Periods can often be a buzzkiller during events such as a camping trip, exams week, or an important business meeting. These are just some of the reasons why people may want to induce their periods earlier than expected.
While there’s no guaranteed way to instantly make your period come within a day or two, you might find that certain things can nudge these monthly visits come a little earlier.
What could these things be? Read on further to find out.
Why your period might be delayed
Menstrual cycles are 21 to 35 days long on average. Some women may experience irregular cycles and delayed periods. There are several possible reasons for this:
- Stress
- Too low or too high body weight
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes or celiac disease
- Thyroid issues
- Overexercising
- Menopause
If you think you’re pregnant, it’s best to take a pregnancy test if your period has been delayed for at least a week.
How to induce your period
If you’re sure you’re not pregnant and would like to induce your period, here are some solutions you can try.
Take contraceptive pills
Oral contraceptive pills are the only reliable way to be in control of your menstrual cycle. Combination pills, which contain estrogen and progesterone, is the most effective method.
If you’re using pills, you take the active ones for 21 days, then the inactive dosage for 7 days. With this method, your period is expected to arrive during the 7 days of taking placebo pills.
Your period may also come earlier if you stop taking the active pills earlier than 21 days.
BUT take note, if you don’t use the pills as the doctor has prescribed, you may not be fully protected from unintended pregnancy.
It’s also possible to completely skip your period, and there’s a safe way to do it.
Reduce stress
Stress can delay your period, or even make your menstrual cycle irregular. And when your period is delayed, you might even stress out further!
So, give yourself time and space to relax, do moderate exercise, or meditate to ease your stress levels.
Things that don’t induce periods
There are some methods that people claim to be effective in inducing their periods. However, they lack scientific evidence and are not guaranteed to help induce periods.
Some of these myths are:
- Taking vitamin C supplements
- Drinking pineapple juice
- Using herbs such as dong quai and primrose oil
Final words
People have tried, and vouch for various methods to induce their periods. However, the only safe and reliable method to control your menstrual cycle is taking oral contraceptive pills. Reducing stress only helps in keeping your period on track.
Before you do anything, it’s best to consult a doctor first regarding all your concerns.
Sources:
Fielding, S. (December 12, 2020). Most claims about how to make your period come faster are false — here are the ones backed by science. Insider. https://www.insider.com/guides/health/reproductive-health/how-to-make-your-period-come-faster
Galan, N. (March 29, 2019). How can you make your period come faster?. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324830
Pelley, V. (December 17, 2019). Hurry Up Already! 13 Natural Methods and Myths to Get Your Period. Greatist. https://greatist.com/health/how-to-induce-period
