Menstruation twice a month, is it normal?

Menstruation twice a month is still considered normal. Adults have menstrual cycles that are between 21 to 35 days apart, while adolescents have menstrual cycles that are 21 to 45 days apart. Therefore, for women whose menstrual cycles are 21 days apart, there is a high chance that you will experience two menstrual periods in one month.

In addition, most women do have around 13 menstrual periods in one year which means they are likely to have two periods in one month.

What is called a normal period varies from person to person. The reason is, your cycle can be the same every month or even irregular. This also applies to every complaint when menstruating, which also varies from person to person. So, a normal menstrual cycle is when you feel normal for yourself while having your period - no real complaints.

What causes irregular menstrual cycles?

Although having menstruation twice a month is considered normal, there are several other factors that cause you to have menstrual periods twice a month. Here are some of the causes:

1. Stress

Stress is the most common problem that usually causes women to have their period twice a month. Whether you are facing exams, financial problems, busy schedule of activities or other problems that trigger stress, it will temporarily change your menstrual cycle.

2. Excessive weight loss

Apart from stress problems, menstruation can also be disrupted due to extreme weight loss, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or increased physical activity.

3. Puberty

Women who have just experienced puberty will usually experience irregular menstrual cycles. You can just have your period twice a month, or you could even have your period just once in three months.

4. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism or what is commonly referred to as the thyroid gland is a condition of excess thyroxine hormone produced by the thyroid gland in the body. This condition causes disturbances in the body's metabolism, including the menstrual cycle.

5. Polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal disorder that can cause small cysts to form on the ovaries, resulting in irregular periods.

6. Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) or pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the female reproductive organs such as the uterus, cervix, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. This reproductive organ infection can cause irregular menstruation.

When should menstruation twice a month be checked by a doctor?

Most of the reasons for frequent bleeding are minor problems. However, if you experience menstrual periods twice a month that are very frequent, you should immediately consult a doctor, especially if you experience:

Feel excruciating pain all over the body during menstruation
Your menstrual period lasts more than 7 days
Your menstrual cycle is longer than 35 days or less than 21 days
Even if you are not pregnant, you have not had your period for more than three months
You bleed more menstrual blood than usual, so you have to regularly change your sanitary napkin every one to two hours
Your menstrual cycle becomes erratic

Women who experience menstruation twice a month should consider further treatment especially if experienced for three consecutive months. Remember to have regular examinations of the pelvic area to ensure an early diagnosis of problems affecting your reproductive organs.

How to treat irregular menstrual cycles?

Here are some healthy habits that will help regulate your menstrual cycle:

1. Consume fruits and vegetables

Vitamin C and iron lost due to bleeding during menstruation can be restored by consuming green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, pakchoy, mustard greens, oranges, lemons, etc.

2. Stay hydrated

Maintain fluid intake in the body by drinking more water according to your needs. This is done to prevent you from lack of fluids during menstruation.

3. Keep a menstrual journal

Keep a menstrual journal that shows the exact date of your period. The reason is this will help you prepare in advance when experiencing irregular menstrual patterns.

4. Exercise regularly

Perform regular light exercise such as stretching, exercising, or just walking. You can also do yoga to help reduce premenstrual syndrome and relieve muscle cramps.