Facebook Pixel

Reasons for Having a Period Every Two Weeks

 
Rate This
Menstrual Cycle related image Andres Rodriguez/PhotoSpin

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

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Help!! I am very worried nd scared, ok so I got my period on the 7th of NOV., and then again on the 24th of NOV., and the weird part is that I didn't get any cramps or anything like that, and before in the past months I would get all the works that comes along with my period, like sort of a form to give me a heads up that it was coming, also It came sort of dark lookin, like a brownish type of color, my concern is why I got it twice in the same month, please please help!! I am 37 years old, and mother of two young ladys, and wife of one AWSOME hubby! PLEASE please help!!

November 28, 2016 - 3:35am
Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hello Anonymous,

How long is your normal menstrual cycle? How long did each period last? Was there a normal, heavy flow or spotting with each?

Consider speaking with your gynecologist, who knows you and your medical history. I can only suggest a hormonal issue, because the menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones.

Keep us updated,
Maryann

November 28, 2016 - 9:42am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I'm 38 this my frist time I had my period twice a month is it normal for have this I tide my tubes already

November 27, 2016 - 9:47pm
Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hello Anonymous,

It would not be so unusual if the first period was during the first days of the month, and the second started in the very last days of the month.

How long is your menstrual cycle? If the two periods were only a week or two apart, that would be a concern and something to discuss with your gynecologist.

Regards,
Maryann

November 28, 2016 - 9:39am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hi, I have a similar problem.
I'm 20 and for the last 6 or so months I've had two periods every month. They're either longer than usual and starting with brown-looking blood, or completely normal and going away within the normal for me duration. I'm a university student, so that adds up to the stress. I've had this happen to me once or twice before, last year, when I wasn't in sexual contact with anyone, so I'm ruling out an STD. My gynecologist gave me herbal pills a few months ago, but they don't really seem to be working, or they're doing their job very very slow. If anyone has any idea what could be causing that, please tell me, because it's freaking me out. Thank you in advance!

November 12, 2016 - 2:26am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hi,

I am in my mid-30's and I appear to be having 4 periods every 3 months. It's still October and I am on my 13th Period of the year. Earlier this year I have had two cycles which were shorter than 21 days.

I am really worried about how this might effect me having children in the future as my partner wants to wait a few more years before we start our family. I am scared that this means I will miss out. No one seems to understand how important having children is to me or how worried I am about my periods.

There is no information anywhere about having 15 periods in one year and what it means. All I know is I find it really upsetting.

October 24, 2016 - 12:56pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I will be 53 this year and I have been dealing with Menopause for almost 2 years now. I have my period every 2 weeks, sometimes sooner, and it lasts for 3 to 4 days and I use a box of 40 Super Plus Tampons every 2 weeks. I lose blood clots the size of a pingpong ball at least once or twice within the 3/4 days. I have always had heavy periods, however not every 2 weeks.
I am not married and never have been, however I am in a committed relationship and have been for the past 7 years and this BS makes it kinda hard to enjoy my sexual desires with my very patient and understanding Man.
"Aunt Flow" always comes to visit and I have NEVER invited her - can't stand the woman - she needs to be removed from Society!! lol
Just ranting and raving - I will deal with this part of life that God has bestowed on me, just like the rest of the "woman things" he seems to think we enjoy!!
Love to you all, Just Me

August 23, 2016 - 2:49pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

You might want to have an endometrial ablation. You will be happy!

November 10, 2016 - 7:15am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I found out I had an ovarian cyst last month (I don't know what size or kind). I went to the ER with pain in my right side thinking it was my appendix, but there was no infection in my blood. It turned out to be a cyst on my right ovary instead. I've never had children or been on any form of birth control (even though I'm 25), so it was my first pelvic exam and ultrasound. Fun times. Since then, I've had three periods every 2 weeks with stabbing pain so bad that I've actually cried into my pillow even after taking advil, etc. The ER referred me to an OBGYN and said that I could be seen once for free since I was without insurance at the moment. However, the specialist said it would be $185 for just an office visit. I can't do that. So, I made an appointment with my clinic even though they don't have a specialist like that there, and I have no idea if there's even anything they can do to help. If they aren't able to help me and this continues, should I try going back to the ER? Do you think they would just send me home to suffer? :c I feel stranded.

August 15, 2016 - 9:50am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I am 19 last month I had my period on the 13, 23 and this month 2, I am so scared because this hasn't happened to me before

August 5, 2016 - 11:24pm
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Add a Comment

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

Menstrual Cycle

Get Email Updates

Related Checklists

Menstrual Cycle Guide

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!