Understanding the Menstrual Cycle
If you're looking for how to make your period come faster, you're not alone. It's important to note that many factors influence your cycle, from hormones to lifestyle habits. While your period follows its own rhythm, some things may help support its timing naturally. It’s completely normal to feel frustrated by the unpredictability of your cycle, especially if you're trying to sync it with an important date or event. Many women experience this worry, and it's a common concern when it comes to managing their menstrual cycle.
Factors That Affect Period Timing
The menstrual cycle is regulated by a delicate balance of hormones that prepare the body for a potential pregnancy. This cycle is controlled by what’s called the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which involves the brain and ovaries working together to regulate hormone production.
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Follicular Phase
The cycle begins with the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland. This, in turn, stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles. Ovarian follicles produce estrogen, which helps thicken the uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy. -
Ovulation
Rising estrogen levels trigger a luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, leading to one mature follicle releasing an egg from the ovary. -
Luteal Phase
After ovulation, the empty follicle forms the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum produces progesterone to maintain the uterine lining. If fertilization does not occur, progesterone levels then drop. This ultimately leads to the shedding of the uterine lining (menstruation).
This process may sound complex, but it's just one part of the whole picture. Other hormones, such as prolactin, cortisol and thyroid hormones, also influence the menstrual cycle and reproductive health. We'll explore these factors further in the upcoming sections.
When It’s Normal for Periods to Be Delayed
It’s normal for periods to be delayed for a number of reasons. Luckily, in most cases, there’s no need for concern. All the following can affect cycle timing:
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Pregnancy
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Hormonal shifts
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Stress
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Weight changes
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Intense exercise
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Starting or stopping birth control
Tracking your hormones in these scenarios can provide valuable insights. The Mira Hormone Monitor, Wands, and Mira App work together to measure key fertility hormones, helping you understand your body’s natural rhythms and better anticipate when your period is likely to arrive. By keeping track of these fluctuations over time, you can gain a clearer picture of your cycle and make more informed decisions about your reproductive health.
Natural Ways to Promote a Regular Menstrual Cycle
Exercise and Physical Activity
Gentle movement, like yoga or stretching, may help relax your body, reduce the stress hormone (cortisol) levels and offer a solution for how to get your period faster.
While regular exercise supports hormonal balance and cycle regularity, too much exercise, especially in athletes or those with intense training, can cause irregular periods.
Dietary Adjustments and Period-Boosting Foods
Diet influences menstrual health, and imbalances in nutrient intake can contribute to irregular cycles. Research shows that women with menstrual disorders tend to consume more high-sugar foods and have lower intake of essential nutrients like:
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Protein
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Vitamin K
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B3
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B5
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Sodium
Maintaining a balanced diet with nutrient-rich foods, such as lean proteins, leafy greens, whole grains, and healthy fats, can support hormonal regulation and menstrual regularity.
Herbal Remedies and Teas
Herbal remedies have long been used to support menstrual health, with various plants showing potential benefits for cycle regularity. Commonly used herbs like ginger, angelica sinensis, fennel, and common rue have been traditionally used to ease menstrual discomfort and promote balance.
Certain herbal blends, like Mira Fertility Tea, contain organic ingredients specifically selected to support hormonal balance and encourage a timely period. Formulated with herbs such as chaste tree berries to regulate hormones, goji berries to promote follicle growth, and ginger root to improve circulation, this caffeine-free blend also helps reduce stress – an important factor in maintaining menstrual regularity.
Many cultures rely on fresh plant extracts, believing they offer greater potency. While these remedies are widely practiced, scientific research on their effectiveness remains limited, highlighting the need for further study.
Stress Reduction and Relaxation Techniques
Managing stress can play a key role in supporting a regular menstrual cycle. Research suggests that adolescents who practice good sleep habits and maintain lower stress levels are more likely to have consistent periods. High perceived stress, on the other hand, has been linked to irregular cycles.
Simple stress-relief activities may help, such as:
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Stretching or trying deep breathing techniques like 4-7-8 breathing
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Sipping a warm cup of tea with intention
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Taking a short walk to clear your mind
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Tidying up a small space to create a sense of order
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Enjoying a warm bath or steamy shower for relaxation
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Setting aside time for intimacy, whether solo or with a partner
Lifestyle Changes to Regulate Your Cycle
Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Regulation
Sleep plays a vital role in keeping menstrual cycles regular, but disruptions in sleep quality and timing can throw things off balance. A study conducted in 2023 found that women experiencing menstrual disturbances – like irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, and severe PMS – often struggle with poor sleep quality, difficulty staying asleep, and daytime fatigue.
