If you’re noticing that your menstrual cycle seems to come more often—perhaps every two weeks instead of once a month—you’re not alone. Many women experience menses every two weeks at some point, and while it can be unsettling, it often has an identifiable cause. Understanding what’s happening in your body is the first step toward getting back to a normal rhythm and protecting your reproductive health.

A typical menstrual cycle lasts between 21 and 35 days, with bleeding lasting three to seven days. Your cycle is controlled by a balance of hormones—mainly estrogen and progesterone—that prepare your body for a possible pregnancy each month.

When your period comes every two weeks, your body may be releasing hormones irregularly, or another condition may be causing unexpected bleeding. While a short cycle occasionally happens due to stress or illness, consistently frequent bleeding deserves a closer look.

1. Hormonal Imbalance

Your menstrual cycle depends on the right balance of hormones. Changes in estrogen or progesterone levels—often during puberty, after childbirth, or before menopause—can cause menses every two weeks. These fluctuations may temporarily disrupt ovulation, resulting in more frequent or irregular periods.

2. Perimenopause

As women approach menopause, hormone levels naturally fluctuate. One of the first signs of perimenopause can be shorter or more unpredictable cycles. If you’re in your late 30s or 40s and your periods are coming every two weeks, this could be a normal transition, but it’s worth discussing with your doctor.

3. Thyroid Disorders

Your thyroid gland plays an important role in regulating hormones throughout your body. Both overactive (hyperthyroidism) and underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid conditions can cause irregular or frequent menstrual cycles.

4. Stress and Lifestyle Factors

Emotional stress, major life changes, poor sleep, or extreme exercise can all affect hormone production. When stress hormones like cortisol increase, they can interfere with ovulation, leading to menstruation every two weeks or skipped cycles.

5. Uterine or Ovarian Conditions

Conditions such as fibroids, polyps, or ovarian cysts can cause bleeding between cycles. These growths are usually benign but can irritate the uterine lining and lead to spotting or full bleeding more frequently than usual.

6. Birth Control or Hormonal Medication

Starting, stopping, or changing hormonal birth control methods can temporarily disrupt your cycle. Spotting or bleeding every two weeks may occur while your body adjusts to the new hormone levels.

While occasional irregular bleeding isn’t always a concern, frequent menstruation can lead to fatigue, anemia, and other complications if untreated. You should schedule a medical evaluation if you experience:

• Heavy bleeding that soaks through pads or tampons quickly
• Severe cramping or pelvic pain
• Dizziness or signs of low iron
• Ongoing changes lasting more than two or three months

Your doctor may recommend a pelvic exam, blood tests, or imaging to determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For example:

• Hormonal therapy can help regulate cycles caused by imbalanced hormones.
• Thyroid medication can restore regularity if a thyroid condition is diagnosed.
• Lifestyle adjustments such as reducing stress, improving diet, and getting enough rest can promote hormonal balance.
• Medical or surgical procedures may be recommended for fibroids, cysts, or polyps.

Getting your menses every two weeks can be frustrating, but it’s also your body’s way of signaling that something may need attention. Most causes are manageable once identified.

At Modern Family Medicine, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help women and families understand and manage menstrual health. If you or your teen is experiencing frequent periods, schedule an appointment with our team. Together, we’ll uncover the cause and create a plan to restore balance—so you can feel healthy and confident again.