How To Stop Your Period Early

Getting ready for the party of the season or the vacation of the year and your period decides to come knocking on your door? Annoying and frustrating, isn’t it? Don’t worry, there are a couple of tips you can try out to stop your period early. If you were thinking of chucking all your plans up and sitting at home, you don’t have to anymore. In this article, we explore whether it is safe to stop your period early and a few home remedies you can try to enjoy your amazing vacation. Read on to know more!

Is It Safe To Stop Your Period In The Long Term?

The length of the menstrual cycle may vary from one woman to another. Some factors can also interfere with its onset, such as stress, your weight, and your hormones. While the average cycle usually lasts anywhere between 2 to 7 days, some women may have longer periods. The menstrual cycle shortening occurs as a woman ages and if she is on contraceptives.

Complete menstruation cessation occurs around the age of 45 to 50 and marks the end of the period cycle in women.

If the menstrual cycle is too long, it often interferes with travel and other plans. Hence, it is natural for women to look for ways to suppress or end their period faster.

There are both long-term and short-term ways to stop periods. Long-term methods usually involve taking birth control pills, progestin shots, or contraceptive implants. There is no evidence that stopping your periods in the long term may be harmful to you, but the side effects often associated with contraceptives are no secret. Some of these include nausea, headache, breast tenderness, increased vaginal discharge, cramps, and decreased libido (1). Due to this, it is better to opt for these birth control methods only on the recommendation of a doctor.

The long-term hormonal methods may offer convenience, but they also come with potential risks. Hence, it is better to look for options to suppress your periods only for a short duration. And what could be better than some natural methods that may have fewer side effects? So if you wish to know how to stop your period faster or how to end your period in 2 days, check out the list below for some easy natural ways.

6 Best Ways To Stop Your Period Faster

1. Have Sex

Having sex while menstruating can help in not only reducing the flow but also soothing stubborn cramps

. This is because, as you have an orgasm during intercourse, your uterine muscles may undergo contractions. These contractions help the menstrual blood from the uterus move faster, thereby shortening your period. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this claim.

2. Exercise Regularly

Another way to try and stop your periods early is to get some exercise while you are menstruating. The muscle movement involved in exercising may facilitate the menstrual blood to move out faster from the body. There is not much research done on this claim either, but this is worth trying due to the several other benefits associated with exercising daily.

Quick Tip

Opt for intense workouts like HIIT exercises to reduce blood flow. You can also try vigorous outdoor activities like jogging or hiking to stop your period early.

3. Drink More Water

If you want to know what to drink to stop periods, then water is your answer. Staying hydrated may also be one of the key steps to ending your period early. It also has several other health benefits (2). If your water intake is anything less than eight glasses in a day, it is time for a reboot. Drinking enough water can also ease cramps and backache associated with menstruation.

4. Take The Right Nutrients

It is also important to provide your body with the right nutrition. Micronutrients like vitamin B complex are very significant for your overall health. Vitamin B6, in particular, is found to promote progesteroneⁱ  A sex hormone produced in the ovaries that plays a key role during menstrual cycles and pregnancy. and decrease estrogen (3). This can be quite helpful in regulating your periods.

Zinc and magnesium are two other essential nutrients that can help reduce period cramps (4), (5). These minerals can help you plan your cycle and manage its symptoms.

5. Follow A Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle that involves following a well-balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight is also important to prevent heavy flow and regulate your menstrual cycle (6). Obese women are at an increased risk of heavy flow. Hence, managing your weight is a step closer to a regular menstrual cycle in which the blood flow stops sooner than usual.

Quick Tip

An unhealthy and hectic lifestyle leads to stress, which may cause period irregularities. Make sure you sleep for at least 6-8 hours every night. Also, figure out an outlet for stress relief that works for you, like meditation, art, music, dancing, etc.

6. Proven Herbal Remedies

Here’s a list of home remedies that can answer your queries about how to stop periods immediately or how to end your period faster at home.

