The menstrual cycle occurs in all females from the onset to puberty (average age 11 or 12 years) to the menopause in middle age (average age between 45-55). The lining of the uterus is shed via vaginal bleeding when a girl or woman has not conceived a pregnancy.
The menstrual period lasts between two days and seven days, usually occurring once every 28 days, although anything from once every 24 days to once every 35 days is considered normal.
If you are having a period more than once every 24 days, it is considered an irregular cycle.
Having a period once every two weeks, or twice a month is abnormal and you should see your doctor because you may become anemic if you are having very frequent periods. They are sometimes a sign of infection or other medical problem that would need treatment.
Reasons for a period every two weeks could be:
• Dramatic weight loss or gain -- This changes the hormones in the body and these are responsible for directing when the period will start.
• Excessive exercise -- This too disrupts hormones.
• Stress -- Exams, family argument, financial worries, divorce, even a holiday can cause a temporary change in your menstrual cycle.
• Illness and/or medications -- Some medications can affect your cycle. Talk to your doctor about altering or stopping your medication if you think this is happening.
• Uterine problems such as polyps, cysts, fibroids or tumors (either benign or cancerous).
• Sexually transmitted infections -- These can cause bleeding in between periods which can be mistaken for a period.
• Thyroid problems -- Thyroid disease could cause a thickening of the uterine lining, resulting in more bleeding than normal.
• Reactions to contraceptive methods -- Sometimes the pill, depo provera injections or the copper-only IUD can result in a change in your cycle.
~ The pill and IUD can make you bleed in between periods, known as "breakthrough bleeding" and this may be mistaken for a period.
~ The IUD can also make your periods heavier.
~ The depo-provera injection can make your cycle irregular, however, it often stops your period altogether instead of making it more frequent.
~ Sometimes changing or stopping your method of contraception can cause a sudden drop in hormones and this can result in a change to your cycle.
• Onset of menopause -- In women aged 45 and over, having periods every two weeks can be a sign that you are about to go through menopause. It can be a sign of ovulation beginning to shut down. If you are under 45, having irregular periods in addition to other symptoms commonly associated with menopause, may signal premature ovarian failure.
Treatment
Sometimes treatment is not necessary, for instance, if the disruption in cycle is due to stress, weight loss or gain, or illness, it may be temporary and may correct itself in time.
However, to rule out other possibilities your doctor will perform a pelvic examination. Your doctor may also take a sample of the uterine lining as well as doing an ultrasound scan to see if there are any obstructions in the uterus, such as fibroids.
If any obstructions are found, you can be referred for surgery to have them removed. If any cancer is found, you will be referred to an oncologist who will plan your care with you.
Sexually transmitted infections can be treated with antibiotics (and the use of condoms to prevent further infections). Your partner may have to be treated as well.
If the problem is caused by a contraceptive device or medication, this can usually be changed to stop the problem.
Heavy and/or frequent periods can sometimes be controlled by certain brands of the pill. If you find they are really disrupting your life, for instance, you are bleeding through your clothes, have to miss work days and can’t plan your holidays, this may be an option depending on your medical history.
Hormone treatment could also be given in this scenario, if you have thyroid disease or if you are starting menopause.
Sources:
Periods, Heavy. NHS Choices. Web. 26 May 2012. http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods-heavy/pages/introduction.aspx
Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia). WebMD. Retrieved May 27, 2012.
http://women.webmd.com/guide/heavy-period-causes-treatments
Top Ten Causes of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. About.com Women's health. Retrieved May 27, 2012. http://womenshealth.about.com/od/abnormalbleeding/a/causemenorrhagi.htm
Irregular Periods Every Two Weeks, 34 Menopause Symptoms. Web. 26 May 2012.
http://www.34-menopause-symptoms.com/irregular-periods/articles/irregular-periods-every-two-weeks.htm
Premature Ovarian Failure, National Insititute for Child Health and Human Development. Web. 26 May 2012. http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/Premature_Ovarian_Failure.cfm
Joanna is a freelance health writer for The Mother magazine and Suite 101 with a column on infertility, http://infertility.suite101.com/ She is the mother of five children and practices natural childbirth, delayed cord clamping, full term breastfeeding and organic food diet.
Reviewed May 28, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith
Add a Comment221 Comments
Hello Anonymous,
The only way to fix the problem is to identify what is causing it.
I understand you had an ultrasound and have tried oral contraceptives, but has your gynecologist done any blood tests to check your hormone levels?
The menstrual cycle is regulated by a precise balance of hormones. Any upset in this balance will cause irregularities. In addition to checking estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormones, it would be wise to check your thyroid gland, pituitary gland and adrenal gland functions.
Just a thought.
Regards,
November 10, 2015 - 9:22amMaryann
This Comment
Hello, I'm fifteen years old, and I've been consistently having periods twice a month for maybe three months now. It started earlier last year as well, but my cycle went back to normal by the beginning of this year. I have already gone to see my doctor, but I tested negative for anemia. I don't understand why I'm getting such frequent periods, and it worries me because it conflicts with my swim team obligations.
November 5, 2015 - 6:57pmThis Comment
Hello Anonymous,
Has the doctor checked hormone levels?
I am glad that you have not developed iron deficiency anemia, but having two periods a month is no fun and the cause needs to be found.
Regards,
November 6, 2015 - 9:57amMaryann
This Comment
I am 14 and started my period around 1.5 years ago and recently I have had a period and then only 12 days later I have had another period. Do I need to see a doctor?
November 5, 2015 - 12:42pmThis Comment
Hello Anonymous,
Have you mentioned this to your parent? You can either wait and see if this happens again, or ask your parent to speak with a nurse at your pediatrician's office. If you were my daughter, I would mention this to the pediatrician and follow any recommendations.
Regards,
November 6, 2015 - 9:54amMaryann
This Comment
Hello, I am 11 years old and got my first period on the 25th of october. It ended on the 29th. I just got another one today and I'm a bit confused. It's only been 6 days? Anyway, I have been under stress in the past 4-5 days (project for school) so I'm thinking that that might be the reason. Advice?
November 4, 2015 - 7:13pmThis Comment
Hello Anonymous,
Generally we do not answer questions from someone so young.
Have you shared this with your mother?
In the beginning of menstruation, it is not unusual for the menstrual cycle to be irregular. As your body adjusts to the changes in hormones, your periods should become more regular.
I asked if you shared this with your parent because it might be a good idea for her to contact your pediatrician. Six days in between is a very short time and you may want to check with your doctor.
Regards,
November 5, 2015 - 9:27amMaryann
This Comment
I am 22 years old... I had my periods in August and then missed it in September.. In October 1st week I had periods and now after few days I again had them... I am having periods twice in same month... And it's bleeding heavily even on the 5th day.. Do I need to consult a ganecologist..????
October 22, 2015 - 10:47pmThis Comment
Hello Anonymous,
Yes, it would be wise to schedule an appointment with a gynecologist. This is abnormal. Prolonged and heavy vaginal bleeding can put you at risk for iron deficiency anemia. You need to find out the cause.
Regards,
October 23, 2015 - 9:18amMaryann
This Comment
Im 16, i had sex right before my period and he didnt pull out.. i got my period for the second time about 4 days after my period ended and it stop for 3 days and came back. Im not sure whats going on.. someone please give me answers(:
October 7, 2015 - 2:32pmThis Comment