Ever found yourself wondering, ‘Wait, is it that time of the month, again ?’ You’ve just finished one period, and then, surprisingly, another one shows up within weeks. What’s going on?
Normally, our bodies work on a roughly monthly cycle, usually every 21 to 35 days, preparing for a possible pregnancy. This cycle ends with a period if pregnancy doesn’t occur.
But sometimes, this cycle shortens, or you might experience bleeding that seems like a period, but isn’t quite the same. This can lead to what feels like two periods in one calendar month.
Several factors can cause this: hormonal shifts during puberty or perimenopause, high stress levels, changes in diet, or even certain medications can all throw your cycle off balance.
Starting or stopping birth control, or even just using it, can cause what’s called ‘breakthrough bleeding’ which feels like a period. Sometimes, it’s just spotting, not a full flow.
Less commonly, conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, uterine fibroids, infections, or thyroid problems can also be culprits, leading to irregular or more frequent bleeding.
While often harmless, if you’re consistently having two periods a month, the bleeding is unusually heavy, or you’re experiencing pain, it’s always a good idea to chat with your doctor.
So, don’t panic! Two periods in a month can be confusing, but understanding the common reasons can bring peace of mind, and your doctor can help if you need it.