A typical adult menstrual cycle ranges from 24 to 38 days, and the typical menstrual cycle for preteens and teens can last 38 days or longer.

“Every woman is different, and each person’s cycle can vary from month to month.”

Your cycle may last for more or less days than the previous month, or it may start earlier or later than it has before. You may have two periods in a single month.

If your cycles are on the shorter end of the spectrum, you could have your period at the beginning and end of the month.

But if you experience bleeding outside of your normal menstrual cycle and suspect you’re having a second period, the first thing you should do is figure out if it’s spotting or menstrual bleeding:

  • If you are having menstrual bleeding, you should use a pad or a tampon every few hours. The blood may be red, brown, or pink.
  • If you’re having spotting, you won’t bleed enough to fill a pad or tampon. Blood from spotting is usually dark red or brown.

If you discover that you are having spotting or menstrual bleeding, you can begin to explore what is causing it.

There are two possible causes of increased bleeding, one is a shorter menstrual cycle and the other is a health condition.

Causes of a shorter cycle

If your cycle suddenly becomes shorter, it could be due to any of the following.

Conditions that cause extra bleeding

If you suddenly have two periods in a month, that could be a sign of a medical condition. Bleeding can be mistaken for a period, due to some health conditions.

  • Pregnancy can cause spotting. Spotting during pregnancy can be normal, but you should tell your doctor about any bleeding during pregnancy.
  • Sexually transmitted infections can cause discharge and bleeding.
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that can cause irregular periods.
  • Perimenopause can cause heavier and more frequent bleeding for the same reasons it can cause lighter or less frequent bleeding. During this time, your hormones may become more unbalanced but should regulate once you’ve reached menopause.
  • Miscarriage can cause heavy bleeding. If you suspect you’re pregnant and begin to have bleeding similar to a period, call your doctor.

If you have just started getting your period due to puberty, it’s possible that you will be irregular for a year or two, which means you may possibly experience two periods in one month.

If you are an adult and have a family history of fibroids, cysts, or early-onset menopause, you’re at an increased risk of having two periods in a month.

An increased risk does not mean you will experience it.

It is a good idea to consult a doctor if your body rhythms seem out of whack, even if two periods in one month is not a cause for concern. If you do, see a doctor.

There are a few things that can happen from irregular periods.

Anemia

Anemia is a health issue of more frequent bleeding because of a lack of iron in your blood. Your doctor can check your iron levels to see if you have a problem.

The symptoms of anemia can include:

A single experience of two periods in a single month is not necessarily a cause of anemia. The condition is usually triggered by long periods of heavy bleeding.

Difficulty tracking ovulation

Having two periods in one month may make it difficult to track your ovulation, especially if this experience is not normal for you. If you are not planning on becoming pregnant, practicing safe sex is essential.

Difficulty becoming pregnant

If you are trying to become pregnant, you can add complexity to the process. If you are trying to become pregnant and are having heavy or irregular periods, you should consult with a doctor.

Your treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your frequent bleeding. If you naturally have shorter cycles or if you’ve recently started menstruating, you won’t need treatment. If anemia is a concern, your doctor may recommend iron supplements.

Hormonal birth control is a possible treatment for periods that occur too frequently. This type of birth control can help regulate your periods and help resolve issues caused by heavy bleeding.

There are treatments for other causes of bleeding.

Hypothyroidism

If you have There is an underdeveloped hypothyroidism., it means you have an underactive thyroid gland. Your body can’t make enough of the thyroid hormone. Your doctor will prescribe a thyroid hormone replacement therapy that you can take by mouth.

Hyperthyroidism

If you have hyperthyroidism is a condition., it means you have an overactive thyroid gland. Your body makes too much thyroid hormone. Several treatments are available for this condition. Your doctor will suggest what they think is best for you.

Menopause

If you’re beginning menopause, your doctor may prescribe hormone therapy and estrogen replacement therapy. These treatments can help regulate your periods until they slowly disappear as menopause progresses.

Fibroids and cysts

If you have cysts or uterine fibroids, your doctor may recommend different treatment options. These can include:

  • Intrauterine device (IUD). An IUD is a form of birth control that can help relieve heavy periods. However, it won’t shrink fibroids.
  • MRI-guided ultrasound surgery. This procedure is performed while you’re inside an MRI scanner. It’s considered noninvasive, and doctors can use it to remove the fibroid or cyst. This procedure is only done in specialized clinics.
  • Uterine artery embolization. This is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the blood supply to the uterus. That causes the fibroids to decay and shrink.
  • Myomectomy. There are different types of myomectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove fibroids. In a hysteroscopic myomectomy, the fibroid is removed through the cervix. No incisions are needed. In a laparoscopic myomectomy, small incisions are made in your abdomen to remove fibroids. An abdominal myomectomy is an open abdominal surgical procedure.
  • Hysteroscopy. During this procedure, a thin tube with a light on the end is inserted through the vagina. This allows a doctor to look inside the uterus, and diagnose the cause of abnormal bleeding. A doctor may also be able to treat some causes of bleeding during a hysteroscopy.
  • Dilation and Curettage (D and C). This procedure involves the dilation of the cervix, which allows a doctor to scrape the uterine lining to remove any abnormal tissue.
  • Endometrial ablation. This surgery involves the removal of the endometrial lining of the uterus. It is not usually recommended if you wish to have children later in life, as it can cause complications.
  • Hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus.
  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. These are medications that can help treat fibroids. They block estrogen and progesterone and put you into a temporary postmenopausal state. This stops the fibroids from growing and can make them shrink. Your doctor may use this treatment to help prepare you for surgery.

Stress

Lifestyle changes can greatly impact your Stress. level, which can in turn affect your menstrual cycle. To help relieve Stress., try exercising frequently, practicing meditation, or engaging in talk therapy.

If you’re feeling Stress.ed because you’re overcommitted, ask for help. Finding the time to relax is important to your health, so don’t feel bad about saying no to additional projects or responsibilities.

Extreme weight loss or gain

Talk to your doctor about the reasons for the weight change. They will help you manage your weight.

Reaction to birth control

Hormonal birth control can cause a lot of problems. This can affect your menstrual cycle.

You may need to try a few different types of birth control to find one that works for you. It also takes a few months for your body to adjust to a new method of birth control.

When starting a new birth control method, you should talk to your doctor.

It is important to discuss abnormal bleeding with your doctor if you notice any changes to your menstrual cycle. They will ask a lot of questions.

By being prepared for your appointment, you can help your doctor find the right treatment. Your doctor may ask some questions.

  • How long are your cycles? Is this normal for you?
  • When did the changes to your bleeding start?
  • How long does the bleeding last?
  • What color is the blood?
  • How heavy is the bleeding? How quickly does it fill a bag?
  • Are there any injuries? How big are they?
  • Do you have any other symptoms?

To calculate the length of your cycle, start counting on the first day you bleed. This will be day one. Your cycle will end on the first day that you start bleeding again. Many smartphone apps are available to help you track your cycle.

Tracking your cycles on an app can help you identify a problem more quickly if you have a history of irregular bleeding. It can make it easier to share your cycle information with your doctor.

In certain situations such as puberty and perimenopause, having two periods in one month may not be cause for alarm. However, if you’re familiar with your cycle and have noted recent changes, or if you just feel like you’re bleeding more than you should be, talk to your doctor. They can help get to the bottom of your issue, and if warranted, can help you balance your hormone levels and regulate your bleeding.

“If you notice irregular bleeding, it’s a good idea to reach out to your doctor as soon as possible.”

This article is in Spanish.