(i) Apple Cider Vinegar

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 glass of warm water

What You Have To Do

1. Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water.
2. Mix well and drink the mixture.

How Often You Should Do This

You can drink this once daily.

Why This Works

To answer your queries on whether vinegar stops periods, Consuming apple cider vinegar can help regulate your menstrual cycle, thereby helping it to begin and end on time. It can also help those who have polycystic ovary syndromeⁱ  A hormonal imbalance as a result of ovaries producing excess male hormones leading to irregular periods, among other symptoms. (7).

(ii) Ginger

You Will Need

• 1 inch of sliced ginger
• 1 cup of water

What You Have To Do

1. Add an inch of sliced ginger to a cup of water.
2. Bring it to a boil in a saucepan.
3. Simmer for a few minutes and strain.
4. Allow the tea to cool a bit before drinking it.

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this 1-2 times daily.

Why This Works

Ginger exhibits therapeutic potential and reduces the level of menstrual blood loss (8). Hence, it is an excellent option for those trying to decrease their flow.

(iii) Raspberry Tea

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of dried raspberry leaves
• 1 cup of water

What You Have To Do

1. Add a teaspoon of dried raspberry leaves to a cup of water.
2. Bring it to a boil and turn off the stove.
3. Let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes and strain.
4. Drink the warm raspberry tea.

How Often You Should Do This

You may drink this twice daily.

Why This Works

Raspberry leaves are effective in relieving menstrual and other gynecological symptoms (9). Thus, raspberry tea may help in regulating your period and preventing heavy flow.

(iv) Angelica Root

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of angelica root
• 1 cup of boiling water

What You Have To Do

1. Add a teaspoon of angelica root to a cup of boiling water.
2. Steep for 5-10 minutes and strain.
3. Drink the warm tea.

How Often You Should Do This

You may drink this 1-2 times in a day, especially around that time of the month.

Why This Works

Angelica root is a popular Chinese herb used to treat menstrual disorders and its symptoms (10). It may also help to regulate your period and prevent heavy flow.

These were the 6 potential ways to naturally regulate your period. However, if you are in need of quick, effective results, you may opt for progestin shots.

Progestin is a synthetic hormone that is similar to the natural hormone progesterone. It can be taken in various forms, such as hormonal IUDs and injections (11). Progestin can effectively reduce or even stop monthly periods by regulating the menstrual cycle. It is particularly valuable for those with heavy, painful periods, endometriosis, or medical conditions that can be exacerbated by menstruation (11).

While it can be a helpful solution, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable method and dosage for you as individual responses can vary.

Arial Monique, a YouTuber, recalls her personal experience of wanting to stop her menstrual cycle early. She took to the internet for a solution, where she came across the use of gelatin powder. She recounts, “…I got some gelatin and I drank it and I drank it Saturday and took the ibuprofens, and it definitely stopped my cycle for [a] few hours. Yes, it worked (i).”

Infographic: Top 5 Easy Ways To Stop Period Early

Generally, periods last for 2-7 days but in some women, it may last longer which can be really frustrating and at times painful too. Gratefully, there are certain remedies you can try that may help reduce your blood flow and even stop your periods.

Check out the infographic below to know the easiest ways you can stop your period.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does coffee delay periods?

Kimberly Langdon, a gynecologist, says, “No, coffee does not delay periods. The timing of a woman’s menstrual cycle is influenced by various factors, such as hormones, stress, diet, and lifestyle.”

She adds, “There is no scientific evidence to suggest that coffee consumption can delay periods. But yes, coffee can have an impact on your period by causing more bleeding and shorter and lighter menstrual flow.”

Can drinking lime juice stop your period?

Langdon says, “No, drinking lime juice cannot stop your period. The timing and duration of a woman’s period are mostly regulated by hormones in the body.”

Does your period stop when you sleep?

“Periods don’t take a break, even when you do! A woman’s period is a persistent, ongoing process, and it can’t be interrupted by simply sleeping. Though, yes, there may be some respite from cramps and other symptoms during sleep, the period will persist until it reaches its natural conclusion,” says Langdon.

