What Causes Two Periods in One Month?

If you have a shorter menstrual cycle, you may get your period twice in the same month. But bleeding between periods can also occur with certain medical conditions.
A typical adult menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days, and the typical menstrual cycle for preteens and teens can last 38 days or longer.
However, every woman is different, and each person's cycle can vary from month to month.
During some months, your cycle may last for more or fewer days than the previous month, or it may start earlier or later than it has before.
If your cycles are on the shorter end of the spectrum, you could have your period at the beginning and end of the same month with no reason for concern.
But if you experience bleeding outside of your usual menstrual cycle and suspect you're having a second period, the first thing you should do is figure out if it's spotting or menstrual bleeding:
If you're having menstrual bleeding, also known as your period, you should expect to soak through a pad or tampon every few hours. The blood may be dark red, red, brown, or pink.
If you're having spotting, you won't bleed enough to fill a pad or tampon. Blood from spotting is usually dark red or brown.
After you've determined if you're having spotting or menstrual bleeding, you can start to explore what may be causing your increased bleeding. This article reviews potential causes and treatment options.
What causes two periods in one month?
Increased bleeding may be caused by a shorter menstrual cycle, or by a health condition that causes vaginal bleeding.
Causes of a shorter cycle
If your cycle suddenly becomes shorter, it could be due to any of the following:
anovulation (lack of ovulation)
hyperthyroidism
hypothyroidism
onset of menopause (also known as perimenopause)
uterine fibroids or cysts
uterine polyps
cervical polyps
stress
extreme weight loss or gain
birth control
illness
Conditions that cause extra bleeding
If you usually have a regular cycle, a change in your cycle, such as suddenly having two periods in a month, could indicate a medical condition. Some health conditions cause bleeding that can be mistaken for a period, including:
Pregnancy can cause spotting. Spotting during pregnancy can occur, but you should tell your doctor about any bleeding during pregnancy.
Sexually transmitted infections can cause discharge and bleeding.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that can cause irregular periods.
Perimenopause can cause heavier and more frequent bleeding, it can also cause lighter or less frequent bleeding. While our hormones may become more unbalanced during this time, they should regulate once you've reached menopause.
Miscarriage can cause heavy bleeding. If you suspect you're pregnant and begin to have bleeding similar to a period, call your doctor.
Cervicitis. Cervical infections that are not sexually transmitted can also cause bleeding.
What are the risk factors for unusual menstrual bleeding?
If you have just started getting your period due to puberty, it's possible that you will be irregular for a year or two, which means you may possibly experience two periods in one month.
If you are an adult and have a family history of fibroids, cysts, or early-onset menopause, you're at an increased risk of having two periods in a month.
However, an increased risk does not mean you will definitely experience it.
When should you see a doctor about irregular menstrual cycles?
While two periods in one month is not always a cause for concern, it's a good idea to consult a doctor anytime your body's rhythms seem out of whack.
For example, you should see a doctor if you:
experience pain in your lower abdomen that doesn't go away after a couple of days
have very heavy periods
spot or bleed in between periods (which is often mistaken for two periods in one month)
experience pain during sexual intercourse
have more menstrual cramping than usual
notice dark clots during your period
What are the complications of more frequent menstrual cycles?
There are a few complications that may arise from irregular periods.
Anemia
One health issue of more frequent bleeding is anemia, which occurs due to a lack of iron in your blood. Your doctor can check your iron levels to determine the cause of your abnormal bleeding.
The symptoms of anemia can include:
fatigue
headache
weakness
dizziness
shortness of breath
rapid or irregular heartbeat
A singular experience of two periods in one month will not necessarily cause anemia. The condition is usually triggered by prolonged heavy bleeding, such as several months of heavy periods.
Difficulty tracking ovulation
Having two periods in one month may make it difficult to track your ovulation, especially if this experience is unusual for you. If you are not planning on becoming pregnant, practicing safe sex is essential.
Difficulty becoming pregnant
If you are trying to become pregnant, abnormal bleeding can add complexity to the process.
Consult with a doctor if you are actively trying to become pregnant and are experiencing heavy or irregular periods.
How are frequent menstrual cycles treated?
Your treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your frequent bleeding. If you naturally have shorter cycles or if you've recently started menstruating, you won't need treatment.
If anemia is a concern, your doctor may recommend iron supplements.
