How to Make Your Period Go Away

Periods are your body's way of showing you that your reproductive system is working properly, and not getting your period at all is usually a sign of illness or an unhealthy lifestyle. However, there are ways to make a normal, healthy period last a shorter amount of time. To make your period go away faster, you can use heat, exercise, and other habits that speed the flow of blood while also changing your diet to keep yourself hydrated and maximize your vitamin C intake. Certain medications, like birth control, can also change your cycle and shorten your period long-term.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Picking Up Period-Ending Habits

Download Article

1
Use heat to your advantage. Applying a heating pad to your pelvis or taking a hot bath can help relax your pelvic muscles and dilate your blood vessels, which can stimulate blood flow and thus speed up your period.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Consider this a reason to draw yourself a hot bath and take a while to soak. Your cramps will feel better and your period may run its course faster – and you get some much needed me-time, too.
2
Exercise regularly. Exercising during your period can help alleviate PMS symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and moodiness.^{[2]XResearch source} Many people find that getting regular physical exercise can also help manage the heaviness and duration of their periods in the long run.
- In fact, overexercising, or exercising more than your body is used to, can completely change your normal period schedule. Gymnasts and the like often don't get their periods at all because they work out so much. While you shouldn't work out so much your body gets stunted, exercising regularly does have many benefits.
Advertisement
3
Try acupuncture. Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world, and is used to treat a wide array of physical ailments using pressure points rather than medicine. Getting acupuncture regularly can help regulate the menstrual cycle and alleviate mood swings, menstrual cramps, and other PMS symptoms.^{[3]XResearch source}
- It’s great for stress, too. However, some believe that it can stop your cycle entirely, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin taking this route.
4
Have an orgasm. New science says that orgasms can limit the duration of your period.^{[4]XResearch source} How? Orgasms cause muscle spasms that in turn cause the blood from your uterus to flow out faster. If you are open to it, it's worth a shot.
- Most people have a higher sex drive during their periods, anyway. Wait till the third day or so (or whenever your period is a bit lighter), lay down some towels, and stick to the missionary position if you are having sex. You may be surprised how much you like it.
- Though it's less likely, you can get pregnant during your period. Play it safe and use protection.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Eating and Drinking Differently

Download Article

1
Drink plenty of water. Being dehydrated during your period can contribute to bloating and other unpleasant PMS symptoms. Try to drink more water than usual during your period to combat these symptoms.
- Cut down on caffeine, alcohol, and sodium while on your period, as these things dehydrate the body. If you do consume these goods, make up for it by drinking even more water.
2
Drink more tea. Trying to fight that caffeine craving and staying away from soda and coffee? Turn to tea. Not only will it keep you going, but research says it's good for cramps, too.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Tea is the next best thing to water. If you can't drink water, this should be your go-to. In addition to keeping you hydrated, drinking tea has also been linked to fighting cancer, heart disease, and diabetes; encouraging weight loss; lowering cholesterol; and bringing about mental alertness.^{[6]XResearch source}
3
Get more vitamin C. Getting a lot of vitamin C can starve the uterus of progesterone, which in turn breaks down the uterine walls. All of these can lead to a more accelerated period, making it a thing of the past sooner.^{[7]XResearch source} Here's a short list of foods that have ample quantities of vitamin C:^{[8]XResearch source}
- Cantaloupe
- Citrus fruits and juices, such as orange and grapefruit
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Papaya
- Pineapple
- Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries
- Watermelon
4
Eat some period-fighting power foods. Say goodbye to cramps and period problems through your diet. The following list is full of vitamins, minerals, omega-3s, and antioxidants that all can curb the pain and lessen your period:^{[9]XResearch source}
- Dill
- Celery
- Sesame seeds
- Salmon
- Dark chocolate
- Parsley
- Hummus
5
Avoid dairy, caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and red meat. These foods are known to cause cramps and upset stomach, in addition to leading to stress and anxiety (at least in caffeine's case).^{[10]XResearch source} To be on the safe side, just avoid them during your period.
- If you desperately need a pick-me-up, go for a bite of dark chocolate and glass of red wine. Dark chocolate has that sugar you're craving but is more natural; red wine has heart benefits and antioxidants that fight in your favor.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Using Medication

