Is It Normal To Have Period Twice In One Month?

The menstrual cycle occurs in all females from the onset of puberty to menopause in middle age. Normally, the menstrual bleeding lasts for two to seven days and the cycle repeats once every 28 days (lunar month). The menstrual cycle occurring once in 21 days to 35 days is usually considered normal. However, some women may experience shorter cycles with more frequent periods. So, is it possible to have a period twice in one month? Before we go in-depth about the irregular period and period twice in one month, let us understand the menstrual cycle.

What Is Menstrual Cycle?

Normally, once every 28 days, the uterus prepares itself for implanting the fertilized egg. The uterus does this by growing a new lining- the endometrium. If the sperm fails to fertilize an egg, pregnancy never happens. In that case, the uterus lining sheds off along with the blood from the newly formed blood vessels. This is often called the menstrual flow or period. The menstrual cycle refers to the time between the first day of one period and the first day of the next menstrual period. It varies anywhere from 21 to 37 days in different women (1).

What Are Irregular Periods?

Irregular periods are periods that deviate from the regular cycle. They are too early, too late, do not come at all, or have an irregular pattern. An irregular period also includes

Having a period every two weeks
Bleeding that lasts more than 10 days
Having a period twice in one month or more
If the period does not occur for more than 35 days without any specific reason

Is It Possible To Have a Period Twice In One Month?

Yes. The normal menstrual cycle can occur every 24 to 35 days. Therefore, for a woman who has a menstrual cycle every 24 days (short cycle), it is possible to experience a period twice in one month. That is if her previous period starts during the first two days of the month. Most women experience 13 periods annually, which indicates that they will experience two periods in a month at least once.

Getting a period twice in one month occasionally can be normal but having this condition regularly may be a sign of an underlying issue and may need immediate medical attention.

Causes For Periods Occurring Twice In One Month

Menstrual cycle abnormalities, like having a period twice in one month, can be due to many reasons. Some of the important causes are discussed below:

1. Extreme Weight Loss or Gain

Weight changes are often responsible for changes in menstrual cycle (2). Regular periods can be disturbed if you undergo extreme weight loss or gain. The hormones that control the frequency and duration of the period may get affected due to this extreme weight gain or loss resulting in irregular periods.

2. Uterine Issues

The issues that affect the uterus like fibroids, endometriosis, cysts, polyps, PCOS, etc. can cause irregular periods and heavy bleeding.

3. Sexually Transmitted Infections

The sexually transmitted disease may result in bleeding in between the periods which can be misinterpreted as periods.

4. Medications

Intake of certain medicines can affect your menstrual cycle. Bring to your doctor’s notice if you are experiencing two periods per month when you are undergoing some treatment. They might probably change the medicines which can solve your issue.

5. Stress

Any stress, be it financial, academic, career, family, etc. can cause temporary changes in the menstrual cycle (3). This is because both stress and menstruation are closely related to hormonal variations. The changes can last for a couple of months

6. Excessive Exercise

Increased physical activities with or without an intention of weight loss can bring about disruption to the menstrual cycle (4).

7. Eating Disorder

Eating disorders, such as being anorexic (encountering reduced appetite and aversion to food) which results in severe weight loss can lead to an irregular menstrual cycle and missed periods (5).

8. Birth Control Pills

Sometimes, the body requires more time to adjust to the hormonal contraceptive pills. The “breakthrough” bleeding that happens in between the periods is sometimes mistaken for periods.

9. The Onset Of Menopause

If you are above 45 years old, the irregularity and having periods once every fortnight can be an indication of the onset of menopause.

10. Premature Ovarian Failure

Premature ovarian failure, also known as primary ovarian insufficiency, refers to a condition in which normal ovarian function is lost before 40 years of age. It can bring about irregular or more frequent periods (6).

11. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

PID usually happens when the bacteria (mostly sexually transmitted) from the vagina spreads in the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. An irregular menstrual period is one of the outcomes of this condition (7).

12. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Small cysts that appear on the ovaries as a result of hormonal imbalance describe the condition of polycystic ovary syndrome(8).

When To Be Concerned About Having Period Twice In One Month?

If you are getting a period more than once in 24 days, which means you are getting periods once in two weeks, then you should be a little concerned. You should seek medical attention as this can make you anemic due to excessive loss of blood. In addition, there are chances that you might have some underlying medical condition that requires immediate treatment.

Therefore, seek medical attention if:

You are experiencing a period twice in one month for two consecutive months
The blood flow is heavy and unbearable cramps and pain accompany the period

How To Deal With Period Occurring Twice in A Month?

