Suffering cramps, mood swings, or feeling bloated and irritable once a month is still tolerable. But imagine going through the same twice a month. It can be frustrating to deal with. Getting periods is natural for women. However, getting your period twice a month can be a disturbing and uncomfortable experience. Not only does it can cause disruptions to your daily routine, but it can even be a source of anxiety and frustration.
Menstruation twice a month may also signal an underlying health issue that requires immediate attention. It varies from person to person, as everyone has a different lifestyle and body type. There can be various factors, from hormonal imbalances to structural abnormalities. It can significantly impact your physical and emotional health.
If you experience frequent periods, you must speak with your doctor to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options.
Let’s explore the common causes, symptoms, and treatments of having periods twice a month to help you manage your irregular cycles.
Symptoms of Getting Periods Twice a Month
If you’re experiencing frequent periods, you may notice some or all of the following symptoms:
- Bleeding that occurs less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding that requires changing pads or tampons every hour or less for several hours
- Spotting or light bleeding between periods
- Abdominal or pelvic cramping or pain
- Fatigue, mood swings, or irritability
- Headaches, nausea, or dizziness
These symptoms may vary in severity and duration depending on the underlying cause of your irregular cycle.
But first, know why you are getting frequent/ irregular periods.
Why Frequent or Irregular Periods?
Various factors, including hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities, medications, lifestyle factors, and reproductive conditions, can cause frequent periods or an irregular menstrual cycle.
Here are some possible causes of getting periods twice a month
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal Imbalance is caused by conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid dysfunction, and adrenal insufficiency. Also, lifestyle factors, such as stress, weight changes, excessive exercise, and poor nutrition, can lead to pituitary disorders and disrupt ovulation and menstruation. Therefore, it’s essential to identify the underlying cause of frequent periods to determine the appropriate treatment and management plan
Structural Abnormalities
Structural abnormalities like uterine fibroids, polyps, adenomyosis, endometrial hyperplasia, uterine septum, or uterine prolapse can cause frequent periods. These abnormalities can lead to irregular bleeding, heavy or prolonged periods, or spotting between periods.
Medications
Medications such as birth control pills, anticoagulants, corticosteroids, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can cause having a period twice a month. These medications can affect the menstrual cycle and cause irregular bleeding or irregular menstrual cycle. It may not be alarming, but it’s best to consult your doctor and follow their instructions properly.
Lifestyle Factors
Stress, changes in weight, excessive exercise, and poor nutrition can result in having period twice a month. These lifestyle factors can disrupt the hormonal balance in the body, leading to irregular periods or heavy bleeding. Making lifestyle changes such as managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding over-exercising, and following a balanced diet can help regulate the menstrual cycle. Counseling or therapy may be necessary to manage emotional factors that affect the menstrual cycle.
Reproductive Conditions
Reproductive conditions like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and precancerous or cancerous cells developing in the cervix or uterus can cause irregular periods. These conditions can result in abnormal bleeding, heavy or painful periods, and spotting between periods. It is crucial to seek medical attention if you experience irregular bleeding or other symptoms associated with these conditions.
Menopause
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle. During perimenopause, the transition period before menopause, some women may experience irregular periods, including menstruation twice a month. As women approach menopause, the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone, affecting the frequency and regularity of menstrual periods.
The treatment for frequent periods depends on the underlying cause. It may include hormonal therapy, surgery, lifestyle changes, medical management, monitoring, and follow-up. If you’re experiencing an irregular menstrual cycle or other problems, contact your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Treatment for getting periods twice a month
Treating irregular periods depends on the underlying cause and your individual needs and preferences. Here are some possible options
Hormonal Therapy
Suppose hormonal imbalances cause your periods. In that case, your doctor may prescribe birth control pills, progesterone-only pills, or other hormonal medications to regulate your cycle and reduce bleeding.
Surgery
Suppose you have structural abnormalities like fibroids or polyps. In that case, your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive procedure such as hysteroscopy or laparoscopy to remove the growths.
Lifestyle Changes
Suppose your irregular periods are due to lifestyle factors. In that case, you may need to adjust your diet, exercise routine, stress management, or weight to improve your menstrual health.
Medical Management
Suppose you have a reproductive condition such as endometriosis or PID. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or other medications to manage the symptoms and prevent complications.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Regardless of the treatment option, monitoring your menstrual cycle and reporting any changes or concerns to your healthcare provider is essential. They may recommend additional tests or referrals to a specialist if needed.
To summarise, getting periods twice a month can be painful and tiring. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for irregular menstrual cycles, you can work with your healthcare provider to restore and improve your menstrual health. Also, you can try some natural homemade remedies if you want, but consulting a doctor first is crucial.