Sticking to a regular bedtime, limiting screen time before sleep, and creating a relaxing nighttime routine can help regulate circadian rhythms and are some methods to make your period come faster.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight and BMI
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for menstrual cycle regularity, as both obesity and being underweight can disrupt hormonal balance. Research shows that body mass index (BMI) plays a significant role in menstrual health, influencing cycle length, blood flow, and symptoms like dysmenorrhea (painful periods).
Obesity has been linked to early puberty, irregular cycles, heavy menstrual bleeding, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can lead to infrequent or absent periods.
On the other hand, being underweight is also problematic; a 2019 study found that adolescent girls with a BMI below 18.5 experienced more menstrual irregularities and pain.
Additionally, a study conducted in 2020 reported that while BMI may not always affect cycle length, obese women were more likely to experience heavy menstrual bleeding compared to those with a standard BMI.
How Birth Control Can Influence Your Cycle
Oral contraceptives can regulate an irregular cycle by providing consistent hormone levels that stabilize it.
They help:
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control ovulation,
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reduce hormonal fluctuations and
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create predictable bleeding patterns.
By blocking ovulation, contraceptives help maintain steady estrogen and progesterone levels, thus shortening or lightening periods and reducing symptoms like cramping or heavy bleeding.
Hormonal Balance and Menstrual Health
How Hormones Control Your Period
While reproductive hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, other hormones also influence your period. Here are a few examples.
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Thyroid hormones
Thyroid hormone imbalances can lead to missed or heavy periods. -
Cortisol
Also known as the stress hormone, can disrupt ovulation and cause irregular cycles. -
Insulin
This sugar-related hormone plays a role, too, as resistance (common in PCOS) can lead to hormonal imbalances affecting menstruation. -
Prolactin
This hormone is typically linked to breastfeeding, and can suppress ovulation if elevated.
Common Hormonal Imbalances That Cause Irregular Periods
Several hormonal imbalances can lead to irregular periods, often linked to underlying conditions. As we discussed earlier, these include:
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Thyroid Disorders
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause missed, heavy, or frequent periods. -
Chronic Stress & High Cortisol
Conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or prolonged stress can disrupt ovulation. -
Insulin Resistance (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) leads to irregular or absent periods due to excess androgens and insulin resistance. -
High Prolactin (Hyperprolactinemia)
Often caused by pituitary tumors, this can suppress ovulation and lead to missed periods.
Supplements That May Help Induce Regular Periods
If you're concerned about how to start your period, maintaining a healthy diet helps a lot and supplements typically don’t play a major role. However, if you have underlying deficiencies or hormonal imbalances, certain supplements may help:
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Mira Prenatals
Formulated with essential nutrients like folate, zinc, vitamin D, and magnesium, these prenatals support reproductive wellness, hormone balance, and overall fertility health. Prenatals with key nutrients like B vitamins and iron can also support menstrual health, especially for those with deficiencies. -
Vitamin D
Supports cycle regulation, especially in conditions like PCOS. -
Magnesium
Helps manage stress and may support progesterone balance. -
B Vitamins
Particularly B6, which can aid progesterone production and reduce high prolactin levels. -
Iron
Useful if heavy periods have led to anemia or iron deficiency, helping restore overall health.
When Medical Intervention Might Be Needed
When to See a Doctor for Irregular or Missed Periods
If your periods have always been regular, but you haven’t had one for more than three months, it might be time to check in with a doctor.
The same goes for your cycles being consistently more than 35 days apart.
Irregular or absent periods can sometimes be linked to other factors, so consider making an appointment if you’re also experiencing:
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Possible signs of pregnancy
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A family history of irregular cycles
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Severe acne or excess facial or body hair
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Unexplained weight gain that won’t budge
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Hot flashes or night sweats
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Frequent headaches or vision changes
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Milky discharge from your breasts
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High stress levels, recent weight loss, or big changes in diet or exercise
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Use of medications, herbs, or supplements that could be affecting your cycle
Periods can fluctuate for many reasons, but if something feels off, it’s worth getting checked out.
