Delayed periods are nightmares. How wonderful could it be if one could induce periods before the due date?

With a few safe, tried-and-true techniques, you can hasten the onset of your periods.

As a female hits puberty, the body undergoes many changes, periods or menstrual cycle is one of them.

According to a report by Cleveland Clinic, one cycle usually lasts for about 21-35 days and each cycle has 4 different phases, periods being one of them. The ovaries release one egg each month with the uterus lining (also known as Endometrium) thickening simultaneously. 

If the egg gets fertilized (which again is a crucial process) no period is induced for the next 9 months. If the egg remains unfertilized, it flows out along with thickened uterus lining which has been shed by the uterus. 

The blood that flows out during periods is usually made up of blood, vaginal fluid, and the components of the endometrial lining.

However, you can induce your period faster. Let’s see how!!

Methods of Inducing Periods

A famous YouTuber Marissa Rachel has shared some good tips on inducing periods sooner. There are many ways to induce your periods sooner, but only a few of them have been backed up by scientific reasoning and research.

Inducing periods sooner has been a traditional practice during an unwanted pregnancy, irregular periods, or sometimes when you just don’t want periods to ruin your wedding plan or vacation. 

But Always remember if you’re trying to induce your periods sooner, it must always be done under the guidance of a verified gynecologist. Anything taken or done without a prescribed proportion may lead to various health issues. 

For example: If you take excessive Vitamin C, there are high chances of feeling nauseous, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps.

Now, let’s begin with various remedies to induce periods. 

• Take Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills can help regulate the menstrual cycles and work extensively for a long-term solution. If you take birth control pills, you typically get a period within 3 to 6 days after discontinuing the birth pills. If you discontinue use of the active pill before the 21st day, your period may begin earlier than usual.

But again, birth control pills come with a lot of side effects such as mood swings, hormonal changes, migraines, blood clotting, breast tenderness, weight fluctuations, reduced chances of pregnancy, etc. So in order to safely induce periods sooner via birth control pills, consult a qualified medical practitioner. 

• Increase Vitamin C Intake

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in supporting your immune system and maintaining overall health.

According to the Mayo Clinic, in-take of vitamin C leads to various complications. The suggested daily intake of vitamin C is 75 milligrams (mg) for women and 90 mg for men. For pregnant women, it is recommended to increase the intake to 120 mg per day. It is important to note that the upper limit for all adults is 2,000 mg daily.

P T McSorley claims that his research has shown that vitamin C helps the body increase estrogen levels. Increased vitamin C consumption has the potential to raise estrogen levels while decreasing progesterone levels in the body. As a result, this hormonal imbalance can cause uterine contractions and uterine lining shedding.

Estrogen helps to thicken the uterine lining, which causes uterine contractions and, eventually, the menstrual cycle. Here are some natural Vitamin C-rich foods you can consume in order to induce periods faster. 

• citrus fruit, such as oranges, kiwis, lemon, etc
• peppers
• strawberries
• blackcurrants
• broccoli
• brussels sprouts

• Take Emmenagogues (Period Inducing Herbs) 

These herbs are efficient and effective in inducing periods which also means they can cause miscarriage or abnormal development of the fetus. The Victoria State Government’s Health Department mentioned the following signs and symptoms of pregnancy hence refer to this before you take any periods-inducing remedies. Hence must be avoided if you are pregnant. 

These herbs basically help to induce periods prior to the actual date of mensuration. In Eastern medicine practices, People used various herbs in order to induce periods.

However, the Scientific reasoning behind this is purely based on personal observations and years of practice. Therefore there is absolutely no guarantee that it will work in every case. 

Here are some herbs that may help you induce your periods soon: 

• Parsley 
• Ginger 
• Saffron 
• Cinnamon 
• Chamomile 
• Fennel
• Sesame

• Eat Unripe Papaya or Pineapple

Natural emmenagogue properties exist in unripe papayas, making them a valuable source of this substance. Papaya may influence progesterone levels, whereas pineapple may soften the cervix, potentially leading to the onset of menstruation. However large amounts of papaya or pineapple might cause diarrhea or stomach upset. 

Various spices and Condiments 

Various condiments and spices that are often used in Indian households are unknowingly good inducers of periods, such as fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, sesame seeds, etc. Do not consume them in excess. 

(Bonus point: If you mix turmeric in milk and drink, it stimulates the blood flow and induces periods or regulates the blood flow in the body).

