Experiencing two menstrual periods within a single month can be both confusing and concerning. While a typical menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, it’s essential to recognize that a “normal” period can vary significantly among individuals. Some women may have shorter cycles, leading to more frequent periods, while others may experience longer intervals between cycles. Having two periods in one month can be attributed to various factors, ranging from stress to changes in contraceptive methods. In this article, we’ll explore the potential causes of having two periods in one month and discuss solutions to help manage this occurrence.
How Long is the Average Menstrual Cycle?
Board-certified functional and Cosmetic Gynecologist Dr. Michael Reed explains, “The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, but here’s the thing—your body isn’t a clock. A “normal” cycle can be anywhere from 21 to 35 days, depending on the person. Some women have shorter cycles, others have longer ones, and it can vary from month to month. The key is knowing your normal.”
Why Do Some Women Get Two Periods in One Month?
Menstrual health practitioner Michelle Agudelo explains, “What we experience when we have two periods in one month is called a “breakthrough bleed.” This means that your uterine lining is being built up too much under the influence of estrogen (in this case, excess estrogen), and your progesterone (which is responsible for maintaining the uterine lining once it’s built up) is unable to hold all of this excess lining, so it is released even if no ovulation has occurred. (this is the blood we see being released).”
These two hormones play a significant role in regulating the menstrual cycle, and when they become imbalanced due to underlying issues, they can result in irregular cycles. Agudelo says, “It’s all about getting the basics right! When your body receives what it needs to function at its best (adequate sleep, nutrition, movement, and low stress), then your body feels safe, and it can develop a healthy follicle(s), have a healthy ovulation, a healthy luteal phase, and a healthy menstruation. The problems begin to arise when we do not get the basics right.” The ‘basics’ Agudelo is referring to include:
Stress
“Stress is one of the biggest disruptors,” Reed says. “When you’re constantly under pressure, your body produces more cortisol, the stress hormone, which can interfere with the signals between your brain and ovaries. This can lead to late or missed periods because your body is prioritizing survival over reproduction. It can also cause random spotting or heavier bleeding since cortisol fluctuations throw estrogen and progesterone levels off balance. And if you’ve noticed your cramps feeling worse when you’re stressed, that’s because chronic stress increases inflammation, making everything feel more intense.”
Tip: If you’re prone to having moderate to severe PMS symptoms, you’ll want to take HUM’s Hormone Balance. The supplement uses chasteberry extract, which helps minimize PMS symptoms like cramping, irritability, and acne. Additionally, Dong Quai Root promotes balanced estrogen levels, further reducing discomfort for overall relief.
Diet and Exercise
Your diet also plays a crucial role in regulating hormones and maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle. Agudelo says things like undereating, over-eating inflammatory foods (e.g., alcohol, fried foods, processed foods), and not meeting all of our daily needs (leading to nutrient deficiency) can result in imbalances that cause irregular periods. Dehydration is another essential factor that, without adequate levels, can increase stress hormones, causing cycle irregularities.
Eating a healthy diet is especially crucial for those who are active. Engaging in intense exercise (like a HIIT workout) while being in a calorie deficit increases the amount of stress on the body, increasing our cortisol levels and causing an imbalance in hormone levels. This then leads to breakthrough bleeding in the menstrual cycle.
Birth Control and Contraceptives
Hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills, emergency contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and implants, can sometimes lead to unscheduled bleeding occurring outside of regular periods. This side effect is particularly common as the body adjusts to new contraceptives in the first few months and can even occur when missing doses of birth control pills. Similarly, it can also happen with hormonal IUDs within the first two to six months after insertion.
Underlying Health Conditions
Several medical conditions can cause irregular periods, including:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This condition leads to hormonal imbalances, causing irregular cycles and ovulation.
- Thyroid disorders: This affects the thyroid gland’s function, leading to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which can affect menstrual regularity.
