Why did I get my period twice in one month? Dr. Alyssa Dweck, an OB-GYN and author of “The Complete A to Z for Your V,” explains that having two periods in one calendar month doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. It may just be a coincidence or a symptom. Read on to learn more.
Why Did I Get My Period Twice in One Month?
A typical menstrual cycle usually lasts between 24 and 38 days. If you have a period at the beginning of the month and another one at the end, it falls within the normal range.
However, not everyone follows this exact pattern. Some people experience frequent menstruation, known as polymenorrhea, where they have periods occurring more than once every 21 days.
If you notice that you’re bleeding earlier than your usual cycle or experiencing spotting between periods, it could be an isolated irregularity.
Something else might be going on if your periods regularly happen more than once per month. Here are a few other things to consider if you have another period sooner than expected.
1. Birth Control
2. Hormonal and Structural Problems
3. Perimenopause
4. Pregnancy
5. Puberty
6. Thyroid Disease
7. Stress
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
If you notice that your periods are happening more frequently than usual, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider. Frequent periods can mean experiencing menstrual bleeding that occurs less than every 24 days.
According to Dr. Dweck, “Having an occasional strange period is not uncommon, especially when factors like stress, changes in diet, travel, or exercise come into play. However, if this is happening repeatedly, it’s important to seek medical attention.”
To determine if your periods are irregular, keep track of them. Mark the first day of menstrual bleeding on a calendar and observe any patterns over a few months. Take note of the heaviness of your periods, their duration, and if you experience symptoms such as painful cramps.
By discussing your symptoms and conducting tests, a healthcare provider can identify the underlying cause of your irregular periods. This may involve a blood test to check hormone levels or an ultrasound to detect any cysts. The identified cause will then guide your treatment plan.
Possible Complications
Untreated cases of experiencing two periods in one month can lead to various complications, including:
1. Anemia
Frequent menstruation can result in excessive blood loss, leading to anemia. Anemia occurs when the body lacks sufficient oxygen due to decreased blood volume. Symptoms of anemia include feeling cold, dizzy, irritable, and tired.
2. Endometrial Cancer
Among the most prevalent forms of uterine cancer, endometrial cancer originates in the tissue lining the inside of the uterus. Certain causes of frequent periods, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and polyps, can increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer.
3. Infertility
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of attempting to get pregnant. Hormonal issues, PCOS, polyps, thyroid disease, and uterine fibroids are factors that may heighten the risk of infertility.
Final Thought
Frequent periods or having two periods in one month can lead to complications if untreated.
These include anemia from excessive blood loss, increased risk of endometrial cancer, and higher chances of infertility due to hormonal imbalances or conditions like PCOS, polyps, thyroid disease, or uterine fibroids.
Seeking medical attention is vital to diagnose the underlying cause and pursue appropriate treatment for optimal reproductive health.
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