A healthy menstrual cycle typically occurs at regular intervals, ranging from 28 to 35 days. The menstrual bleeding lasts for 2-7 days and can vary in intensity and pattern.
Any variation in this pattern is considered a menstrual irregularity or irregular periods. One such irregularity is experiencing periods twice in a month, referred to as repeat menses or repeat periods.
But what causes a woman to menstruate twice in a month?
Hormonal imbalances, implantation bleeding, and Perimenopause are some of the common causes of repeated menses.
Let’s proceed with the article and find the causes behind the repeated menses in detail.
Causes Behind Repeat Menses
Menstruation is a complex process involving several changes in the body every month. These changes occur because of hormones, mainly -Estrogen and Progesterone.
However, these changes can be disrupted by factors like hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, medications, or diseases leading to irregularities like repeat menses. Below, we have discussed these factors in detail:
PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that can disrupt ovulation or cause it to stop completely. PCOS can lead to irregular periods, including repeat periods, and other symptoms like excess body hair and multiple small cysts on the ovaries.
Knowing the symptoms of PCOS can help in effective diagnosis and treatment. Want to learn about PCOS symptoms in detail? Read Unveiling the Hidden Signs: Understanding PCOS Symptoms.
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Hormonal Imbalances
Estrogen and Progesterone play an important role in regulating your periods. Certain medications, sudden weight gain, or stress can cause an imbalance, leading to repeat periods.
Ovulatory Spotting
Sometimes, light bleeding during ovulation can occur around the middle of your cycle, during Ovulation due to a drop in Estrogen levels.
This is usually much lighter and shorter than a regular period and lasts only one or two days. It’s important to know the difference between spotting and a repeat period.
To learn more about spotting, read Spotting Before Period Causes: From Stress To Birth Control.
Perimenopause
As you approach Menopause, your body enters a transitional phase called Perimenopause. During this time, Estrogen and Progesterone levels vary significantly, which can cause irregular bleeding patterns, including repeat periods, lighter or heavier periods, and even skipped periods.
Implantation Bleeding
In some cases, early pregnancy can cause light bleeding around the time of an expected period. This is known as implantation bleeding and occurs when an egg, after fertilization, implants itself in the uterine lining.
Implantation bleeding is usually very light and shorter than a regular period and may be accompanied by other early pregnancy symptoms like Nausea, fatigue, or breast tenderness.
A home pregnancy test is recommended to rule out pregnancy if this is a possibility.
To understand the differences between pregnancy and regular bleeding, read Period Symptoms vs Pregnancy Symptoms: Detailed Comparison
Fibroids
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the muscular wall of the uterus. They can cause various menstrual problems, including heavier bleeding, longer periods, and, sometimes, repeat periods.
When To See a Doctor
Source: pixelshotWhile repeat periods might not always be a major problem, seeing a doctor is recommended in certain situations:
Heavy or long periods: If your periods, including repeat periods, are unusually heavy or last longer than seven days, seek medical attention and get help managing prolonged bleeding.
Severe pain: Intense cramping or pelvic pain during your period, including repeat periods, is not normal and needs a doctor’s check-up. Painful periods can indicate underlying conditions.
Changes in your cycle: If your regular cycle length or bleeding pattern changes significantly, especially if you experience repeat periods for several months, discuss it with your doctor.
Other symptoms: Any other unusual symptoms with your irregular periods, like fatigue, fever, or unusual vaginal discharge, warrant a doctor’s evaluation.
Treatment for Repeat Menses
Birth control pills (both combined and Progestin-only) can regulate Ovulation and prevent repeat periods by balancing Estrogen and Progesterone.
Medications or minimally invasive procedures might be used to manage fibroids or endometriosis, ultimately reducing irregular bleeding.
Apart from medications, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and managing stress can positively impact hormone balance and reduce repeat periods.
Always consult your nearby healthcare advisor for the effective treatment of repeated periods.
Conclusion
Repeat menses, or having your period twice in a month, can be caused by hormonal imbalances, fibroids, Perimenopause, or PCOS.
Treatment options for repeat menses include birth control pills to regulate hormones, medications, or procedures for fibroids or endometriosis.
Apart from medications, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and managing stress can positively impact hormone balance and reduce repeat periods.
While not always a cause for concern, it’s important to see a doctor for heavy or prolonged bleeding, severe pain, significant cycle changes, or other unusual symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do two periods in a month mean pregnancy?
Two periods could be early pregnancy (implantation bleeding), but it’s less likely. The most common cause for repeat menses is hormonal imbalances. Take a pregnancy test if concerned.
Can Stress cause periods twice a month?
Stress can mess with your periods. It disrupts hormones that control your cycle, potentially causing ovulation issues and leading to repeat periods. Manage Stress with exercise, relaxation, or a therapist. See a doctor to rule out other causes.
Can exercise cause periods twice a month?
Indulging in very intense exercise or workouts can disrupt hormones and Ovulation, potentially leading to irregular bleeding or missed periods, but rarely two periods in a month.
Is it normal to menstruate for two weeks?
No, bleeding for two weeks is not normal (menstrual period typically lasts 2-7 days). It could be a sign of prolonged periods or unrelated bleeding. Visit a doctor to rule out underlying issues and get treatment for heavy flow.
Is there a difference between repeat periods and breakthrough bleeding on birth control?
Yes, repeat periods and breakthrough bleeding are different. Breakthrough bleeding, on the other hand, can happen while taking birth control pills, especially when starting a new pack or missing pills. It’s usually lighter than a regular period and shouldn’t be a cause for major concern unless it’s frequent or heavy.
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