Lifestyle Changes and Activities for Faster & Healthy Periods

• Regular exercises & Yoga:

According to an article by CureJoy, the key to healthy and regular periods is proper and regular exercise. They can be a good remedy to irregular periods. 

A stressed and stiff body can have a lasting effect on the hormonal pattern of the body. 

Yoga can help to release all the stress that has been building up. Certain yoga positions like Vajrasana, Baddhakonasana, Pranayama, etc can help trigger periods earlier.

Exercises like Crunches, Squat Jumps, Standing Twists, etc can help induce periods.

These exercises help by releasing the hormone “Endorphin” which is produced due to pressure on the abdomen. 

• Warm Water Bath or a Warm Compress

Want to release all that tension built up in your body? A warm water bath can certainly help you with such issues. Warm baths have numerous benefits like increased blood flow and release of muscular tension.

Applying warm compression to your abdomen helps with increased blood flow thus triggering periods.

• Having Sex

Can sex induce periods? Yes, it can speed up the process if you end up having an orgasm near or around your due date.

The force with which the orgasm shoots can help release the blood. The force is so strong and intense that it causes uterus contractions thus inducing a period.

How to pamper yourself during periods: 

Jade Godbolt, A popular YouTuber talks extensively about how to absolutely pamper yourself during periods and just make the situation much better. 

We all can agree that periods can be painful with all the cramps and uncomfortable feelings. Therefore, we have a few tips on how to pamper yourself or your loved one during their menstrual cycle. 

• Heat compression: 

As mentioned earlier, heat compression or hot bath relieves period pain and the stress that comes along with it. If you are travelling and cannot really arrange for a heat compress, fill up a metallic water bottle with hot water and place it on your stomach, (does wonders) 

• Eat dark chocolates:

Sweets actually make the period cramps worse, therefore avoid consuming anything sweet. (Even though the cravings demand otherwise, do not give in to the temptation!) Dark chocolates are also an excellent source of magnesium and other minerals that help ease menstrual cramps.

• Watch your favorite movies, and listen to music: 

Basically do everything that will help you stay distracted from the pain. Do something you like, read a book, listen to music, watch movies, go out for a walk. Anything that can lift your mood and spirits. 

• A massage: 

Get hold of someone in your family, your significant other, or any friends, who can give you a nice massage, massaging muscles usually eases the pain and relieves the cramps. 

• Drink plenty of water and get an ample amount of rest: 

Stay hydrated during periods, it reduces bloating and you must get an ample amount of rest because you usually don’t tend to think about the pain when your body is at rest completely. 

(if your periods are unbearably painful, you should probably get that checked with a doctor.) 

Reasons Why Your Period Might Be Delayed

To give definite reasons why the period gets late we contacted a few gynecologists, and after consultation and our own internet research, we found these answers. 

Delayed periods are no less than a headache. Moreover, it is a nightmare no one wishes to go through..

When we come to think about it, there can be numerous reasons. One of the most common and possible reasons could be pregnancy.

Other reasons range from stress to anxiety, unhealthy food habits to bad sleep schedules; all these add up to the delayed dates.

Some common factors that induce delayed periods have already been mentioned.

• Stress: 

Stress is the leading factor to why periods get delayed. Having a hectic life, constant deadlines, and problematic relationships is the new normal for all of us. 

According to a report, a lot of people have developed stress-related health issues post covid thus an increase in the number of women suffering from irregular periods.

Stress can stiffen the muscles of your body, and hamper your mental health. The hypothalamus, the part of the brain that is responsible for numerous hormonal stimulation and also a period stimulator, gets adversely affected and thus messes up its work.

• Pregnancy:

It has been observed that women get pregnant and are unaware of the situation until the symptoms actually show up.

Pregnancy is the result of the egg getting fertilized by the sperm. It is usually a crucial process which is a matter of chance. 

Reminder: Always use a pregnancy test kit before trying any of the methods to induce periods.

• Menopause:

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Menopause is the point when you no longer have menstrual periods or in simple words, you can not get pregnant/ reproduce anymore.

Menopause is a natural phenomenon that takes place in the female body at and around the age of 51.

It can usually be diagnosed when you have missed 12 months of periods or such.

• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome):

PCOS is a condition where the female body starts producing male hormones, namely Androgen.

