A woman’s body goes through a series of changes every month in preparation for a possible pregnancy. This process is called the menstrual cycle. About once every month, the uterus prepares itself for a fertilized egg by growing a new lining also known as endometrium. Hormonal changes prepare the uterus for pregnancy simultaneously. In the event that there is no fertilized egg to initiate pregnancy, the uterus lining sheds off. This is termed as the menstrual period that occurs in women from teenage to menopause at about 50 years of age. However, there are times when women can get their period twice in one month. Read on to find out more about this phenomenon.

Period Twice in One Month: Is It Normal?

It is completely normal. Your menstrual cycle starts on the first day of your current menstrual period and ends on the first day of the next period. When you start menstruating, your period length may vary. The average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 days. However, a cycle as long as 35 days or as short as 21 days is still normal. There is a possibility of having two periods in one month if you have a 21 day cycle. Most women have about 13 periods in a year meaning they have two periods in at least one month.

What is termed as normal menses varies for every individual. Your cycle can be the same length every month (regular) or irregular. Some people experience painful or pain-free, light or heavy and long or short periods but are still considered normal. The range is broad and, therefore, a normal cycle is what is normal for you.

It is also very normal to have irregular periods during your teen years. Irregular periods come either more than once a month or once every few months. Some girls get their periods more than once in some moths and then miss them for other months. This is just a way for the body to adapt to the changes that occur in a girl’s body as she grows up. However, your periods should become regular after a few years.

When to worry: If your periods come less than 21 days apart, it is important to see your gynecologist. Although most of the reasons for frequent bleeding are benign, very frequent periods must be investigated to rule out any serious problems and prevent anemia. Some hormone problems, clotting problems and sexually transmitted infections can cause more bleeding. Being examined by your doctor will help determine whether you need any medication like antibiotics to treat an infection or iron supplements to prevent you from getting anemic. After a check-up, your mind will be at peace allowing you to concentrate on understanding your body better.

What Causes Irregular Period?

Menstrual cycle irregularities such as having period twice in one month can be due to various factors. Here are some of the causes:

• Premature ovarian failure: Premature ovarian failure or primary ovarian insufficiency is described as the loss of normal ovarian function before 40 years of age. It can cause infrequent periods over a number of years.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome: This is a common hormonal disorder that can cause small cysts to form on the ovaries, leading to irregular periods.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease: This is an infection of the reproductive organs that can cause irregular menstrual periods.
• Uterine fibroids: These are noncancerous growths that occur in the uterus. Heavy periods and bleeding between periods can be due to uterine fibroids.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Missed or delayed periods can be a sign of pregnancy. After pregnancy, breastfeeding normally delays the resumption of menstruation.
• Extreme weight loss, eating disorders or excessive exercising: Menstruation can be disrupted by extreme weight loss, eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or increased physical activity.
• Thyroid problems: The uterine lining can thicken as a result of thyroid diseases and in turn cause more bleeding.
• Stress: Stress due to financial worries, arguments, or even exams can change your menstrual cycle temporarily.

What Can I Do About Irregular Periods?

Are you experiencing periods twice in one month? Here are some healthy habits that will help you deal regulate your menstrual cycle:

• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables: Vitamin C and iron lost due to heavy bleeding can be recovered by eating green leafy vegetables like Swiss chard, broccoli and plenty of citrus fruits.
• Stay hydrated: To flush the body properly, make sure you drink plenty of water.
• Keep a period calendar: Keep a detailed journal showing the exact dates of your periods. This will help you prepare early and notice any irregular pattern.
• Do gentle but regular exercise: Do gentle daily workouts like stretching routines, calisthenics or long walks. Restorative yoga is also a good choice as it helps reduce premenstrual syndrome and relieve muscle cramping and tension.
• Take herbal remedies: Hormonal imbalance can be mildly relieved by herbal supplements such as sesame seeds and jiggery, ginger, and aloe vera.

Women who experience a period twice in one month regularlyshould consider medication, especially if it occurs for more than three months consecutively. Although a doctor’s advice is important to decide what kind of medication is best, oral contraceptives are commonly used in such cases. Remember to have your pelvic area examined regularly to ensure early diagnosis of any problems affecting your reproductive organs.

When Should I See a Doctor About Irregular Periods?

• Your periods last for more than 7 days
• Your menstrual cycle is more than 35 days or less than 21 days
• You bleed between periods
• Using tampons leads to a sudden fever and sick feeling
• Despite not being pregnant, your periods suddenly stop for more than 90 days
• Your periods are heavier than usual to the extent of soaking more than one pad or tampon every hour or two
• Your regular periods suddenly become erratic
• Your periods are extremely painful