Why Does My Period Stop & Start Again After A Week Or A Day?
You might feel like you have a good grasp of your menstrual cycle—until one day, your period behaves unpredictably. Maybe it arrives as expected but stops suddenly, only to start again the next day. Or perhaps your period ends and starts again after a week, leaving you puzzled. If this has happened to you, don’t worry—you’re not alone!
A period that stops then starts again the next day or seems to pause and resume unexpectedly can be influenced by various factors. These range from minor lifestyle changes and stress to hormonal fluctuations and even underlying health conditions. While occasional irregularities are usually nothing to worry about, understanding why your period starts and stops and starts again can help you identify when it’s just a natural variation and when it might be time to consult a doctor.
In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind these menstrual irregularities and discuss when you should seek medical advice. Keep reading to get all the insights you need!
Why Does My Period Stop And Start Again?
On average, a woman experiences a period for 2-7 days. During this period, she loses about two to three tablespoons of blood. This menstrual blood is a combination of blood and tissue from the endometrial lining of the uterus. It goes through the cervix and gets expelled through your vagina.
There are times when this menstrual tissue blocks the cervix and hinders your menstrual flow. All of which makes you question, “Why does my period stop and start again?” Apart from this, at times the endometrial lining doesn’t separate from the uterus at a steady pace. This is why you experience light or sometimes heavy periods for 2 days which then stop and start again. In such situations, stocking up on the best menstrual products like sanitary pads or tampons is the best idea. Try the ALWAYS Maxi Thick Pads which have unique anti-leakage barriers on all sides for maximum coverage. It comes with an extra absorbent core which quickly locks your menstrual discharge. Its high flexi wings allow you a worry-free movement by keeping your pad in place.
For tampon users, the ALWAYS TAMPAX Compak Tampons are a great pick. These have innovative absorption channels that quickly lock in the liquid and hold it in for a longer period of time. The protective skirt present at the bottom eliminates the risk of leakage. These tampons are made available in different sizes to suit your menstrual needs.
What Does It Mean?
The menstrual cycle is unique to each individual, and while some people have regular, predictable periods, others may experience fluctuations. If your period stops then starts again the next day or ends and starts again after a few days, it could be due to menstrual irregularities. These irregularities can occur for various reasons, including hormonal changes, lifestyle factors, or underlying medical conditions.
Below are some menstrual irregularities that could explain why your period starts and stops and starts again:
1. Intermenstrual Bleeding (Spotting)
Intermenstrual bleeding refers to light bleeding or spotting that happens between two menstrual cycles. It can sometimes be mistaken for a period that has stopped and restarted. Several factors can cause this, such as:
Hormonal fluctuations, especially around ovulation.
Birth control methods, including hormonal contraceptives like IUDs or birth control pills.
Uterine fibroids or polyps, which can cause unexpected bleeding.
Infections like sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
2. Oligomenorrhea (Infrequent Periods)
Oligomenorrhea is a condition where menstrual periods occur infrequently, typically more than 35 days apart. This can make it seem like your period ended and then started again unexpectedly.
3. Polymenorrhea (Frequent Periods)
On the other hand, some individuals may experience menstrual cycles that are too frequent, meaning their period occurs less than 21 days apart. This could make it seem like your period
4. Irregular Periods
An irregular menstrual cycle is one in which the length of your cycle varies by more than 20 days from month to month. This means that one cycle might be 28 days, while the next could be 50 days, leading to unexpected bleeding.
5. Shortened Menstrual Bleeding
Some people experience periods that last less than 2 days, which might make it seem like their period stopped and started again.
While occasional irregularities are normal, persistent changes in your cycle should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Getting medical attention for menstrual irregularities is imperative for ensuring menstrual health.
Causes Behind Why Your Period Starts And Stops Again
If you are wondering why are you getting your period again after 1 week of stopping, here are some potential causes behind it:
1. Hormonal Levels
“My period stopped then started again 4 days later,” if this is your complaint, your hormones are likely causing it all. In the initial days of your periods, your hormones namely estrogen and progesterone are quite low. This drop is an indication for your endometrium lining to shed. As your periods come to an end, estrogen levels start to rise. This surge thickens the menstrual tissue which thereby alerts and affects your menstrual flow. Sometimes, this imbalance between the hormones causes your periods to stop and start again.
2. PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is another condition that causes hormonal imbalance. It affects your cycle and makes you experience an inconsistent period. The exact cause behind this condition is yet to be known. However, few doctors suspect high levels of male hormones such as androgens and testosterone to be a reason behind it. In this condition, one might skip a period or experience a period that stops and starts again.
3. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a medical condition wherein the endometrium grows outside of the uterus. It brings irregularity in your cycle and sometimes causes spotting between periods. If you are wondering why my period stopped and then started again 2 days later with a light flow, endometriosis could be the reason. You can look for additional symptoms like pain while urinating or having intercourse, pain in the pelvic region, and painful bowel movements. If that’s the case, make sure to notify your doctor and take the necessary medical assistance to resolve this condition.
Apart from these, factors like stress, sudden weight fluctuations, poor nutrition, illness or excessive exercise can also fluctuate your menstrual cycle - leaving you with a period that starts again after 1 week or after a few days.
When To See A Doctor?
If as a parent you have a concern such as “My daughter started her period and then stopped,” then we understand your worry . The best way to put your mind at ease is to consult a doctor. If you or your daughter experiences any of the following scenarios, you must visit a doctor immediately:
- Heavy bleeding that seems unusual
- A period that lasts for more than 7 days
- Periods that stop and start again after 4 days or after a week
- Periods that stop for more than 3 months while you aren’t pregnant.
- Spotting between periods
- Periods that are less than 21 days apart or more than 35 days apart
- Severe pain, headache or nausea during period
- Lightheaded or dizziness during periods
- Unusual vaginal discharge
Takeaway
Experiencing periods that stop and start again might seem concerning. More than often it is linked to your hormonal levels. However, if you see yourself or your daughter saying, “My period stopped for a few hours and started again,” after every monthly cycle then it's best to visit a doctor. He or she is likely to run a few blood tests to examine your hormone levels. Once the cause is known, they will help you get back your normal menstrual cycle with the right medical assistance.
Disclaimer:
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