Females suffering from this condition are usually unable to ovulate, thus no periods and this symptom is usually accompanied by manly features like excessive body hair. Obesity and acne can also be prevailing symptoms.

Another symptom is cysts in the uterus which at times can burst and these rupturing cysts have been compared to “childbirth” by some of the Reddit users.

• Thyroid Problem:

According to an article by The Harley Street, the thyroid is a prevailing problem in women. According to the studies, 1 in 8 women has the probability to suffer from Thyroid at some point in their lives.

The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck region and is usually associated with the body’s metabolism.

Women usually suffer from Hypothyroidism i.e., less than usual secretion of the hormone from the gland. This usually results in a slower metabolic rate, irregular periods, and infertility.

Risks & Reminders while inducing periods

According to Doctor Cheryl Lythgoe, matron at Benenden Health, using specifically targeted hormonal medication chemically manages these hormonal peaks and troughs, and signals the uterus to shed its lining.

Intentionally inducing a period can result in changes in: 

• the nature of your period 
• the rate of your flow 
• the number of days you bleed 
• the regularity of your normal cycle

Food items/ recipes to relieve pain

We did some intensive research and came across some of those recipes.

Periods and food cravings go hand-in-hand!

The best way to ease those nasty cramps is to get some mouth-watering recipes that are both tasty and healthy!

• Rolled oats + Dark Chocolate + Banana & Cinnamon 

Dark chocolate is rich in Magnesium which is scientifically proven to reduce period pain. 

Mix Oats, dark chocolate, a pinch of cinnamon powder, and a few drops of almond oil with some milk and leave it overnight. Garnish with some bananas and your power food is ready!

• Ginger tea

Hydration is the key. Ginger is well-known for its medicinal properties. 

Boil a few small pieces of ginger roots with a spoon or honey in a pan filled with a cup of water. Let it reduce to half. Strain it all in a cup and there you have your cup of hydration. It can help reduce your cramps.

• Sweet potato salad in yogurt

Add boiled and peeled and mashed sweet potato to a bowl of yogurt, olive oil, basil, salt, and black pepper, and give it a nice mix. On the go, enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal!

• Sweet Potato Chips

Bake thick sliced potato chips in a preheated oven for 20 mins at 400°C along with some herbs like rosemary, and thin potato slices brushed with some olive oil.

When should you visit a Doctor?

According to a study by Medical News Today, if your period is delayed for more than 3 months, you should see a doctor. 

Periods are a monthly phenomenon and any slight deviation from the due date should not be ignored.

Delayed periods do not always mean being pregnant or stressed. There might be a more complicated and underlying reason for delayed periods. 

The doctor can then run some tests and recognize the cause. Starting with the medication as soon as possible is the best way to take care of your uterus.

Reminder: Always use period tracking apps.

Our picks: 

As a matter of fact, we believe in suggesting the best sanitary pads for the different levels of flow at different hours of the day: 

1. Whisper Ultra Soft Sanitary pads– when you have a long day ahead and want odorless and comfortable feeling 

1. Whisper Ultra Night Sanitary pads– These basically are perfect for heavy flow since they have good absorbing capacity. 

Key Takeaways on How to Make Your Period Come Faster

Regular periods are an indication of a healthy body and mind. However, due to some underlying reasons, they can be delayed.

Using various methods to induce periods is made easy through this article. However, one should be aware of the impact it can have on one’s health.

Always go for a method after deep research and try to avoid synthetic methods.

A happy and healthy ovary and uterus are the keys to a healthy and happy life.

FAQ’s

• What to do if the period is late?

Periods can get delayed 2-3 weeks on average. Be patient and you can try some of the methods to induce periods.

• Is coffee a period stimulator?

Yes, coffee can help induce periods.

• Is it possible that I’m pregnant if my period is three weeks late?

If you are sexually active, you might be pregnant. Take a pregnancy test.

• Can birth pills induce periods?

Yes, they can.

• Is there a reliable DIY method to detect pregnancy at home?

There are various methods on the internet but it is always best to use the pharmacy testing kits.

• Can inducing periods affect my health?

Using natural methods is the safest way to induce periods as the synthetic methods may have some side effects.

• Is there a medicine available in the market to induce periods?

Yes. There are various hormones-inducing medicines available.

• Can Using birth pills to induce periods cause back pain?

The side effects are numerous, back pain being one of them.