- Uterine fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus that can lead to frequent or heavy periods.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before we reach menopause-a normal part of aging for us as women. During this time, it’s natural to have more frequent periods due to fluctuations in hormone levels that impact the length of your perimenopause cycle. Agudelo explains, “If you suddenly have two periods in a month, and you address your foundational factors, and then your cycle goes back to a normal length consistently, then you know it’s not perimenopause (you can’t turn your cycle back on). However, if you address foundational factors (nutrition, sleep, stress) and your cycle is still shorter, then you know it is likely perimenopause. This is why these foundational factors are important to have in check during any stage of life so as not to confuse a life stage transition (perimenopause) with a true cycle disruption (two periods in one month).”
Solutions for Managing Two Periods in One Month
When it comes to finding a solution for the irregularity in your cycle, it’s important to stay calm and know that there are several ways to approach the issue. Reed suggests taking note of what’s happening in the body. “Is the second “period” actual menstrual bleeding, or is it spotting? Has anything changed lately—stress levels, diet, new medications? If it happens once, it’s probably not a big deal. But if it’s happening consistently for a few months, comes with pain, or is super heavy, it’s time to check in with your doctor. We can do bloodwork to check hormone levels, look for underlying conditions like PCOS or thyroid issues, and make sure everything’s running smoothly.”
There are also other ways to be proactive about your menstrual health, including:
- Track Your Cycle: Using a journal or period-tracking app can help identify patterns and irregularities. This information can be valuable in discussions with your healthcare provider. This will help give them more accurate details and any patterns you may be experiencing so they can better diagnose you.
- Use Stress Management Techniques: Reducing stress can help regulate your menstrual cycle. Consider incorporating relaxing techniques such as yoga or meditation, regular exercise, and getting adequate sleep.
- Consume a Healthy Diet: A well-balanced diet with sufficient nutrients and proper hydration are both crucial in maintaining hormonal balance. This may also help reduce pain from cramps and bloating.
- Consider Birth Control Adjustments: If you suspect your contraceptive method is causing irregular bleeding, talk to your physician about alternative options. Switching to a different type of birth control or adjusting dosages may help regulate your cycle.
- Take Supplements for Vaginal and Period Health: Taking natural supplements that support a healthy microbiome, hormone balance, and PMS symptom relief can all help you maintain a healthy vagina overall. HUM’s SOS PMS Gummies support vaginal and period health using chasteberry extract to balance hormones and reduce PMS symptoms. At the same time, the cranberry maintains a healthy urinary tract, and Vitamin B6 helps improve mood.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it normal to have two periods in one month?
“It can be,” Dr. Reed says, “but it depends on what’s going on. If you have a shorter cycle—say, 21 days—you might technically have two periods in one calendar month, and that’s totally normal. But if you’re suddenly bleeding more often than usual, or your periods are super irregular, it could be a sign of hormonal imbalances, stress, thyroid issues, or even fibroids or polyps. A one-off double period isn’t usually a big deal, but if it keeps happening, it’s worth looking into.”
Can birth control cause two periods in one month?
Yes, hormonal contraceptives can sometimes lead to irregular bleeding or spotting, which may appear as two periods in one month. This is especially common when starting a new birth control method or if you miss doses.
Should I be worried if I get two periods in one month?
Occasionally having two periods in one month is usually not something to worry over. However, if it happens more regularly, is accompanied by heavy bleeding, or causes discomfort, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.
How can I prevent having two periods in one month?
Agudelo states, “The best way to prevent having two periods in one month is to support your Progesterone, which the tactics you do to do this, by default, will help reduce the amount of Estrogen. This “imbalance” of hormones is a cause for the breakthrough bleed.” Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including managing stress levels and seeking medical advice to address other underlying conditions, can all help regulate your menstrual cycle.
Can PCOS cause two periods in one month?
Yes, PCOS can cause two periods in one month if ovulation occurs earlier than usual or if there are fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels, which can trigger breakthrough bleeding.
While occasional irregularities are inevitable due to the reality of everyday life, persistent or concerning changes in your menstrual cycle may be telling you something more serious is going on in your body. However, taking steps to prevent abnormalities, like maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and keeping track of your menstrual patterns, can support overall menstrual health. If irregularities continue, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable to identify any underlying issues and find a solution for your body’s needs. “Your cycle is like a report card for your overall health,” Reed says. “When it’s acting up, your body is trying to tell you something.”
