Lots of people get two periods in one calendar month: with any cycle shorter than 31 days, it happens sooner or later. With a 24-day cycle, for example, periods can start on the 2nd and the 26th. A cycle of 21 to 35 days is normal, and 24 days fits right in.
Is it a new cycle or bleeding between periods?
Count the days from the first day of your last period to the first day of this one. If it's 21 days or more and the bleeding was like a normal period, lasting 2–7 days, it's most likely a new cycle. If the gap is shorter than 21 days, or it was just a day or two of spotting (very light bleeding), it's either a very short cycle or bleeding between periods. A doctor can help work out which.
What causes bleeding between periods?
Common causes are hormonal contraception, small growths in the womb such as polyps or fibroids, and infections like chlamydia. Bleeding after sex can come from dryness, polyps, changes on the surface of the cervix or an infection. It's usually not serious, but always get it checked by a doctor.
What should I do now?
Mark both dates in the app and how many days the bleeding lasted. Note what it was like (spotting, a normal flow or heavier) and whether it hurt. If you had sex without contraception, take a pregnancy test at least 21 days after it: bleeding doesn't rule out pregnancy.
Then at the appointment you'll have dates instead of 'I think it was early in the month', and doctors really do find them useful.
Common questions
Could it be ovulation bleeding?
It can be, if it's a few pink or brownish drops in the middle of your cycle for 1–2 days. About 8 in 100 women notice this kind of spotting. If it's new for you, have a doctor check it once to confirm that's what it is.
Could it be pregnancy?
It can be: some people have light bleeding very early in pregnancy. It usually shows up around the time your period is due and lasts no more than 1–2 days.
I'm 14 and I've had two periods this month. Is that normal?
Yes, in the first 2–3 years cycles often jump around: in teens, 9 in 10 cycles last 21 to 45 days. If the gap is often under 21 days, bleeding lasts more than 7 days or periods are very painful, see a doctor.
In short
- Count from the start of one period to the start of the next
- Log every bleed, even spotting
- Show a doctor any bleeding between periods or after sex
Source: NHS: Vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex
Educational content; it does not replace professional medical advice.