Two Periods in One Month? Here’s All the Possible Reasons Why

Madeleine Haase
Updated ·5 min read
Two Periods in One Month? Here’s All the Possible Reasons Why


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For many people who menstruate, there’s the collective feeling of dread when it comes to “that time of the month.” While most get their period every four weeks, some people may menstruate more often than that. If you’re one of those people, medical professionals suggest that it could be a sign of something more serious.

We’ve rounded up women’s health experts to explain all the reasons why Aunt Flo has become a more frequent visitor. Plus, when you should take the issue up with your doctor.

Is it normal to have two periods in one month?

Most people who menstruate have regular monthly periods coming every 28 days and lasting 3-4 days. It can be normal to bleed as often as 21 days between the first day of one period and the first day of your next period, says Erika Banks, M.D., professor and chair obstetrics & gynecology, NYU Long Island School of Medicine. Remember to always count from the first day of bleeding, not the last, she adds.

In addition to your typical period, you may have irregular bleeding, or spotting, that looks like a few spots of reddish-brown blood lasting one to 7 or more days, notes Sherry Ross, M.D., women’s sexual health expert, author of She-ology and The She-quel. Some people can have spotting that lasts a couple of days then stops and restarts again during the middle of the month. Light red or brown spotting can also happen mid-cycle or during ovulation, Dr. Ross adds. “It can be confusing and frustrating to know if it’s spotting or irregular bleeding or both.

While it’s not uncommon to have some spotting apart from your normal period, it is not normal to have two separate episodes of continuous bleeding during the month, says Dr. Ross. “Any bleeding or spotting between two regular periods is considered abnormal.”

What causes two periods in one month?

Having two periods in one month can be concerning for many, and it’s important to understand the underlying causes and possible treatment options, says Anat Sapan, M.D., board-certified OBGYN and menopause expert.

Here are the most common causes of irregular periods that can cause hormonal imbalance and period disruption, according to experts:

Solutions for two periods in one month

Understanding the cause of irregular bleeding is the first step in treating and controlling unwanted bleeding during the month, says Dr. Ross.

In many cases, treatment for irregular periods may involve hormonal therapy to help regulate menstrual cycles, says Dr. Sapan. Still, “maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing stress can help promote a healthy menstrual cycle and overall health,” she notes.

If hormone imbalances are the root of your frequent periods problem, there are different forms of hormonal birth control that may help regulate your cycle. “Hormonal birth control shortens the length, amount and flow of period bleeding and prevents irregular bleeding,” explains Dr. Ross.

Oral contraception or “the pill” is not only a great birth control, but makes your period blood regular and controls mid-cycle bleeding, says Dr. Ross. The progesterone IUD is also an option, as it makes your blood flow less or nonexistent, also controlling irregular bleeding, she adds.

If you are unable to take hormonal birth control, there are more natural treatments to consider for two periods in one month, including biofeedback and acupuncture, notes Dr. Ross.

For chronic medical conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids, medications or surgical procedures may be recommended to manage symptoms and prevent complications, says Dr. Sapan. Likewise, endometrial cancer may require surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, she adds.

When should you see a doctor about two periods in one month?

Your menstrual cycle is a helpful barometer of your overall health and wellness, says Dr. Ross, so it’s important to pay attention to your body. If you have trouble writing down when your time of the month comes every month, you can download a period tracker on your smart phone or use a calendar to keep track of your periods, suggests Dr. Ross.

When you have two or more periods in the same month and have other symptoms, it’s time to visit your healthcare provider, says Dr. Ross. These symptoms include:

  • Heart palpitations

  • Feeling excessively hot or cold

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Unexplained weight loss or gain

  • Hair loss

  • Breast tenderness

  • Fatigue

  • Pelvic pain or uterine cramping

  • Changes in vaginal odor or discharge

  • Disruptive emotional changes such as depression or anxiety

  • Lack of appetite

  • Male pattern hair growth

  • Heavy bleeding with large blood clots

If you have any other symptoms in addition to persistent irregular periods, blood tests and a physical exam should be performed, Dr. Ross adds. “Blood tests would include a urine and/or blood pregnancy test, thyroid, ovarian and testosterone hormonal panel, blood insulin level, STI testing, pelvic ultrasound and pelvic exam.” Once all these types of tests are performed a diagnosis can be made as to the cause of irregular periods.

Regular visits with your healthcare provider can also help detect and manage any underlying conditions that may contribute to irregular periods or uterine bleeding, Dr. Sapan agrees. “With proper evaluation and treatment, many underlying causes of irregular periods and uterine bleeding can be managed effectively.”

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