As you are losing a lot of blood, it is important to manage frequent periods wisely along with the treatment to minimize its impact. Bringing about some lifestyle changes can help to solve the issue to a certain extent. Here are some measures that will help you to manage your irregular periods in a proper way

1. Maintain a Period Calendar

Maintain a journal, that marks the exact date or period, nature of bleeding, the number of pads changed, and duration of bleeding. This will help you in the future both getting prepared for the next period and giving the doctor an exact picture of the irregularity

2. Drink Lots Of Water

Increase the fluid intake if you are experiencing irregular periods. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water.

3. Include Fruits And Leafy Vegetables in Your Diet

Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Leafy vegetables, especially dark green leafy vegetables like spinach or kale are rich in folate and help to increase fertility.

4. So Simple Exercises

Though exercising in excess is not a good choice, simple exercises like stretching, walking, etc. will help to manage irregular periods.

5. Say NO To Alcohol And Smoking

Poor lifestyle habits like drinking alcohol, smoking (9), use of narcotic drugs (10), etc. result in irregular periods. Following a good lifestyle is essential for the success of any treatment that is undertaken for dealing with irregular periods.

6. Herbal Remedies

Aloe Vera (juice), ginger (juice), jaggery (powdered), sesame seeds (powdered), etc. are some of the herbal home remedies that may help manage irregular periods.

7. Stress Relief Measures

Practicing yoga, meditation and other stress-relief measures like listening to music or reading books will help to avoid stress, one of the main causes that trigger irregular periods.

8. Decrease the Intake of Refined Carbohydrates And Junk Foods

Minimizing the usage of refined carbohydrates like Maida and other junk food and carbonated and caffeine beverages may help manage irregular periods.

How To Treat Periods That Occur Every Two Weeks?

Treatment entirely depends on the cause and your doctor or gynecologist will be able to help you with the resolution. Irregular periods due to excessive exercise, eating disorders, contraceptive pills, or taking a particular medicine for some purpose, etc. can be rectified by avoiding such circumstances.

Several tests are done to find out any associated uterine issues. This can be diagnosed with the help of pelvic examination, ultrasound, etc. Once the cause is known, treatment is directed accordingly, which can include alternative medicines like hormone-regulating supplements, medication, surgery, etc.

When To Consult A Doctor

Getting two periods in a month occasionally is normal and doesn’t warrant a visit to the doctor. But if this is happening frequently, do visit a gynecologist who will be able to pinpoint the cause behind this condition. If you are trying to conceive and are struggling with irregular periods, you may need to consult a doctor as it may indicate an underlying gynecological or hormonal issue.

So, is it normal to have period twice in one month? Occasionally yes, but this should not happen regularly. A lesser window between periods may indicate hormonal or physiological disturbances that need to be sorted with medical treatment, especially if you are trying to conceive. In most cases, diagnosis and treatment may help get your period cycles back on track.

FAQ’s

1. Is it Normal to Get Two Periods in One Month?

Sometimes it is normal to get two periods in one month, especially if you have shorter cycles. For example, if you get your period at the beginning of the month and you have a 28-day cycle, you may get your second period by the end of the month. Getting two periods in one month occasionally is normal but this should not happen regularly which may indicate an underlying health issue.

2. Can Stress Cause Two Periods in One Month?

Yes, stress can cause two periods in one month. In fact, stress is one of the major causes of irregular periods in women. Stress can bring about hormonal disturbances which can cause periods to come earlier or get delayed. Stress can also cause abnormal levels of bleeding during the period cycle.

3. Can PCOS Cause You to Bleed Twice a Month?

Yes, PCOS, a hormonal condition, may cause you to bleed twice a month. Some women with PCOS may experience delayed or absent periods while others may experience shorter menstrual cycles and frequent periods.

4. Should I Consult a Doctor if I Get my Period Twice in One Month?

If this has happened only once or happens rarely, you needn’t worry. But if getting periods twice in a month happens frequently, you may need to see a gynecologist.

References

How to study the menstrual cycle: Practical tools and recommendations – PMC – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8363181/]
Association between Body Weight Changes and Menstrual Irregularity: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010 to 2012 – PMC – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5503870/]
Prevalence of menstrual problems and their association with psychological stress in young female students studying health sciences – PMC – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5885123/
Effects of intensive training on menstrual function and certain serum hormones and peptides related to the female reproductive system – PMC –[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5457858/]
Menstrual cycle abnormalities and subclinical eating disorders: a preliminary report – PubMed – [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2928463/]
Premature Ovarian Insufficiency – an update on recent advances in understanding and management – PMC – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5710309/]
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf –[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499959/]
Menstrual irregularity and its associated factors among college students in Ethiopia, 2021 – PMC – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9445616/]
Association between cigarette smoking and the risk of dysmenorrhea: A meta-analysis of observational studies – PMC – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7159229/]
Mechanism of action of narcotics in the production of menstrual dysfunction in women – PubMed – [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/236938/]