lessen symptoms of polyps and shrink uterine fibroids.
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