Medications That Can Help Induce Menstruation
If your period is delayed or irregular, certain medications may help regulate your cycle and induce periods. Depending on the cause, a doctor might recommend:
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Progesterone supplements
Often used to trigger a period in cases of hormonal imbalance -
Combined hormonal contraceptives
Birth control pills, patches, or rings that regulate cycles and help restart menstruation. -
Progestin-only pills
Sometimes prescribed for those who can’t take estrogen. -
Clomiphene (Clomid)
A fertility medication that stimulates ovulation. -
Gonadotropins
Injectable hormones that stimulate the ovaries to ovulate when other treatments don’t work. -
Dopamine agonists
Medications like cabergoline or bromocriptine, used when high prolactin levels are preventing periods. -
Medications to treat the underlying condition
For example, metformin for insulin resistance or thyroid medications if a thyroid disorder is affecting your cycle.
When a Missed Period Could Indicate Pregnancy
A missed period is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy, particularly if your menstrual cycle is usually regular. If you're sexually active and your period is late, it could indicate pregnancy, but it’s also important to consider other factors such as stress, changes in weight, exercise habits, or hormonal imbalances that can disrupt your cycle.
To evaluate your overall fertility health, the Panorama Fertility Lab Test can really help. This at-home blood test checks five key hormones (TSH, fT4, AMH, prolactin, and free testosterone) that affect cycle regularity and reproductive health. However, keep in mind that the Panorama Lab Test cannot detect pregnancy, as it focuses on evaluating your hormonal balance and cycle health.
Myths vs. Facts: What Actually Works?
Can Certain Foods or Drinks Really Induce a Period?
Many people wonder if certain foods or drinks can help bring on a period, but the answer isn’t always straightforward.
Some general considerations to keep in mind:
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If an underlying condition is causing irregular periods, food and drinks alone are unfortunately unlikely to help – treating the root cause is key.
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Most people who eat a balanced diet don’t need to focus on specific foods to trigger menstruation.
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If you want to try certain foods or drinks, it’s very important to ensure they are safe and won’t cause harm.
With that said, some options that may support menstrual regulation and are unlikely to cause any harm include:
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Fresh pineapple
Contains bromelain, which may influence hormone levels. -
Ginger
Thought to promote uterine contractions; also helps with menstrual pain. -
Turmeric
May support hormonal balance due to its anti-inflammatory properties. -
Black cohosh root, extract, or tea
Known for its potential to alleviate menopause symptoms; may help regulate the menstrual cycle.
Does Vitamin C Help?
Vitamin C is often discussed as a method for how to make your period come sooner, but no solid scientific proof exists yet. A 2016 study suggested it may influence hormone levels, though its impact on reproductive health is unclear.
That said, vitamin C has plenty of benefits and is found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and leafy greens. If taking a supplement, choose a high-quality one and stick to the recommended dose.
Can Sex or Orgasms Trigger a Period?
There’s no scientific evidence that sex can trigger your period early. However, if you’re already close to starting, sexual activity – especially orgasm – might help it arrive a little sooner.
While an orgasm alone can’t induce a period, the muscle contractions and increased blood flow may slightly speed up the process if your body is already preparing for it.
Is Deliberately Inducing Your Period Safe?
If you’re making lifestyle changes – like maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, or adjusting your diet – to help bring on your period, there’s no harm in that. These habits support overall hormonal balance and menstrual health.
However, if you’re considering medications or supplements to induce a period, consulting a healthcare provider is essential. When done under proper guidance, it’s generally safe, but it’s important to rule out pregnancy and address any underlying issues first.
Conclusion
How to get your period quicker isn’t about a single quick fix – it’s a mix of healthy habits, addressing any underlying conditions, and sometimes medical support.
While there’s no magic way to induce a period, maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, and managing stress all play a role. If an underlying issue is causing irregular cycles, treating it is key. Medications can help in some cases, but they should always be used under medical supervision.
With the right approach, you can work toward a more balanced and predictable cycle while supporting your overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a safe way to make a period come as fast as possible?
Yes, certain lifestyle changes like managing stress, maintaining a balanced diet, and regular exercise are some ways to help make your period come more regularly. In some cases, hormonal medications can be used under medical supervision to induce a period safely.
What can I eat for my period to come faster?
Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and healthy fats to support hormonal regulation and menstrual regularity. Try to limit high-sugar foods, as they may contribute to cycle irregularities.
How can exercising make your period come early?
Exercise can help regulate your cycle by reducing cortisol levels, improving blood circulation, and supporting hormonal balance. However, excessive exercise may have the opposite effect and delay your period.
How to get your period in one hour?
There’s no magic fix on how to make your period come faster, but managing stress, staying active, and maintaining a balanced diet can support menstrual regularity over time.
Can having sex start your period?
Orgasms can be a method helping to provoke a period that’s already “on the way.” Sex won’t start your period, but if it’s already close, orgasms may help trigger it by increasing blood flow and muscle contractions.
