Why Am I Having My Period Twice a Month?

Experiencing a period twice in one month can feel confusing and disruptive, especially if your cycle has always been regular. If you’re wondering, “Why am I having my period twice a month?”, it’s important to understand that this isn’t always normal and may be a sign of an underlying health issue. One common—but often overlooked—cause is uterine fibroids.

In this blog, we’ll break down the possible reasons for irregular periods, explain how fibroids may be involved, and share what you can do about it.

What Is a Normal Menstrual Cycle?

Most women have a menstrual cycle lasting between 21 and 35 days, with bleeding that typically lasts 3 to 7 days. That means having two periods in a single month, especially if it happens frequently, can be considered irregular and may signal an underlying issue.

Why Do Some People Have Irregular Periods?

Irregular periods refer to menstrual cycles that fall outside of the typical range in terms of timing, duration, or flow. There are many reasons why this can happen:

1. Hormonal Imbalances

Estrogen and progesterone control your menstrual cycle. When these hormones are out of sync, your body may ovulate unpredictably, leading to frequent or missed periods.

Common causes of hormonal imbalance include:

• Perimenopause: The transition to menopause can cause irregular or frequent periods.
• Puberty: Young teens often experience irregular cycles in the first few years after menstruation begins.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This hormonal disorder can lead to infrequent, prolonged, or unpredictable periods.

2. Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid gland plays a major role in regulating hormones. Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can disrupt your cycle, causing you to bleed too often or not at all.

3. Stress and Lifestyle Factors

Physical or emotional stress, extreme weight loss, overexercising, or rapid changes in diet can all influence hormonal balance and lead to cycle disruptions.

4. Medications and Birth Control

Certain medications—including blood thinners, antidepressants, and hormonal contraceptives—can affect your period. Starting or stopping birth control may cause irregular bleeding as your body adjusts.

5. Uterine Abnormalities

Structural issues within the uterus—like polyps, endometriosis, or fibroids—can interfere with your menstrual cycle. These growths may make periods heavier, more painful, or more frequent.

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus. They vary in size and can cause symptoms such as heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and in some cases, changes in menstrual patterns. Some women may have just one fibroid, while others may have multiple.

Types of Fibroids:

• Intramural fibroids: Grow within the muscular wall of the uterus.
• Submucosal fibroids: Grow just under the inner lining of the uterus. 
• Subserosal fibroids: Grow on the outside of the uterus.
• Pedunculated fibroids: Grow on stalks inside or outside the uterus.

How Do Fibroids Cause Frequent Periods?

One of the most common symptoms of fibroids is abnormal uterine bleeding. This includes:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
• Prolonged periods
• Bleeding between periods
• More frequent periods (twice a month or more)

Submucosal fibroids, in particular, can distort the uterine lining and make it difficult for the uterus to contract properly, which leads to irregular shedding of the endometrial lining. As a result, women may experience shorter cycles or bleeding every two weeks. 

Who Is at Risk for Fibroids?

Fibroids are incredibly common. In fact, up to 70-80% of women may develop fibroids by age 50. Certain factors can increase your risk:

• Age (common in women aged 30–50)
• Family history of fibroids
• African American descent
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• A diet high in red meat and low in fruits and vegetables

Treatment Options for Fibroids and Irregular Periods

The good news is that fibroids and the symptoms they cause are highly treatable. The right treatment depends on factors such as the size and location of fibroids, your symptoms, age, and whether you plan to have children. At American Fibroid Centers, we offer uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) to treat uterine fibroids without the need for surgery. 

What is UFE?

Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that treats fibroids without surgery. It’s performed by an interventional radiologist and offers a safe, effective alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy.

How Does It Work?

During the UFE procedure:

1. A small incision is made, usually in the wrist or groin.
2. A thin catheter is guided through the blood vessels to the arteries that supply the fibroids.
3. Tiny particles are injected to block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time.

Benefits of UFE

• Preserves the uterus
• No general anesthesia or hospital stay
• Quick recovery (typically 7–10 days)
• Significant reduction in bleeding and symptoms
• Low risk of complications

UFE is especially effective for women with heavy, frequent, or prolonged periods caused by fibroids. Many women report immediate improvement in menstrual symptoms and a return to regular cycles within a few months.

When Should You See a Fibroid Specialist?

You should see a doctor if you:

• Have two or more periods per month
• Experience very heavy or long periods
• Feel fatigued, dizzy, or faint (signs of anemia)
• Have pelvic discomfort or pressure
• Notice bleeding between periods or after menopause

Don’t Ignore Irregular Periods

Having your period twice in one month isn’t just frustrating—it may be a sign of a deeper issue like uterine fibroids. While fibroids are common, they don’t have to disrupt your life. Treatment options like UFE offer effective, minimally invasive relief that allows you to take back control of your health.
If you’re experiencing irregular cycles or suspect fibroids may be the cause, schedule an appointment at American Fibroid Centers today to learn more about UFE.