Have you ever seen your calendar and said to yourself, Oh wait, I just had my period?
When your period appears twice a month, there is nothing unusual about becoming confused or a bit anxious. This happens to many women and can have different causes, from hormones to lifestyle changes.
So, here we will unpack why you get your period twice a month, what this may signify and when you should consider a doctor appointment. OK, so let’s do it.
The Menstrual Cycle Process
Now that we’ve got it out of the way, we should discuss the normal functioning of the menstrual cycle.
A normal cycle takes about 28 days, though it may be between 21 and 35 days in many individuals. This cycle is referred to as the duration between the first day of one period and the first day of the next one. Thus, it will depend on whether your cycle is shorter than usual, e.g. 21 or 22 days, so, in that case, the answer is yes, you can have two periods within the same calendar month, and it may be quite a normal thing.
However, in case your periods are usually regular and then you unexpectedly realize that they have changed, then it is worth taking note of.
Common Reasons for Having Period 2 Times a Month
Some of the reasons that make one go through his/her period 2 times a month are: These are among the most widespread ones:
Shrinking Menstrual Cycles
There are women whose cycle is slightly shorter than the average, which means that it is possible that you end up having a period twice a month, and it is your regular cycle. To give an example, say your cycle is 21 days long and you still had your last period at the beginning of the month, there is a possibility that you might experience another one before the month is out.
Hormonal Imbalance
The menstrual cycle depends on hormones, and any imbalance of the hormones can change the cycle. Your hormones can behave out of the routine due to such conditions as thyroid problems or PCO, or even stress and fluctuations in weight. That may lead to the occurrence of spotting or full periods more than once a month.
Ovulation Bleeding
Light bleeding or spotting during ovulation days is a characteristic of some women, and it normally takes place in the middle of the cycle. This does not involve a real period, but one which can be easily confused with one, particularly when one or two days, and resembles a light period.
Birth control or Emergency Contraceptives
Did you switch your choice of birth control recently, or have you recently taken an emergency contraceptive pill?
These may cause both a temporary change in cycles or spontaneous bleeding.
Perimenopause
If you’re in your late 40s, your cycle might start acting up due to perimenopause. Abnormal menstruation, such as having your period again after 1 week or even twice within a month, is a part of such a medical condition.
I Got My Period Twice This Month Am I Pregnant?
This is also a typical question when your cycle is out of sync. The short answer: probably not—but it’s possible.
There is implantation bleeding that some people perceive as a minimal period. In case you recently had unprotected intercourse and had your period sooner than normal, you could go ahead and take a pregnancy test just in case.
Again, it could also happen that you have your period twice a month and that this is not an indicator/proof of pregnancy, but the fact that it is not regular with you, and you suspect you are pregnant, is not something to overlook.
Period Again After 1 Week: What Is Happening?
Having a period so soon and only a week after the previous one may be scary, but it does not always mean something serious. So, this is what may be happening:
- Stress or anxiety: May lower your hormone levels and lead to irregular bleeding.
- Infections: Certain abnormal bleeding between periods can be due to infections (ie, STIs).
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): It can cause missed periods, spotting or menorrhagia.
- Fibroids or polyps: These are non-cancerous cell growth in the uterus that could lead to skipped or frequent periods.
Provided that this occurs repeatedly, it is worth undergoing examination.
What to do to Deal with Frequent Periods?
Having a period two times a month is annoying- at times, there is a lot of it, and other times, it is painful. You might have to change to more absorbent and comfortable period products to cope with the flow better.
This is an excellent suggestion for anyone with a heavy flow:
The Best Sanitary Pads for Heavy Flow. These pads from Embrace will guarantee that you are more comfortable during sudden periods of the month, and they will protect you and last longer.
How and When Do You Visit a Doctor?
Although a period twice a month is not a cause of undue concern, it is necessary to be on the lookout for warning signs. Tell your doctor about it:
- Stopped having regular periods for at least 6 months
- Have more than 1 period after 1 week
- Have huge amounts of bleeding or clots
- Experience severe pain or agony in the pelvis
- Feel that you are pregnant
Still, a healthcare provider can conduct tests to exclude such conditions as PCOS, thyroid or problems with the uterus.
Final thoughts: “Is it Normal to Have Periods Twice a Month?”
Do you know, there is nothing abnormal with having a period twice a month, particularly when you have a cycle that is shorter. However, ignore it when it is a new change, frequent or accompanied by other symptoms.
Monitor your cycles, keep a stock of comfortable sanitary pads such as Embrace Womanhood. And in case of uncertainty, discuss it with a doctor.
Be aware, be prepared and take care!