One possible treatment for periods that occur too frequently is hormonal birth control. This type of birth control can help regulate your periods and help resolve anemia issues caused by heavy bleeding.
Here are treatments for other possible causes of frequent bleeding.
Hypothyroidism
If you have hypothyroidism, it means you have an underactive thyroid gland. Your body can't make enough of the thyroid hormone. Your doctor will prescribe a thyroid hormone replacement therapy that you can take by mouth.
Hyperthyroidism
If you have hyperthyroidism, it means you have an overactive thyroid gland. Your body makes too much thyroid hormone. Several treatments are available for this condition. Your doctor will suggest what they think is best for you.
Menopause
During perimenopause or the menopausal transition, your doctor may prescribe hormone therapy and estrogen replacement therapy. These treatments can help regulate your periods until they slowly disappear as menopause progresses.
Fibroids and cysts
Your doctor may recommend a few different treatment options if you have uterine fibroids or cysts. These can include:
Intrauterine device (IUD). An IUD is a form of birth control that can help relieve heavy periods. However, it won't shrink fibroids.
MRI-guided ultrasound surgery. This procedure is performed while you're inside an MRI scanner. It's considered noninvasive, and doctors can use it to remove the fibroid or cyst. This procedure is only done in specialized clinics.
Uterine artery embolization. This is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the blood supply to the uterus, which causes the fibroids to decay and shrink.
Myomectomy. There are different types of myomectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove fibroids. In a hysteroscopic myomectomy, the fibroid is removed through the cervix. No incisions are needed. In a laparoscopic myomectomy, small incisions are made in your abdomen to remove fibroids. An abdominal myomectomy is an open abdominal surgical procedure.
Hysteroscopy. During this procedure, a thin tube with a light on the end is inserted through the vagina. This allows a doctor to look inside the uterus and diagnose the cause of abnormal bleeding. A doctor may also be able to treat some causes of bleeding during a hysteroscopy.
Dilation and curettage (D and C). This procedure involves the dilation of the cervix, which allows a doctor to scrape the uterine lining to remove any abnormal tissue.
Endometrial ablation. This surgery involves the removal of the endometrial lining of the uterus. It is not usually recommended if you wish to have children later in life, as it can cause complications.
Hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. These are medications that can help treat fibroids. They block estrogen and progesterone and put you into a temporary postmenopausal state. This stops the fibroids from growing and can make them shrink. Your doctor may use this treatment to help prepare you for surgery.
Stress
Lifestyle changes can greatly affect stress levels, which in turn can affect menstrual cycles. To help relieve stress, try exercising frequently, practicing meditation, or engaging in talk therapy.
If you're feeling stressed because you're overcommitted, ask for help. Finding the time to relax is important to your health, so don't feel bad about saying no to additional projects or responsibilities.
Extreme weight loss or gain
Talk with your doctor about possible reasons for a dramatic change in weight. They'll work with you to help you manage your weight.
Reaction to birth control
Hormonal birth control introduces hormones into your body. This can affect your menstrual cycle and cause spotting in between periods.
You may need to try a few different types of birth control to find one that works for you. It also takes a few months for your body to adjust to a new method of birth control.
Have a discussion with your doctor about what you should expect when starting a new birth control method.
Preparing for your doctor's appointment
Changes to your menstrual cycle can indicate a health problem, so it's important to discuss abnormal bleeding with your doctor. They will likely ask a lot of questions about your symptoms.
By being prepared for your appointment, you can help your doctor find the correct treatment as quickly as possible. Here are some questions your doctor may ask:
How long are your cycles? Is this typical for you?
If your shorter cycle isn't normal for you, when did the changes to your bleeding start?
How long does the bleeding last?
What color is the blood?
How heavy is the bleeding? How quickly does it fill a pad?
Are there clots? If so, how big are they?
Do you have any other symptoms?
To calculate the length of your cycle, start counting on the first day you bleed. This will be day one. Your cycle will end on the first day that you start bleeding again. Many smartphone apps are available to help you track your cycle.
If you have a history of irregular bleeding, tracking your cycles on an app can help you identify a problem more quickly. It can also make it easier to share your cycle information with your doctor.
The takeaway
In certain situations, such as puberty and perimenopause, having two periods in one month may not be cause for alarm.
However, if you're familiar with your cycle and have noted recent changes, or if you just feel like you're bleeding more than you should be, talk with a doctor.
