Getting two periods in one month may not be cause for any concern.
For some, it may even be the norm.
Some conditions, includingthyroid disease, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and cancer, may be more concerning.
kyoshino / Getty Images
kyoshino / Getty Images
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These levels fluctuate throughout your life.
The average menstrual cycle is 28 days.
Do you ovulate if you get your period twice a month?
Research has shown that this is more common if your cycle is less than 25 days.
Shorter cycles are also more common when you first start menstruating and as you approach menopause.
During your teen years, cycles are often irregular because of all the hormone changes that are taking place.
Your cycles may normalize in your 20s or 30s, changing again later as you make the transition tomenopause.
Pregnancy
Irregular bleeding is common in early pregnancy.
If you suspect you may be pregnant, take an at-home pregnancy test.
If negative, wait a few days before retesting.
Teenage menstrual cycles can last anywhere from 21 to 45 days.This can cause two periods in one month.
These early fluctuations are usually not a cause for concern.
However, if you dont get more regular over time, talk to a healthcare provider.
(Menopause begins when you havent had a period for 12 months in a row.)
During this time, your estrogen levels drop.
Most people with female reproductive organs start this phase between their late 30s and mid-40s.
The process generally lasts for about eight to 10 years before menopause begins.
Some people have early (before age 45) orpremature menopause, before age 40.
Changes in period frequency can be a sign that youre entering one of these phases.
Bleeding After Menopause
Vaginal bleedingafter menopause is not normal.
It can be a sign of serious disease, including endometrial cancer.
Call your healthcare provider right away if youre postmenopausal and have any vaginal bleeding or abnormal discharge.
Thyroid Problems
Your thyroid gland and the hormones it makes are important for regulating your menstrual cycle.
Too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism) can cause shorter menstrual cycles.
Your periods may also last longer than a week.
Hyperthyroidism is associated with lighter, less frequent periods.
The lack of hormones during the placebo week triggers your period.
This can happen even if youve had a recent period, leading to two periods in one month.
The right way to restart birth control after missing one or more doses depends on the key in.
Always read the information that comes with your pills.
it’s possible for you to also ask your provider or pharmacist what to do.
Forget a Pill?
Surgery to remove the lesions may help, but the tissue often comes back.
Some people with endometriosis have their uterus and/or ovaries removed (hysterectomyandoophorectomy).
Uterine Polyps or Fibroids
Uterine polyps and fibroids are non-cancerous growths on the uterus.
Theyre more common with age and rare in people under 20.
Theyre also calledleiomyomasor myomas.
Fibroids can be inside or outside the uterus.
Uterine growths can also affect your fertility and may even cause miscarriages.
The treatment for polyps and fibroids ranges fromsymptom managementand hormonal therapies to surgical removal of the growths.
In more serious cases, people need to have a hysterectomy.
Weight Gain or Obesity
Rapid weight gain can throw off your cycle.
Obesityhas a complex relationship with menstruation.
Too much estrogen can make you have short menstrual cycles and more periods.
Hormonal imbalances can also cause heavier bleeding, more cramps, and longer-lasting pain during your period.
Menstrual changes related to weight are most severe when the extra fat is mostly around the belly.
Talk with your healthcare provider about any concerns about your period and exercise.
Stress
Changes in your day-to-day routine can affect your menstrual cycle.
Typically, getting back to your normal routine will also get your cycle back on track.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease(PID) is an infectious illness.
It’s important to seek PID treatment as soon as possible.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition involving hormonal imbalance.
Fertility challenges are common with PCOS.
Symptoms of reproductive cancers include:
Uterine cancercan cause you to have periods more often.
Cervical and ovarian cancers are more often associated with long and heavy periods rather than more frequent periods.
These cancers can also cause bleeding between periods and spotting or bleeding after menopause.
The treatment for uterine cancer depends on the pop in you have and how healthy you are.
A few options include:
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Medications
Hormonal birth control methods and other medications can disrupt the menstrual cycle.
This information can help your healthcare provider narrow down the possible causes of your period changes.
Summary
Shorter menstrual cycles are not necessarily a sign that something is wrong.
For some people, theyre normal.
Many things can make your period come more often than usual.
Having your period twice in one month could also be a sign of a medical condition that needs treatment.
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