The article has been medically reviewed by Doctor Ramlah Tariq FCPS on/gyn, RMP, MBBS, BSc.You can read more about our medical review policy here. It is also based on Rachel’s real life experience.
I know that while periods can be bloody annoying, I need them. A regular cycle shows a good picture of overall health and fertility. Not only that but knowing when my period is likely to show up helps me to be prepared.
When my period is running behind schedule there can be a number of reasons for it. Make sure you check out our blog ‘Late period, negative pregnancy test’ where I chat about why my period was off schedule.
I’m keen to get Aunt Flo back on a regular visiting schedule. So, I have been researching about ways that are thought to help induce my period.
I took a pregnancy test before trying any of these methods as emmenagogues (herbal remedies) to induce my period may be mildly abortifacient and could cause miscarriage.
How to make your period come faster | Home remedies
Warm bath or heat compress
Warm bath or heat compressHaving a warm bath or using a heat compress on my pelvis may help to increase blood flow.
Relax
I know that stress is a factor for missed and delayed periods when it comes to my cycle. During times of stress and anxiety our body produces cortisol as a reaction. Cortisol can cause imbalances and inhibit the production of menstrual cycle hormones progesterone and estrogen. You can find out more on how stress affects our bodies here.
The best way to counteract stress, is to relax. I take a bath, chat to a friend, read a book, pamper myself, take part in a chilled yoga or meditation class.
Herbal remedies to bring on period
Herbal remedies to bring on period faster are called emmenagogues. Of course, I checked I wasn’t pregnant before trying any of these!
Black cohosh
Black cohosh is a supplement that I like to use to help with regulating the cycle and easing PMS. The supplement is thought to help tone the uterus and encourage the shedding of the lining. You can read more on this here.
I also checked with my Dr before I started taking this in case there were any interactions with meds.
Hibiscus tea
A cup of hibiscus tea each day is not only delicious, but I thought it could be helpful to deal with my irregular periods. I have read that the hibiscus flowers can help to balance progesterone and estrogen to regulate periods. Why not read some more research on this here.
Foods to make my period come faster
Eating certain types of foods, spices and herbs is thought to bring on your period.
Healthy fats
The nutritionist I spoke to said that to keep your reproductive system healthy – that includes your period – your body needs fat. He wasn’t talking about the fish and chips, greasy burger kind of fat here. He was telling me about avocado, coconut oil, raw nuts, oily fish and seeds.
He said, “Having a healthy dose of fat will help to keep your reproductive system regular, particularly if you are an avid exerciser on a low calorie diet. Healthy fats will also help your body to absorb vitamins A, D, E and K. This will give your body what it needs for healthy hormones.”
Pineapple
There isn’t any solid research for this, but anecdotes tell us that pineapple could be a solution to induce my period. When I was trying to get labour going I ate so much pineapple that my tongue hurt!
The exotic fruit contains bromelain, which is an enzyme thought to impact estrogen and therefore induce a period. Read more on the effects of bromelain here.
Ginger
I have tried adding ginger to my daily diet, in your porridge, tea or cooking sauces, is thought to help reduce menstrual irregularities. You can find out more of the benefits of ginger here.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that I would usually add to curries or in a herbal tea. It is an emmenagogue, which is thought to stimulate blood flow in the pelvis and uterus.
How I induce my period at home – Summary
- Take a warm bath
- Relax
- Enjoy herbal remedies (only if 100% sure I am NOT pregnant)
- Eat healthy fats, pineapple, ginger and turmeric
I do know that there are ways to induce my period at home, however, they would be mostly likely to work when my period is actually due.
Irregular periods have been a problem for me, so I saw a doctor and a nutritionist. This blog is based on my own research and findings. If you are suffering from irregular periods always chat with your own doctor – not Dr Google!
Lots of love,
xxx