They can help get to the bottom of your issue, and if warranted, can help you balance your hormone levels and regulate your bleeding.

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Had a reduction in exogenous insulin use (mean reduction in daily insulin dose: 92%). 10/12 (83%) no longer required exogenous insulin at Month 12. Achieved the Phase 1/2 primary endpoint of elimination of SHEs with HbA1c <7%. Zimislecel continues to be generally well tolerated. Most adverse events (AEs) were mild or moderate, and there were no serious AEs related to zimislecel treatment. As previously reported, two patient deaths occurred, both unrelated to treatment with zimislecel. The safety profile is generally consistent with the immunosuppressive regimen used in the study, the infusion procedure, and complications from long-standing diabetes. "These data on the first fully differentiated, stem cell-derived, off-the-shelf islet cell therapy continue to be unprecedented. The magnitude, consistency and durability of the results from all 12 patients with more than one year of follow-up reinforce the transformative potential of zimislecel for people living with T1D complicated by severe hypoglycemia," said Carmen Bozic, M.D., Executive Vice President, Global Medicines Development and Medical Affairs, and Chief Medical Officer at Vertex. "We are excited to complete enrollment and dosing in the Phase 1/2/3 Program and look forward to potential regulatory submissions next year." "It's remarkable to see 12 out of 12 patients with baseline HbA1c above 7% and multiple severe hypoglycemic events reach consensus targets for glycemic control by both HbA1c and time in range as well as elimination of severe hypoglycemic events," said Michael R. 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HbA1c is a measure of average blood glucose over the most recent ~2-3 months, and the consensus guidance is to maintain an HbA1c of <7% to reduce the risk of long-term complications; only ~1 in 4 people with T1D globally meet this clinical target. Current standards of care do not address the underlying cause of the disease and leave people with T1D susceptible to both hypo- and hyperglycemia and their associated morbidity and mortality. There is no cure for T1D. About ZimislecelZimislecel (VX-880) is an investigational allogeneic stem cell-derived, fully differentiated, insulin-producing islet cell therapy manufactured using proprietary technology. Zimislecel is being evaluated for patients who have T1D with impaired hypoglycemic awareness and severe hypoglycemia. Zimislecel has the potential to restore the body's ability to regulate glucose levels by restoring pancreatic islet cell function, including glucose-responsive insulin production. Zimislecel is delivered by an infusion into the hepatic portal vein and requires chronic immunosuppressive therapy to protect the islet cells from immune rejection. The zimislecel trial has expanded to additional sites that are currently active and enrolling in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Zimislecel has been granted Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) and Fast Track designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Priority Medicines (PRIME) designation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and has secured an Innovation Passport under the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP) from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Zimislecel is investigational and has not been approved by health authorities globally. About VertexVertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and conditions. The company has approved therapies for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia and acute pain, and it continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, primary membranous nephropathy, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes and myotonic dystrophy type 1. Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 15 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X. Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, (i) statements by Carmen Bozic, M.D., and Michael R. Rickels, M.D., M.S., in this press release, (ii) plans, expectations for, and the potential benefits of zimislecel, (iii) expectations for the Phase 1/2/3 clinical trial for zimislecel, including expectations for the trial to complete enrollment and dosing, and (iv) plans for potential regulatory submissions next year. While Vertex believes the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are accurate, these forward-looking statements represent the company's beliefs only as of the date of this press release and there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that data from a limited number of patients may not be indicative of final clinical trial results, that data from the company's research and development programs may not support registration or further development of its potential medicines in a timely manner, or at all, due to safety, efficacy, that timelines for regulatory submissions may be longer than anticipated, and other risks listed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Vertex's most recent annual report and subsequent quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission at and available through the company's website at You should not place undue reliance on these statements, or the scientific data presented. Vertex disclaims any obligation to update the information contained in this press release as new information becomes available. (VRTX-GEN) Investor Event and Webcast Vertex will host an investor event on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 7:15 p.m. CT/8:15 p.m. ET, in Chicago, to discuss the positive zimislecel data in type 1 diabetes. A live webcast of the presentation and Q&A portions can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of Vertex's website at An archived webcast will be available on the company's website. View source version on Contacts Vertex Pharmaceuticals IncorporatedInvestors: InvestorInfo@ Media: mediainfo@ orInternational: +44 20 3204 5275