Want To Induce Your Period? Myths and Methods

Believe it or not, some people want to hurry up and have their period. Taking control of your cycle can ensure you know when it’s arriving, without interrupting your wedding day, a beach trip, or another important event. Many people use hormonal contraceptives while others try holistic measures, like eating pineapple or having sex. Whatever your reasoning is for inducing your period, we are here to set the record straight on the basics and debunk any myths.

Is it even possible? And if so, how can you nudge Mother Nature to arrive early before your big day?

Birth Control

This is the only scientifically backed and the most reliable method on our list to induce your period. The pill contains estrogen and progestin and can effectively control periods. Usually, a person will take a hormonal birth control pill for 21 days and then take a sugar pill, or a placebo pill, for seven days, which is when they have their period. If you would like for your period to arrive earlier, simply stop taking the hormonal pill to switch when the seven days will occur during the month.

Be careful when switching your pill, however, as this could result in an unintended pregnancy, and always talk to your doctor before making any sudden changes.

Stress and Menstruation

Feeling stressed or anxious? This could potentially delay your period. According to a University of Arkansas study, stress can negatively influence menstruation due to fluctuations in hormones, which may lead to an absence or irregular period. Relaxing and de-stressing by utilizing yoga, meditation, or a gentle walk can make your period regular again. Taking a hot bath has also been shown to reduce inflammation, which could be preventing you from having your period.

Having Sex

Some people claim that having sex (or masturbating) may induce a period due to the uterine muscles contracting during climax. The facts on this one are a bit fuzzy, however. Some anecdotal evidence says “Yes, sex can induce a period,” and scientific researchers say, “No, that’s not how it works.” The debate is up in the air with no concrete evidence saying this is a factual remedy.

Exercise, Diet, and Body Weight

Body weight and menstruation are very closely linked and can impact the arrival of a period if someone’s body weight is too low. Some people claim that exercising loosens the muscles and induces a period, but these may be people who have irregular periods. Exercising does ease period pain, however. Being under or overweight can also influence menstruation. If you’re under or overweight, try adjusting your weight to induce your period again.

Is Your Period Late?

On average, the menstrual cycle—which is the time in which a person starts a period and the day before her next period—is 21 to 35 days but it is different for every woman. If you aren’t trying to speed your period up for an event, but are rather worried why it hasn’t arrived, here are some reasons for why it hasn’t shown up yet. Reasons for a late period can be due to stress, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, birth control, diabetes, celiac disease, weight loss, weight gain, too much exercise, menopause, or pregnancy.

Overall, if you’re trying to induce your period, don’t rely on these holistic methods. Inducing a period can change the number of days that you bleed and cause irregular periods in the future.