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Period twice in one month: is it normal?
Having two periods in one calendar month can be normal if your cycle is 21 to 24 days long. It is worth seeing a GP if your cycle is regularly shorter than 21 days, if the extra bleeding is between periods or after sex, or if your periods are very heavy or leave you feeling tired and breathless.
- Two periods in one month can be normal with a 21 to 24-day cycle.
- Cycles regularly shorter than 21 days, or bleeding between periods, are worth a GP visit.
- Log spotting separately so you can see your true cycle length.
Having two periods in one calendar month can be completely normal. With a 21 to 24-day cycle, a period on the 1st and again on the 25th is expected. It is worth a closer look if your cycle is often shorter than 21 days, or if the second bleed is really spotting between periods.
How short can a normal cycle be?
The NHS describes a normal cycle as 21 to 35 days. The international FIGO system used by gynaecologists calls cycles shorter than 24 days “frequent”. Bull et al. (2019) found the average across more than 600,000 cycles was about 29 days, with plenty of normal variation.
Why might my period come every two weeks?
- A naturally short cycle, especially in teens and in perimenopause.
- Spotting mistaken for a period, for example around ovulation or with new contraception.
- Hormonal changes from stress, weight change or thyroid problems.
- Fibroids or polyps in the womb.
- Pregnancy-related bleeding, if you could be pregnant.
Sources
- NHS: Periods
- NHS: Irregular periods
- Munro MG et al. FIGO systems for abnormal uterine bleeding (2018 revision). Int J Gynaecol Obstet
- Bull JR et al. Real-world menstrual cycle characteristics of more than 600,000 menstrual cycles. npj Digital Medicine, 2019
- NHS: Vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex
Written by the Splash teamSources checked
This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US). How we write and check articles.