Menstrual Cycle Frequency and Normality

Under normal conditions, the menstrual cycle ranges from 28 to 33 days. Occasional advancement or delay of menstruation is a common phenomenon. Some women may experience menstruation every half a month, which can be puzzling. Sometimes, this half-monthly menstruation may be due to bleeding during ovulation, which typically lasts for a shorter duration and involves less blood volume than a regular menstrual period. This is considered a physiological phenomenon. However, is it normal to have menstruation every half a month? Let's explore this further.

Is it Normal to Have Menstruation Every Half a Month?

The normality of menstrual cycles should not be compared with others but should be judged based on individual patterns. Menstrual cycles vary in length, and the key to determining their normality lies in whether a long-term pattern has been established. If the pattern has been consistent for one or two years, with normal estrogen levels, ovulation, and no other discomforts, it is considered normal. Besides the menstrual cycle ranging from 21 to 35 days, there are also special types of normal menstruation, such as those that occur every 45 to 50 days, every two months, every three months, or even once a year. As long as a regular pattern is established and does not cause physical discomfort, they are considered normal.

The normality of menstruation should also be assessed based on factors such as menstrual duration and color. Regardless of the cycle length, a normal menstrual period should last for 3 to 7 days. A menstrual period shorter than 3 days may indicate low corpus luteum function, resulting in rapid shedding of the endometrial lining. Experts point out that, apart from cycle length and duration, normal menstrual bleeding should be between 30 and 50 milliliters, with a deep red color, neither too thin nor too thick, non-clotting, no blood clots, and no unusual odor.

Additionally, the absence of significant emotional fluctuations and other noticeable discomforts before and after menstruation are also criteria for assessing menstrual normality. If these conditions are not met, seeking medical attention is recommended. Occasional irregular menstruation should not cause undue anxiety, but repeated occurrences over two cycles or more should prompt consideration for medical consultation.

What Causes Menstruation Every Half a Month?

Menstruation every half a month is mostly attributed to bleeding during ovulation. This vaginal bleeding, which may resemble menstruation, is not a true menstrual period. It typically lasts for a shorter duration and involves less blood volume. Bleeding during ovulation is a physiological phenomenon, and it is commonly believed that it is related to changes in estrogen levels during ovulation.

When the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland reach a certain level, they induce the gradual maturation of follicles. After the mature follicle ruptures, if the estrogen level in the body drops rapidly to a level insufficient to maintain the continued growth of the endometrial lining, it can lead to necrosis and shedding of the endometrial lining, resulting in breakthrough bleeding with a small amount of blood. As the corpus luteum formed after ovulation secretes sufficient amounts of estrogen and progesterone, it repairs the ruptured endometrial lining, leading to cessation of bleeding.