Is menstruation supposed to occur once every month?

Under normal circumstances, menstruation occurs once a month. However, there are special situations in which menstruation may not follow a monthly cycle. The details are as follows:

1. Normal conditions

A woman's menstrual cycle typically ranges from 21 to 35 days. It is considered normal for the period to come one week earlier or later due to factors such as diet, medication, fatigue, or stress. Normally, menstruation occurs approximately once a month and follows a regular pattern.

2. Special conditions

However, during puberty or perimenopause, hormonal fluctuations can cause irregular cycles, meaning menstruation may not occur monthly. Menstrual cycles might become shorter or longer than usual. Additionally, endocrine disorders can also disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to periods that do not occur once a month. In such cases, regulation and treatment may be necessary.

As long as the menstrual cycle follows a consistent pattern, it is generally considered normal. Irregular cycles are classified as menstrual disorders and require evaluation through pelvic ultrasound and a panel of six sex hormone tests to properly regulate menstruation.