It is quite unusual and shocking for women to have two periods in one month. This is also referred to as metrorrhagia or irregular menstrual bleeding and is often attributed to the following. If you want to be able to deal with such a situation, then it is crucial that you understand why it is happening in the first place.
Causes of Two Periods in One Month
There are various reasons why a woman may experience two periods in one month, and this article will outline some of the possible causes.
1. Hormonal Imbalance
The common cause of irregular menstrual periods is hormonal imbalance and other factors. Stress, weight loss or gain, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause hormonal imbalance, resulting in heavier bleeding than normal.
2. Birth Control
This is because if you begin, pause, or even fail to take your birth control pills as expected, it may disrupt your menstrual pattern. There are certain side effects some women may experience such as breakthrough bleeding or changes in the frequency of their period when they switch to new contraceptives.
3. Perimenopause
The hormonal levels change greatly in women when they are in their middle ages especially when they are approaching menopause. Perimenopause may lead to changes in the menstrual cycle, and one may experience two menstrual cycles in a month.
4. Thyroid Issues
Hyperthyroidism, which is overactivity of thyroid gland, and hypothyroidism, which is underactivity of thyroid gland, can affect menstrual cycle. Thyroid hormones are also involved in the onset of menstruation and thus, any disturbance in the levels of thyroid hormones may lead to some form of disruption in menstruation.
5. Uterine or Cervical Polyps and Fibroids
Endometrial hyperplasia and cervical dysplasia also lead to increased bleeding and shorter intervals between periods due to noncancerous growths in the uterus or cervix. These growths can be felt during a pelvic examination or may be seen on ultrasound examination.
Managing Frequent Periods
1. Visit a doctor
In case you have two periods in a month, then it is advisable to seek the services of a doctor. They can conduct some tests that can help in identifying the cause and give recommendations on the right treatment.
2. Keep track of your menstrual cycle
It is important to record your menstrual cycle to be able to observe certain patterns and factors that may be related to the problem. Record the first and the last day of your periods, and any discomforts that you feel by using a calendar or a menstrual tracking application.
3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
There are various ways to improve menstrual cycle including stress reduction, proper diet, and exercise. Other ways of balancing hormones include keeping off excess weight, either through avoiding gaining weight or losing it, and achieving a healthy BMI.
4. Choose and use sanitary towels
Sometimes, it is crucial to use quality menstrual products that can help reduce discomfort and keep a woman clean. These include the maternity pad and the sanitary pads and these are made to offer high absorbency and protection. Choosing the most appropriate sanitary pads in the market can assist in controlling the amount and frequency of blood flow.
Conclusion
Having two periods in one month can be concerning, but knowing the possible causes of such cases and learning how to handle it will be useful. Sometimes this can be caused by hormonal imbalance, thyroid disorders, or other medical conditions which require one to seek medical attention. However, it is important to use the best sanitary pads to avoid any discomfort during these random cycling periods.