She Strengthens

Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle: What’s Normal, What’s Not

Are you experiencing two periods in a month and wondering what’s going on with your body? Let’s dive into the reasons behind irregular menstrual cycles, what a typical cycle looks like, and when to consult a doctor about your period concerns.

The Typical Menstrual Cycle

Your body sheds its uterine lining every 28 days, on average, when it doesn’t get pregnant. However, it’s totally normal for a menstrual cycle to range from 21 to 45 days. Our bodies are all different, and it’s unlikely to have a perfect 28-day cycle. The actual period part usually lasts between 2 and 7 days. Anything more than a week is considered abnormal and can lead to anemia and other issues.

12 Reasons You Might Be Experiencing Two Periods

If you’re experiencing breakthrough bleeding or spotting between your periods, there are several reasons why this might be happening. Here are 12 possible explanations:

1. Birth Control: Hormonal birth control can cause irregular bleeding, especially when you first start taking it or if you forget to take your pill.
2. Pregnancy: Spotting can occur when a fertilized egg implants in your uterus.
3. Ectopic Pregnancy: This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
4. Miscarriage: Losing a pregnancy can cause unexpected bleeding.
5. Fibroids: These non-cancerous tumors can cause heavy, painful periods or bleeding between periods.
6. Cysts: Ovarian cysts can produce hormones that mess with your menstrual cycle.
7. PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome can lead to irregular periods and infertility.
8. Endometriosis: This condition causes tissue to grow outside the uterus, leading to severe pain, scar tissue, and fertility issues.
9. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): STIs can cause unpleasant symptoms, including bleeding.
10. Thyroid Issues: An underactive or overactive thyroid gland can affect your menstrual cycle.
11. Early Menopause: Premature menopause can cause irregular periods and hot flashes.
12. Stress: High stress levels can disrupt your menstrual cycle.

Know Your Flow

Your period can be bright red, dark red, pink, or brown in color. You might experience clots, which are normal as long as they’re not bigger than a quarter. Spotting is usually light and brown or pink in color. Discharge or cervical fluid is also normal throughout your cycle and can indicate your fertility.

When to Call Your Doctor

If you’re experiencing heavy bleeding, unusual discharge, or pain, it’s time to call your doctor. Remember, abnormal bleeding can lead to anemia and other health problems. Track your symptoms and period days to help you get to the bottom of the issue.

The Bottom Line

A second period is usually breakthrough bleeding or spotting between your periods. Your period can be bright red, dark red, pink, or brown in color. Extra visits from Aunt Flow could be from hormone changes, disease, or infection. Call the doctor ASAP if you have two periods for months in a row or any unusual pain or discharge.