Download Article

1
Consider taking birth control pills. Birth control works by suppressing your body's fertility and temporarily eliminating menstruation. Some people take birth control solely for the purpose of shortening the duration and frequency of their periods.^{[11]XResearch source} Talk to your doctor to determine whether birth control is safe for you.
- The amount of periods you get each year will depend on the type of birth control you take.
- For some people, birth control can cause unexpected bleeding (spotting) in between periods.
2
Consider other forms of birth control, too. Just about every form of birth control (hormonal IUD, the implant, the shot, the pill, the patch, and the ring) can make your period lighter. It won’t make it go away right now, but it can stop problems from arising later. Talk to your doctor about whether or not any of these options are right for you.
- If for some reason you don’t wish to have your period at all, many people report their period lapsing after taking the shot for about a year.^{[12]XResearch source}
3
Carefully consider skipping your blank birth control pills. If you’re on the pill, it’s relatively safe to skip the blanks and go straight into another packet. This way, you won't experience your period at all.
- With the approval of your doctor, this can be safe. Just know that you may have breakthrough bleeding if you rely on this method too long or too often. It can also give you some wonky physical symptoms and mess with accuracy in pregnancy tests.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- There are actually types of birth control pills on the market that have you take active pills for 12 weeks, meaning a period once every three months. If this sounds up your alley, talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for one of these varieties (Seasonale, Jolessa and Quasense, Seasonique and Camrese, Lybrel).
4
Take NSAIDs. In addition to fighting the pain and discomfort that often comes each month, NSAIDs like Ibuprofen or Naproxen may also reduce bleeding by 20-50%.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source} Pop one before hitting the hay, too, to get a more restful night's sleep.
- Follow the package directions when it comes to how many you should take. 200 to 400 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed is the recommended adult dose of Ibuprofen and Motrin.^{[15]XResearch source}
- See a doctor if your period pain is severe so you can get tested for fibroids and endometriosis.
5
Take calcium and vitamin D to help deal with PMS. Some medical experts believe that calcium and vitamin D deficiencies can make PMS symptoms worse. If you are worried that you are not getting enough of these nutrients, consider taking a daily multivitamin or changing up your diet to include more vitamin D and calcium-rich foods.
- Milk, collard greens, yogurt, rhubarb, tofu, and sardines are all rich sources of calcium.
- To get more vitamin D, incorporate more fish (especially raw fish), eggs, dairy products, oysters, mushrooms, and fortified cereals into your diet.^{[16]XResearch source}
- You can also take a cod liver oil supplement, which contains both vitamin A and vitamin D.^{[17]XResearch source}
6
Talk to your doctor about heavy periods (menorrhagia).^{[18]XResearch source} Everyone wants a shorter period, but for some, it may be a medical necessity. Menorrhagia is a condition involving abnormally long and/or heavy periods. Excessive bleeding caused by menorrhagia can cause anemia, shortness of breath, fatigue, and interrupted sleep.^{[19]XResearch source} The treatment you need will depend on what is causing the abnormal bleeding in the first place. Treatment options include using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, hormone therapy, or medications that promote blood clotting.^{[20]XResearch source}
- To determine if your bleeding is abnormally heavy, check for the following symptoms:
  - Bleeding enough to soak a tampon or pad every hour^{[21]XResearch source}
  - Periods that last for longer than 7 days^{[22]XResearch source}
  - Passing blood clots while menstruating^{[23]XResearch source}
- If you do have the above symptoms, talk to your doctor. You can get started on medication right away that can bring your periods back to normal and keep you healthy.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Birth control does not protect against sexually transmitted disease. You should still practice safe sex even if you are on birth control.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0
Talk to your doctor before adding a new vitamin or herbal supplement to your diet, especially if you are currently on any medications.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0
There are many potential adverse side-effects of birth control, including weight gain and increased blood pressure. Before starting birth control (for whatever reason) consider whether the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0