For most women, a menstrual cycle is a regularly rhythmic pace of life. But when this rhythm is irregular that is, two periods within one month—it becomes confusing and raises concern in many women's minds. Understandably, a first step in managing menstruation health is knowing why this happens and when to see a healthcare professional. All such factors explaining why women can experience two periods in one month will be discussed along with the implications of such irregularities and when to call in the doctors.
Basics of the Menstrual Cycle
The average menstrual cycle should last for approximately 28 days. However, they will likely last for 21 to 35 days in an adult female. The whole cycle is broadly divided into four phases:
- Menstrual Phase: The inner wall of the uterus breaks and
discharges, leading to menstruation.
- Follicular Phase: Hormones stimulate the growth of follicles
within the ovaries, containing an egg that matures.
- Ovulation: A mature egg is released from the ovary, normally
around the middle of the cycle.
- Luteal Phase: The body prepares for the possibility of a
pregnancy. If this does not happen, the hormone levels decrease, and another
menstrual cycle follows.
Knowing the cycle helps differentiate between what
is normal and what is not in periods.
Possible Causes of Having Two Periods in a Month
There are several scenarios in which a woman can experience
two periods within the same month. The most common ones include:
1. Short Menstrual Cycles
Women also differ in the number of days that their cycles
last simply by being inherently shorter. The outcome is that for such women,
there may be a couple of periods per month. Such women can have a cycle of only
21 days, and with a whole month running for 30 days, two periods can occur
during the said month. This is usually absolutely normal and not a thing to
fret about.
2. Hormonal Imbalance
The irregularity of cycles is also caused by hormonal
changes. The common causes include stress, major weight loss or gain, and other
medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome or thyroid diseases.
Imbalance in the system due to hormones can lead to unpredictable bleeding, as
well as cycles that are shortened.
3. Age and Life Stage
Menstruation patterns also have a close relationship with
age: the younger the woman, the less likely she will be at having regular
cycles, especially if recently menstruation started. The cycle regularity also
shifts near the menopausal stage where the uterus may receive more frequent
periods or a missing one.
4. Contraceptives
Hormonal contraception profoundly affects menstrual cycles.
There can be irregular bleeding or spotting, especially in the early months of
starting a new contraceptive method. Some examples are listed below:
Birth Control Pills: Irregular bleeding often occurs when
pills are missed or taken irregularly.
- IUDs: Hormonal IUDs lead to lighter periods for some women
but will induce irregular bleeding during the adjustment phase.
- Implants and Injections: These can also impact menstrual
periods, making it different in that it might bleed frequently or irregularly.
5. Pregnancy and Early Miscarriage
Light bleeding that might be mistaken for a period can occur during early pregnancy because of implantation; further, miscarriage can also present as being similar to menses. If a woman is pregnant and starts bleeding, the home pregnancy test may resolve the issue.
View More: What Is Brown Spotting Instead of Period and What Does It Mean for Your Health
6. Infections
PID and other infections often present with abnormal
bleeding. More typically, the associated symptoms of such conditions are pain,
unusual discharge, or fever. If these symptoms accompany the irregular
bleeding, contact your doctor.
7. Uterine Conditions
The growths are not cancerous and include uterine fibroids
or polyps. This can cause heavy and irregular bleeding. These conditions may
lead to symptoms such as prolonged periods or bleeding between cycles. A
healthcare provider can help diagnose and manage these issues.
8. Medications
Some medications have an effect on menstrual cycles. Examples
include blood thinners known as anticoagulants, some psychiatric medications,
and possibly some others as well; these might alter the bleeding patterns in a
given cycle. If you suspect that your menstrual cycle may have been affected by
medication, talk to your healthcare provider about the issue.
9. Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle factors are strongly correlated with menstrual
health. For example, excessive physical stress, such as heavy exercise or
extreme weight gain/loss, can produce disturbing variations in the level of
hormones and irregular periods. Another factor is emotional stress: because the
body responds to stressors by changing the hormones it produces, emotional
stress impacts the menstrual cycle.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Even though irregularities in the menstrual cycle are
sometimes nothing much to be concerned about, there are certain conditions
under which a health care provider should be consulted:
- Recurring Irregularities: If two periods occur each month
and this becomes a regular occurrence, then it would be best to undergo a
medical evaluation.
- Heavy Menstrual Flow: If the periods become too heavy to
cause changing pads or tampons very frequently, then this also needs to be
investigated.
- Severe Pain: Medical evaluation is required if the menstrual
cramps are severe and accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
- Other Symptoms: A visit to the doctor is warranted if fever,
abnormal discharge, or dramatic weight changes accompany irregular bleeding.
Tracking Your Cycle
You can gain much benefit by keeping track of your menstrual
cycle's rhythm. One can use a calendar or download a period-tracking app to
find patterns and changes in one's cycle. Record your menstrual dates, flow
intensity, and any symptoms associated with it, as these records can be very
helpful for your health care provider if problems do arise.
Benefits of Tracking Your Cycle
- Identifying Patterns: By knowing your cycle, you will
identify what is normal for you and what may be something of a concern.
- Controlling Symptoms: Being abreast with your period in
terms of being prepared for symptoms such as cramps or mood swings.
- Enhancing a Rapport with Healthcare Providers: Records can
help ensure that your doctor makes the best decision possible for your health.
Conclusion
A woman may experience two periods in one month for a variety of reasons, including natural cyclical changes, hormonal imbalances, and underlying health conditions. Sometimes, everything might seem 'normal, so there is little cause for alarm; however, if this happens regularly or occurs along with other symptoms, a healthcare provider must be consulted to assess overall health and well-being.
Since the body has to be understood in terms of
changes that occur in the menstrual cycle, effectively managing reproductive
health lies perfectly well within understanding those details. If you do
experience any of these concerns, just seek advice from a healthcare provider.
Please book an appointment with the Best Gynecologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.