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Published on: 3/5/2025

What Are the Potential Causes of More Frequent Periods?

More frequent periods may happen if your hormones are off, such as from thyroid problems, starting a new birth control, or extra body fat, which can change how your body builds and sheds its uterine lining.

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Explanation

If you’re having more periods than usual, your body might be experiencing hormonal shifts. One reason could be thyroid issues. The thyroid helps control your body’s energy and hormone levels, and if it’s working too fast or too slowly, it can lead to changes in your menstrual cycle. Another factor is obesity. Extra body fat can lead to higher levels of estrogen, a hormone that builds up the lining of your uterus. When there’s too much estrogen, the lining might build up more quickly, causing your period to come more often. Other possible reasons include stress or changes in health that upset your normal hormone balance. It’s important to remember that every body is different, and having more frequent periods doesn’t always mean something is wrong. However, if you notice a big change in your cycle or you have other symptoms that worry you, it’s a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider. They can check your hormone levels and help find out why your cycle is changing.

(References)

  • Koutras DA. Disturbances of menstruation in thyroid disease. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1997 Jun 17;816:280-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1997.tb52152.x. PMID: 9238278.

  • Reavey JJ, Walker C, Murray AA, Brito-Mutunayagam S, Sweeney S, Nicol M, Cambursano A, Critchley HOD, Maybin JA. Obesity is associated with heavy menstruation that may be due to delayed endometrial repair. J Endocrinol. 2021 May;249(2):71-82. doi: 10.1530/JOE-20-0446. PMID: 33836495; PMCID: PMC8052524.

  • Attia GM, Alharbi OA, Aljohani RM. The Impact of Irregular Menstruation on Health: A Review of the Literature. Cureus. 2023 Nov 20;15(11):e49146. doi: 10.7759/cureus.49146. PMID: 38130524; PMCID: PMC10733621.

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