How to Induce a Period: Natural Remedies, Methods, Risks

Period, also known as menstruation is a condition characterised as normal vaginal bleeding that occurs during a woman’s monthly menstrual cycle. Periods occur once every 21 to 35 days and lasts around 3 to 7 days. Though, due to various factors, periods may get delayed, this condition is also known as menstrual irregularity. According to a study published in the Economic Times, more than 50% of women in India have irregular menstrual cycles. Various factors like stress, thyroid issues, intense exercise, illness, PCOS, medications, and more can result in delayed periods.

Though, a delayed period or getting a period on an important event can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, or restrictive. Therefore people tend to look for ways to prepone their periods or ways to get periods immediately to avoid dealing with cramps, fatigue, and hygiene issues during important events. 

The Menstrual Cycle: A Quick Overview

A menstrual cycle is a natural monthly process that prepares a woman’s body for pregnancy. It involves a series of hormonal changes that regulate ovulation (release of an egg)-symptoms, calendar & tips and the shedding of the uterine lining (your period). 

Phases of Menstrual Cycle

Phase	What Happens	Days (Approx.)
Menstrual Phase	Uterus sheds its lining	Day 1 – 5
Follicular Phase	Hormones stimulate the growth of follicles	Day 1 – 13
Ovulation	One mature egg is released from the ovary	Day 14
Luteal Phase	Body prepares for possible pregnancy	Day 15 – 28

 

There are various hormones involved in the menstrual cycles- (everything you need to know about mensuration), i.e. oestrogen, progesterone, FSH & LH. It is important to understand the cycle as it helps track fertility, manage mood changes, detect issues like PCOS, thyroid imbalance, and more. 

Also Read: Symptoms of Pregnancy after Sex

Reasons for a Delayed or Irregular Period

The menstrual cycle is controlled by a delicate balance of hormones. Even small changes in your body, lifestyle, or health can affect this balance – causing your periods to come late, become irregular, or be missed entirely. Some of the main reasons for delayed or irregular periods include:

• Stress:

  Stress-(link b/w stress & high blood pressure) is one of the main factors that contributes to delayed periods. Mental or physical stress can impact the hormone balance that regulates menstruation. 

• Thyroid Disorders:

  Thyroid disorders can also lead to delayed periods. The thyroid hormones control metabolism and influence the menstrual hormones. 

• Intense Exercise or Physical Training:

  Exercising at a very high level may signal the body that it’s under physical stress which reduces oestrogen levels, halts ovulation, and leads to missed or delayed periods.

• PCOS-(pcos treatment):

  Polycystic ovary syndrome hormonal condition where the ovaries produce higher levels of androgens (male hormones). This disrupts the regular release of eggs (ovulation), making periods come late.

• Significant Weight Changes:

  Losing a lot of weight or gaining a lot of weight suddenly might stop hormone production in the body. Both the extremes can disrupt the hormonal balance and affect ovulation resulting in delayed periods. 

• Medications:

  Certain medications, especially hormonal birth control (myths & facts about oral contraception), can affect the timing and flow of the period. Some pills may delay periods or cause light, infrequent bleeding.

• Pregnancy:

  While being sexually active, even one missed or delayed period could mean pregnancy(pregnancy diet chart). It’s the most common reason for a missed period in reproductive-age individuals.

• Other reasons for delayed periods include perimenopause, chronic illness, weight fluctuations, breastfeeding, eating disorders, etc. 

Also Read: Challenges of Young Women with Breast Cancer

Natural Remedies to Induce Periods/Natural Remedies to get period faster

Several natural products may help induce periods by promoting better blood flow, stimulating the uterus, and helping regulate hormones. Some of the natural remedies include:

• Papaya:

  Papaya contains papain, an enzyme that can stimulate contractions in the uterus. It helps promote menstrual flow and balance hormones. Papaya can be consumed daily as fresh fruit or in smoothies.

• Ginger Tea:

  Ginger is known to increase heat in the body that may help stimulate menstruation. Plus, ginger tea can help reduce period pain once it begins. 

• Turmeric Milk:

  Consuming milk with turmeric can help improve blood circulation and balance hormones. Turmeric has warming and anti-inflammatory properties which can help regulate periods. It can be consumed daily by mixing ½ teaspoon in warm milk.

• Parsley Tea:

  Parsley is high in myristicin and apiole which is known to help with estrogen production in the body and also regulates overall menstrual cycle. Parsley can be consumed in small quantities. 

• Carom Seeds with Jaggery:

  Carom seeds with jaggery is a widely used home remedy used to induce periods. Carom seeds improve blood flow and jaggery provides warmth. Boil carom in water and add jaggery, and consume it warm. 

• Fenugreek Water:

  Fenugreek seeds (methi) are a popular home remedy in Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine. It can be consumed by soaking the seeds in water overnight and drinking the water on an empty stomach in the morning. Fenugreek water is known to support hormonal balance, improve uterine health, and may help regulate periods. 

Also Read: Ovulation – Symptoms, Calendar & Tips

Other Methods to Induce Periods

• Gentle Exercise & Yoga:

  Moderate physical activity improves blood circulation, reduces stress (link between stress & high blood pressure), and supports hormonal balance –  all of which can help trigger menstruation. Some of the exercises to induce periods include: 

1. 1. Brisk walking or light jogging
   2. Yoga poses like – Bhujangasana, Butterfly Pose, Seated Forward bend, etc. 

• Warm Compress or Heating Pad:

  Using a heating pad or applying a warm compress to the lower abdomen can help increase blood flow to the uterus and may help the uterine lining shed more easily. A heating pad or hot water bag can be used for 15-20 minutes. 

• Sleep Regulation:

  Did you know? Poor sleep or irregular sleep cycles (types, causes & treatment) can disturb the hormonal rhythm. The key lies in getting enough sleep of 7-9 hours and keeping a consistent bedtime. 

• Relaxation & Stress Relief:

  High-stress levels can interfere with hormone signals that control ovulation. Reducing stress can help bring periods back on track. Some of the effective methods to manage stress include meditation, deep breathing exercises, journaling, etc. 

Also Read: Pregnancy & Nutrition

When to See a Doctor?

Missing or delayed periods are quite common and usually aren’t something to worry about. However, a missed or late period can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue, so it’s important to know when it’s time to reach out to a doctor. Here are some signs that may suggest consulting a doctor:

• Missed 3 or More Periods in a Row: The condition is also known as amenorrhoea, and is usually associated with PCOS (pcos-symptoms & treatment), excessive weight loss, and more. 
• Very Painful or Heavy Periods: Excessively heavy or painful periods (tips to reduce period pain) that last more than 7 days may indicate underlying health issues like fibroids (causes, diagnosis & treatment), endometriosis (endometriosis – causes, symptoms & treatment), etc.
• Period Is Delayed by More Than 10–15 Days Repeatedly: A cycle that is consistently late or unpredictable each month. This may be due to hormonal imbalance, thyroid issues (all about thyroid disease), or PCOS. 
• Periods Suddenly Stop: Sudden loss of periods without obvious reasons (like stress or recent illness) needs medical investigation, especially for people aged under 40.
• Other signs to look for include excessive facial or body hair, acne (acne treatment) or hair thinning, unexplained weight loss or gain, breast discharge, and more. 

Read More: Hyperpigmentation – Causes, Treatment, Prevention & Home Remedies

FAQs

How long is a normal period cycle?

A healthy cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days.

Can stress delay or advance periods?

Yes, stress can lead to irregular or delayed periods. 

Can birth control pills regulate or speed up periods?

Yes, birth control pills can regulate or even speed up periods.