Some women prefer that their period begin the week before a big occasion, during finals week, or on a camping trip. They might attempt a few different things to hasten the onset of their menstruation.
There are no surefire ways to induce menstruation immediately or within a couple of days. However, a person can discover that around the time their period is due, exercising, experimenting with relaxation techniques, or having an orgasm could prompt the period to start a little earlier.
Certain hormonal contraceptives can help people control their menstrual cycle.
There are other additional suggestions for starting a period on the internet, such as eating pineapple or fenugreek, but there is no proof that these ideas are effective.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the ways people can start their periods. We also go over hazards and approaches without scientific support.
Methods for Inducing a Period
Hormonal birth control is the only effective way to alter a woman’s menstrual cycle. However, stress management, exercise, and diet may also be beneficial.
There is no way to start your first period early. A person’s first menstruation will normally start between the ages of 12 and 13, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). By the time they are 15, 98 percent of women, according to ACOG, will have their first period.
The ways that can be used to help someone who has already had a period start their period are covered in the sections that follow.
Hormonal Birth Control
The only effective way to manage the menstrual cycle is by using hormonal contraception, such as birth control pills or the ring.
The best way to regulate periods is to take a combination pill that contains both progestin and estrogen. People take hormone pills for 21 days before stopping or switching to a fake pill for the following 7 days. These seven days are when they get their period.
To have their period start earlier, people can stop taking the hormone supplement early.
Be aware that birth control tablets may be less effective at preventing pregnancy if they are not taken as directed by a doctor.
Additionally, utilizing birth control, which doctors often deem safe, allows people to skip their period.
Exercise
A light workout may help the muscles relax and hasten the onset of your menstruation. However, there is just anecdotal support for this approach, and studies have not verified its efficacy.
Some people experience irregular periods as a result of intense exercise routines. Moderate exercise may assist in replenishing the hormones required to restore a regular menstrual cycle.
Relaxation
High levels of stress have been linked in scientific studies to irregular menstruation.
Finding techniques to unwind and decompress might be beneficial, especially if a person discovers that their period is late or nonexistent as a result of stress.
Stress-reduction techniques include gentle yoga, journaling, meditation, and quality time with friends and loved ones.
Orgasm
Unbelievably, sex and orgasm can also trigger the onset of a menstruation.
The hormones released during sexual activity combined with the uterine contractions seen after an orgasm may help to widen the cervix and encourage the uterus to start shedding its lining.
Diet and Weight
A person’s period may change if their weight changes. Low body weight may result in irregular or nonexistent menstrual cycles. This is so that the body can create hormones that are associated to menstruation, which require some fat.
Unusual menstrual cycles can also be brought on by a high body weight or an abrupt change in weight.
Some people may find that particular meals can impact the timing, intensity, and duration of their period as well as postpone or accelerate it. The proportional amounts of fat, protein, and other nutrients in diets may be the cause of this.
Both extreme calorie restriction and excessive exercise can disrupt ovulation by affecting the reproductive hormones.
Other Methods
Many people try to get their period by using natural methods. Although there is little risk in using these approaches, there is no scientific evidence that they are effective.
Some people utilize natural therapies to try to start their menstruation, including:
Pineapple
Bromelain, an enzyme that some think may have an impact on estrogen and other hormones, is abundant in pineapple.
According to research, bromelain may help lessen inflammation, which suggests that it may be beneficial for some inflammatory reasons of irregular periods.
However, there is no evidence to suggest that taking supplements of bromelain or pineapple will bring on a period.
Vitamin C
Some people think consuming a lot of vitamin C can help to start menstruating. This might be as a result of vitamin C’s potential effects on estrogen and progesterone levels, the hormones in charge of regulating the menstrual cycle.
Increasing vitamin C intake is not detrimental, despite the lack of scientific data to support it.
Eat these foods to up your intake of vitamin C:
- green leafy veggies, like kale and spinach
- cruciferous veggies like broccoli and Brussels sprouts
- citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits
Herbs
Some people think that emmenagogues, which are herbs, can start a menstrual cycle. For this, people occasionally turn to chamomile, parsley, cinnamon, rosemary, sage, and oregano.
Some people also claim that fenugreek, chicory, papaya, celery, and pomegranate are emmenagogues.
Risks
The majority of the techniques covered above are risk-free and shouldn’t affect healthy folks.
Due to the fact that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbal products and supplements, it is imperative that individuals purchase any herbal supplements from a reliable source. Additionally, avoid using the herbs, foods, or supplements if you have a known or suspected allergy to any of them.
Hormonal birth control may not be suitable for everyone and can have adverse effects. Although uncommon, taking the birth control pill can raise one’s risk of getting a blood clot, having a stroke, or having a heart attack.
Complications from the pill are more likely to occur in smokers and people over 35. Discuss personal risk factors with a doctor before using hormonal birth control.
When to See a Doctor
An average menstrual cycle, according to some sources, lasts 28 days, while the common range is between 21 and 35 days.
If a person consistently skips their period or if their cycle is extremely irregular, they should visit their doctor. Inform your doctor if your menstrual cycle varies significantly.
If you develop any of the following symptoms while on the birth control pill, call your doctor right away or go to the hospital for emergency care:
- acute stomach discomfort
- severe headache
- calf discomfort, swelling, or redness
- shortness of breath or chest pain
Finally, those who use hormonal birth control to alter their menstrual cycles should consult their doctor on how to use their specific form of birth control, as the directions may differ from form to form and even from pill to pill.
Summary
People have experimented with a variety of techniques to start periods, from conventional to modern medical.
Hormonal birth control is the only effective way to regulate periods. However, by changing their diet, getting more exercise, and relaxing, people may be able to speed up the onset of their period a little.
Even if there isn’t enough evidence to say whether or not alternative approaches genuinely help, many people cling to them. Any worries or inquiries you may have about starting a period early should be brought up with the doctor.