If you are having two periods in one month and are concerned about it; help yourself by reading this article. A detailed explanation of the possibilities and causes are elucidated here.
A regular menstrual cycle indicates that the biological clock is ticking normally. Though menstruation is the most dreaded time of the month for almost all women, repeated irregularity of the cycle can be a cause of concern. Go through this article to find out if it is normal to have two periods in a month.
Teenage girls may have two periods in some months. In most cases, the condition normalizes within two to three years from the date of the first period. Even adult women may experience such frequent periods. It is not abnormal, if there is an interval of more than 23 days or more, in between two periods. This is because, the length of a normal menstrual cycle ranges between 23 to 35 days.
Common Causes
Experiencing menstruation twice a month is quite a nightmare, which instigates anxiety and panic, but it might not be as serious as it sounds. Some of the common causes are given below.
Hormonal Imbalance
Variations in normal hormone levels may cause abnormality in the menstrual cycle. This can happen due to stress, changes in diet, mental or physical strain, etc. Hormonal imbalance is one of the common causes for frequent or skipped periods. Excessive weight gain or loss may also disrupt the normal hormone levels and lead to irregular menstrual cycle. Certain medication, like birth control pills, may also contribute to this condition, as they can affect the hormone levels. Hormone levels get disrupted during perimenopause, a stage that precedes actual menopause.
Thyroid Problems
Drop in the level of thyroid hormones which are secreted by thyroid glands, can also cause irregular menstruation. Women with hypothyroidism may experience too frequent and heavy periods.
Improper Diet/Alcoholism
A sudden weight gain or loss due to unhealthy eating habits and absence of a balanced diet may lead to abnormal menstruation. Excess consumption of alcohol may affect the liver. This may also affect the normal hormone levels and lead to frequent periods.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
STDs like gonorrhea and Chlamydia may cause inflammation of the uterus. These medical conditions are often associated with abnormally frequent menstruation, and painful as well as heavy bleeding.
Uterine Fibroids/Polyps
Usually, women with uterine fibroids or polyps experience frequent periods, along with heavy and prolonged bleeding. The uterine lining that lies over these growths is not stable enough to withstand the regular interval between two periods. It may start shedding earlier, thereby causing two periods in one month.
Other Causes
Women who have given birth recently may experience excessive bleeding due to a sudden rush of hormones. Sometimes, a miscarriage may also lead to two menstrual cycles in a month. While certain medication may cause frequent periods, medical procedures like chemotherapy are also linked to altered menstrual cycle. In some cases, cervical cancer or cervical dysplasia might as well be the cause. Endometriosis is another condition that can cause two periods in one month.
When Should You Consult the Doctor?
Having periods twice a month is definitely not a common phenomenon. However, it does not always indicate serious problems. If such irregularity is experienced for more than two consecutive months, consult a gynecologist, especially if you are suffering from heavy bleeding, pain, cramps, body odor, etc. Your gynecologist may perform a pelvic examination, ultrasound, and biopsy. Blood tests may be done to assess the hormone levels. While treatment may not be required in most cases, some women may require medication for normalizing the menstrual cycle. So, treatment is provided according to the underlying cause. Lifestyle changes may be sufficient, if the underlying causes include obesity, stress, etc.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.