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Periods can sometimes come in the way of our plans. An adventure trip, a wedding, a swimming competition; and right when you are geared for it, phew, periods come knocking. There is limited research on ways to control your periods. However, there are some proven methods that work for speeding or stopping the periods. Let’s discuss the methods in detail.
There is no proven method for controlling periods. However, once your periods start, you can follow these methods to ensure that the menstrual blood leaves the uterus fast, thereby shortening the length of your period cycle. Here are some methods that help in stopping periods fast once they have started.
4 Ways to Stopping Periods Faster
1. Intense pleasure
Yes!! Having sex leads to Intense pleasure which make the uterus contract. These contractions increase the menstrual blood flow and hence your periods will end faster and quicker. This method is not backed by any scientific evidence, but since it does not have adverse effects, it is worth a try.
2. Exercise
Exercise is not just good for the general well-being of the body, it also increases contractions in the uterus. Movement of the body will allow more blood to leave the uterus through the female genitalia area, thus ending your periods faster.
3. Do Not Use Tampons
While tampons are a convenient way of managing periods, they may block the outlet of blood from the female genitalia area. So if you want a speedy and smoothly-flowing period, do away with those tampons and use sanitary napkins instead.
4. Birth Control Pills
If you are on birth control pills and your pill break week is going on while the periods have started, it’s time to start the next pack. When you start your new cycle of birth control pills, they will increase the level of hormones in the body and reduce your period flow. Also, the duration of the [periods will become shorter and the periods will be lighter.
How to Stop Menstrual Flow in the Long Run
The above methods refer to reducing your blood flow in the current cycle. If you want to reduce your period flow in the long run, there are some persistent measures that have to take. Let us discuss in detail the measures that you can take to reduce your period flow long-term.
1. IUD
IUD is a long-term contraceptive solution that is inserted into the female genitalia by a medical expert. There are two types of IUDs- hormonal and non-hormonal. Hormonal IUDs affect the hormonal functioning of the body and are known to reduce blood flow by up to 80%. These have to be replaced every 3010 years, depending upon the brand of the product.
[ Read: How to Delay Periods Naturally at Home ]
2. Hormones
a. Combined Pill:
Intake of combined birth pills reduces menstrual flow significantly. They contain hormones estrogen and progestin that suppress ovulation and keep the lining of the uterus thin, hence resulting in lesser blood flow.
In the case of contraceptive oral pills, people take them for three weeks and leave it for one (placebo)week, during which the periods arrive. The flow is lighter and the duration of the menstrual cycle is shorter.
Instead of leaving the pills in the placebo week, if you start the new pack, it will prevent the periods from occurring. The level of the hormones will constantly stay high, thus prevent the onset of periods. This method has an 80% success rate.
Also, there are many prescription pills available that give people periods every three months. Discuss the same with your healthcare provider before starting these pills.
b. Progestin Shots
Popularly known by the brand name Depo- Provera, the Depo shots are administered into the muscle or under the skin to inhibit menstruation. On regularly taking this injection of the progestin for a year at an interval of every three months, 70% of women do not get their periods.
c. Contraceptive Implants
This is a small device placed beneath the woman’s skin on her arm by a medical practitioner. This device contains progestin that prevents ovulation and results in fewer and lighter periods. After 3 years of use, this method works to prevent periods in 41.25% women.
3. Eat Right
Our diet plays a major role in influencing hormones. Vitamin B helps in relieving PMS symptoms and also promotes overall health. Vitamin B6 influences periods as it is known to increase progesterone levels and decrease estrogen levels. Eggs, fish, and poultry contain this mineral in abundance. Vitamin B6 influences the pituitary gland to regulate the menstrual cycle.
Studies also show that zinc helps in relieving periods discomforts and has effects similar to anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen. Foods rich in zinc include meat, legumes, and dairy products.
You can also try a combination of magnesium and zinc to alleviate menstrual discomfort. Magnesium is found in fish, nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables.
[ Read: How to Use a Tampon for the First Time ]
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obese people tend to have heavy periods. Yes, that is indeed true! Women who are overweight make experience bad cramping and bloating accompanied with a heavy flow that lasts for weeks. This is owing to the fact that fat cells produce excess estrogen which makes the cycles heavy and long-lasting. If you feel this is happening to you, consult your doctor and go for hormonal testing. They might also suggest some remedies to lose weight if needed.
While losing weight might not offer a quick solution to controlling periods, this will help in the long-run and help you regulate your period flow.
5. Herbal Remedies
Some herbs offer great relief from menstrual cramping and heavy blood flow. Do consult your doctor before starting a dose of herbal remedies.
Some herbs that reduce period flow are:
a. Fennel – It is an anti-inflammatory and has analgesic properties that control PMS symptoms. Intake of fennel is known to reduce symptoms of pain and heavy bleeding.
b. Myrtle Fruit Syrup – also know to reduce period flow.
c. Ginger – It is known to reduce heavy bleeding in menstruation.
d. Raspberry Leaf – this leaf has muscle relaxant properties that reduce uterine contractions and promote smooth period flow.
6. Stay Hydrated
Water is an essential nutrient that our body requires for all life processes. Drinking 8 glasses of water are recommended for all individuals. Drinking an optimum amount of water will not just reduce period cramps, it will provide relief from backaches. Lesser cramps help in quick movement of monthly cycles and you will experience your cycles shorter and smoother flow. Drinking water also prevents the blood from thickening, another reason for the heavy flow of periods.
7. Exercise is a Must
Regular exercising promotes cardiovascular health and lightens the menstrual blood flow. Exercise also improves women’s health and is great for strengthening weak bones, prevents bloating and lessens water retention in the body.
Your healthcare provider will suggest a relevant exercise regime based on your BMI(Body Mass Index). Be careful as too much exercise leads to very low body fat which is unhealthy for the body and reproductive processes.
Along with exercise, incorporate yoga and meditation into your daily routine as it calms the mind and regulates the hormonal level in the body. Often, heavy periods are a result of an imbalance in the hormones which can be corrected by yoga practices.
How Safe is This in The Long-Run?
The National Women’s Health Network states that there is no evidence that skipping periods using birth control pills is harmful for health. However, one of the side-effects associated with taking birth control pills for several years is the increased risk of cancer.
Heavy periods can have major effects on the physical and mental health of the women, leaving her body weak, unhealthy, depressed, and anxious. Women resort to medicines or herbal options to speed up and end their periods fast. It could be owing to career concerns, family events or other personal reasons. Consult your medical practitioner before starting any treatment to stop your period over short-term or long-term.
Products That helps you in Menstrual Cycle Time
Top Picks | Check Price |
---|---|
Best For Beginners: Lena Lena Sensitive Menstrual Cup | Buy on Amazon |
Extra-small Fit:The Hello Cup The Hello Cup Extra Small Menstrual Cup | Buy on Amazon |
Best For Sex: FLEX FLEX Menstrual Disc | Buy on Amazon |
The O.G.:DivaCup DivaCup Menstrual Cup | Buy on Amazon |
Best For Lighter Flows:Veeda Veeda 100% Natural Cotton Tampons | Buy on Amazon |
Best Organic:Rael Rael Organic Cotton Regular Pads | Buy on Amazon |
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