While occasional changes in the menstrual cycle are not unusual, frequently experiencing two periods in a month may indicate an underlying issue.
Six possible causes
Possible causes of having two periods in 1 month include:
1. One-time anomaly
A person may occasionally have a shorter menstrual cycle that includes two periods in a month.
Following this, their periods may return to their regular cycle.
This occasional change is why doctors look for consistent patterns of frequent bleeding before making a diagnosis or suggesting treatments unless there is an infection or more serious issue present.
2. Young age
Irregular menstrual cycles are common in young people who have just started to have periods.
People tend to have shorter or sometimes longer menstrual cycles during puberty, which may lead to them having two periods in 1 month.
Hormone levels fluctuate significantly during puberty. Research suggests that a young person’s menstrual cycle can take around 6 years to become regular from the time they start having periods.
The thyroid is a regulator of hormonal processes in the body.
This small, butterfly-shaped gland sits just in front of the throat and controls functions, such as body temperature and metabolism.
Irregular menstrual cycles are a common symptom associated with thyroid problems. This is true in both underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism and overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, an estimated one in eight women will experience thyroid problems in their lifetime.
If someone has two periods a month over the course of 2 to 3 months, they should see a doctor.
People should also speak to a doctor about heavy bleeding, such as passing blood clots that are the size of a quarter or larger or bleeding through one or more pads or tampons every hour.
Other period symptoms a person should talk to a doctor about include:
- feeling faint
- pain or bleeding during intercourse
- pelvic pain
- shortness of breath
- unexplained weight changes, including weight gain or loss
Frequent periods can indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment.
Having too many periods can also result in blood loss that leads to anemia or low blood counts, so it is essential to seek medical advice.
Takeaway
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the average woman has her period for nearly 40 years.
While changes to the menstrual cycle are more common during puberty and in the years leading to menopause, they are not as common in a person’s 20s and 30s.
If a person frequently has two periods in one month, this may indicate an underlying medical condition that could benefit from treatment.
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