How to Make Your First Period Come Faster
Periods can be super inconvenient, so wouldn't it be nice to control when it disrupts your life? Here are some options for getting your period started earlier.
When I saw the question 'how can I get my period early?,' my first thought was why on earth would anyone want to make their period come faster?! I thought about it for a little bit, and realized it makes perfect sense. Maybe you want to get your period before you go on vacation, or before a stressful week filled with deadlines. It's no secret that your period can be seriously inconvenient, so it would be nice if you had control over when it disrupts your day-to-day life.
I looked into it and it turns out you actually can induce your period! Keep in mind, if you've never gotten your period, this isn't going to work for you. Everyone's body is different, so just because your friend got her period at 12 years old doesn't mean you need to. Some people don't get their periods until they're in their late teens – even early 20s. That being said, if you've never gotten your period and you're feeling worried about it, go see your doctor. You can read more advice about your first period here.
For those of you that have gotten your period, I'll go over a few ways to make your period come quicker. These methods may not work for some people, but they're the best options you have for starting your period early. (Don't forget to browse our range of period panties if you need help with all the annoying stuff that comes with being a teen!)
Inducing your period with birth control pills
If you're on birth control, this is the most obvious option, as it's been proven you can both induce and skip your period using birth control. To induce your period, switch to your placebo pills (or sugar pills) sooner. We recommend speaking to a physician before trying this. I don't recommend going on the pill specifically for this purpose, unless you've been advised by your doctor to do so. This is simply an option if you're already on the pill!
Foods that induce periods
Pineapple
Pineapple is one of the most cited 'period-inducing' foods. The fruit contains an enzyme called bromelain, which can soften your uterine lining. Your period starts when your uterus begins to shed its lining, and pineapple can help speed this process up and get your cycle going sooner. It's important to note that pineapple is also known to increase red and white blood cells, which increases blood flow and can make your period heavier. So, enjoy some pineapple slices or pineapple juice when you want your period to arrive faster, but once Aunt Flo is in town, switch to something else!
Image via Instagram (@tonyfutura)
Herbs
A family of herbs called emmenagogues has been known to stimulate blood flow in your pelvis and uterus. Specifically, these herbs help soften your cervix (the passage from your uterus to your vagina) and can put Aunt Flo on track for an early arrival. Some emmenagogues include parsley, ginger, rosemary and sage. I would recommend having these herbs in tea form, because no one wants a plate of parsley and ginger for dinner – nor is that the best thing for your health.
Image via Instagram (@littledrill)
Vitamin C
Progesterone is the hormone that makes sure your uterus continues to thicken. Without progesterone, the lining in your uterus will thin and begin to shed. Vitamin C is known to reduce the level of progesterone in your body, meaning it can kickstart uterine shedding! If I were you, I'd choose to pour a nice big glass of orange juice and hope my period arrives early. Fun fact: oranges are also known as a 'heat-inducing' fruit – they can actually increase the temperature of your body, which can jumpstart your menstrual flow.
Image via Instagram (@littledrill)
I've only highlighted a few key foods here, but other foods that are often cited as period-inducing delights include: papayas, honey, cinnamon, turmeric, coffee, dates, bananas and chocolate. Dig in!
Stress reduction and exercises to get your period early
High levels of stress can prevent your period from arriving on time, so it's important to try and keep yourself stress-free if you're trying to induce an early period. Everyone has their own ways of de-stressing, but if you're stuck on how to chill your brain out, try some movement or exercise.
Exercise releases endorphins in your brain that can relieve stress and also reduce your estrogen levels. This is a good thing because estrogen is what makes your uterine lining start to thicken (not to be confused with progesterone, which keeps your lining thick after estrogen kicks off the process).
Image via Instagram (@littledrill)
Is it harmful to induce your period?
With the exception of birth control pills, all of these processes are natural remedies and will not harm your body when trying to make your period start. If none of these methods help Aunt Flo arrive sooner, your body is probably trying to tell you something, so you should listen. Once again, if you're considering using birth control to jumpstart your period, or for any other reason, talk to a loved one and consult with your physician to figure out what's best for you and your wellbeing.
Signs your period is coming
If you were successful in getting your period to come faster, you may start to experience some of the classic symptoms of Aunt Flo. Signs your period is coming are both physical and emotional - I'll go over some of the big ones.
Physical
There are a lot of things going on inside your body in the days leading up to your period, and it will show. You may experience some serious bloating and cramps, and thanks to all those hormones your skin may look like a war zone. Your boobs can become enlarged and sensitive and you'll feel tired all the time. Seriously, in the days leading up to my period I feel like I've just run a marathon but like, all day everyday.
Emotional
Do you ever feel like a crazy person on your period? You're not alone. Literally everyone might start making you angry as your menstrual cycle approaches. There's also a good chance you'll cry a lot, for no reason. Dropped your keys? A sad song? A cute dog? Waterworks. You may also become clumsier and just feel a little out of it. Oh and of course, you'll most likely want to eat about 700 pounds of food.
These symptoms are all very inconvenient, yet all very normal. Period symptoms manifest differently for everyone, and the longer you have your period the more you'll get to know how your body and mind reacts to the arrival of Aunt Flo. If you're aware of the symptoms you typically experience, it's a great way to tell if your period is coming sooner!
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How to Make Your First Period Come Faster
Source: https://www.knixteen.com/blogs/the-rag/how-to-make-your-period-come-faster