Experiencing two menstrual periods in a single month can be confusing. While the menstrual cycle typically follows a predictable pattern, variations are common. This article explains what constitutes a typical cycle and explores reasons for more frequent bleeding, clarifying when it’s normal and when to seek attention.
Understanding a Typical Menstrual Cycle
A typical menstrual cycle generally spans between 21 and 35 days, with an average of 28 days. It begins on the first day of bleeding and concludes just before the next period starts.
During menstruation, the uterine lining sheds if pregnancy does not occur. Blood flow varies, but using three to six pads or tampons per day is generally normal. Individual experiences can differ while remaining within a healthy spectrum.
Common Reasons for Frequent Periods
Hormonal fluctuations are a common reason for frequent periods. During puberty, the body’s hormonal system matures, leading to irregular or shorter cycles. In perimenopause, hormone levels like estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, causing more frequent or irregular periods.
Changes in hormonal birth control are another frequent cause. Starting, stopping, or switching methods can disrupt the cycle, leading to breakthrough bleeding or shorter intervals. Conditions causing hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid disorders, can also result in more frequent bleeding.
Lifestyle factors influence menstrual cycle patterns. High stress levels can interfere with hormonal balance, leading to irregularities including frequent periods. Significant changes in diet, like rapid weight gain or loss, or extreme exercise, can also cause changes in cycle length.
Certain medical conditions can cause frequent periods. Uterine fibroids or polyps can cause abnormal bleeding, including bleeding between periods or periods occurring closer together. Infections, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can also lead to irregular bleeding. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is known to cause irregular periods, sometimes presenting as more frequent bleeding.
Other situations can cause bleeding mistaken for a second period. Implantation bleeding, when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, can be light spotting around the time a period is due. A miscarriage can also result in bleeding heavier than spotting, appearing as an early or second period. Certain medications can also change menstrual bleeding patterns.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Consult a healthcare professional if you consistently experience frequent periods. This includes periods occurring closer than every 21 days. Persistent changes in your cycle warrant medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause.
Seek advice if you experience very heavy bleeding, such as soaking through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours. Severe pain with bleeding, or bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse, also warrants consultation.
Any new symptoms alongside frequent periods, such as fever, unusual vaginal discharge, or significant fatigue, should be evaluated. If pregnancy is possible, or if frequent periods impact daily life or cause anxiety, a healthcare provider can offer guidance. A proper diagnosis helps rule out serious conditions or manage treatable ones.