What does it mean to have two menstrual periods in one month?

Sep 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Having two menstrual periods usually refers to experiencing menstruation twice. In general, the main causes of having two menstrual cycles include emotional fluctuations, irregular lifestyle, luteal phase deficiency, endometrial polyps, adenomyosis, and others. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to promptly seek medical attention at a正规 hospital for proper diagnosis and treatment. In daily life, maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up late; also ensure a balanced diet.

Having two menstrual periods in one cycle usually refers to experiencing menstruation twice within a single month. In general, the main causes of having two periods include emotional fluctuations, irregular lifestyle habits, luteal phase deficiency, endometrial polyps, and adenomyosis. If uncomfortable symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Emotional Fluctuations

Long-term anxiety, stress, or sudden emotional disturbances can affect the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, leading to hormonal imbalances that disrupt the menstrual cycle and cause abnormal bleeding. It's important to adjust your mindset, relieve stress through exercise, listening to music, or other relaxation techniques, maintain emotional stability, and avoid excessive psychological strain.

2. Irregular Lifestyle Habits

Frequent late-night sleeping, overexertion, or inconsistent daily routines can interfere with the endocrine system, causing an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone secretion, which may lead to premature shedding of the endometrium and result in two menstrual periods. Maintaining a regular schedule, ensuring 7–8 hours of sleep per day, avoiding staying up late, and balancing work with adequate rest are essential.

3. Luteal Phase Deficiency

Insufficient progesterone secretion by the corpus luteum leads to premature loss of hormonal support for the endometrium, resulting in a shortened menstrual cycle and frequent bleeding. Under medical guidance, medications such as progesterone capsules, dydrogesterone tablets, or medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets may be prescribed. Hormone levels should be monitored regularly during treatment, and excessive fatigue should be avoided.

4. Endometrial Polyps

Localized overgrowth of the endometrial tissue forms polyps. The blood vessels on the surface of these polyps are fragile and prone to rupture, causing non-menstrual bleeding that may be mistaken for a second period. Under medical supervision, oral contraceptives such as drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets, ethinyl estradiol-cyproterone acetate tablets, or levonorgestrel tablets may be used. If medication is ineffective, hysteroscopic removal of endometrial polyps may be required. Postoperative care should include maintaining external genital hygiene.

5. Adenomyosis

This condition occurs when endometrial tissue invades the muscular wall of the uterus. It bleeds cyclically in response to hormonal changes, stimulating uterine contractions and leading to menstrual irregularities and abnormal bleeding, often accompanied by worsening dysmenorrhea (painful periods). Under medical guidance, medications such as gestrinone capsules, danazol capsules, or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules may be prescribed. In severe cases, laparoscopic excision of adenomyotic lesions may be necessary. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided after surgery.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a regular routine and avoid staying up late; eat a balanced diet and reduce intake of spicy or cold foods; manage emotions and avoid excessive anxiety; undergo regular gynecological check-ups to detect abnormalities in the uterus or ovaries early; avoid intense physical activity during menstruation; and keep the abdomen warm to promote comfort.