Does coconut stop menstruation?

According to Langdon, “Coconut does not stop menstruation. While some people may believe that certain foods or natural remedies can impact menstruation, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.”

Is chocolate good for periods?

Langdon explains, “Chocolate is good for periods, as it contains compounds, such as theobromine, that can help to boost energy levels and alleviate feelings of fatigue. That being said, it is important to remember that consuming chocolate in moderation is key, as excessive intake can lead to weight gain and other health issues.”

What medicine can stop menstrual bleeding?

Certain medications can help prevent heavy menstrual bleeding. Ibuprofen, tranexamic acid, and oral contraceptives are often prescribed to reduce menstrual blood loss. If you are looking for home remedies to stop periods immediately, try out the above tips and remedies.

What is the best way to sleep with cramps?

The best way to sleep if you are struggling with cramps is the fetal position. This position helps to relax your abdominal muscles and also reduces the intensity of the cramps.

How do anti-inflammatories delay your period?

Anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen delay the menstrual cycle by reducing the synthesis of prostaglandins. The prostaglandins trigger uterine contraction to shed the endometriumⁱ  The inner lining of the uterus that thickens and regenerates itself each month anticipating potential pregnancy. every month.

Does taking high doses of anti-inflammatories cause side effects?

Yes, taking high doses of anti-inflammatories can cause side effects like stomach pain, heartburn, stomach ulcers, headaches, and allergic reactions.

How long does it take for the pill to work?

It may take about 7 days for the pill to start working depending on when you take it. If you take it within the first 5 days of your period, you will be protected from pregnancy right away.

How long does a period last?

A period may last anywhere between 2 to 7 days in most women. In a few, it may last even longer.

Will lemon juice stop my period?

No. There is a lack of scientific evidence suggesting that lemon juice influences the duration of your menstrual period.

How much ibuprofen do I take to stop my period?

Ibuprofen is recommended to deal with menstrual cramps, and a dose of 800 mg of ibuprofen three times a day may delay your period or reduce bleeding. However, if you are looking to know how to stop your period for a day or how to stop your menstruation immediately, ibuprofen will not be helpful.

How long does it take ibuprofen to stop your period?

Ibuprofen does not stop a menstrual period. However, it might delay it for a couple of days.

Does vitamin C make your period end faster?

While there are many claims that the intake of vitamin C and citrus foods reduces bleeding during menstruation and causes it to end faster, they are not backed by scientific evidence.

Discover natural remedies to potentially alleviate menstrual discomfort and explore various beverages that may help regulate or reduce menstrual flow. Watch this video to learn more.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Kritika VermaMBBS

   

Dr. Kritika Verma is a renowned gynecologist and IVF specialist with over seven years of experience. She pursued MBBS from SGRR, Dehradun, and MS from UP University of Medical Sciences, Etawah (Saifai). She currently runs her own hospital in Ayodhya and is an active member of the Uttar Pradesh Gynecology Society.

Read full bio of Dr. Kritika Verma

• 
  Dr. Kimberly LangdonMD Dr. Kimberly Langdon, MD, is a retired university-trained obstetrician/gynecologist with 19 years of clinical experience. Besides obstetrics, she also has expertise in menstrual disorders, vaginitis, infertility, menopause, contraception, pelvic pain, sexually transmitted infections, and minimally-invasive surgeries.
  
  Dr. Kimberly Langdon, MD, is a retired university-trained obstetrician/gynecologist with 19 years of clinical experience. Besides obstetrics, she also has expertise in menstrual disorders, vaginitis, infertility, menopause, contraception, pelvic pain, sexually transmitted infections, and minimally-invasive surgeries.

Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling.

Read full bio of Shaheen Naser

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Dipti SharmaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Dipti is a health and wellness writer specializing in holistic health practices. She graduated from Maharishi Dayanand University, Haryana, and has worked closely with Ayurvedic doctors, which has given her a deep understanding of traditional remedies and their applications.

Read full bio of Dipti Sharma