Menstrual flow is a physiological phenomenon of female reproductive system and it plays a major role in the ovarian cycle. A typically normal menstrual cycle usually ranges from 5-7 days but can go as long as 10 days. However, on certain occasions, many females may want to shorten and lighten their periods. Although it is not possible to shorten the periods permanently, there are ways to temporarily limit the length of period.
How to Make Your Period Shorter
The following are some ways to shorten your period. Before using any medication, it is essential to consult with your health care provider.
1. Oral Contraceptives
One of the most convenient ways to shorten the period is to use oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives are known to increase the flow rate while decreasing the amount of blood. These pills are a combination of female hormones called estrogen and progesterone. You need to take a combination of hormones for the first 21 days of the month, after which a placebo is consumed for 7 days. Although the success rate of using these pills is very high, there are certain side effects associated with their use, including spotting, weight gain, nausea and vomiting. Complicated side effects are stroke and myocardial infarction (heart attack) when consumed in the long term. Risks of these effects increase if you are a smoker, hypertensive or obese.
2. Other Contraceptive Methods
Other methods of contraception include IUD (intra-uterine devices), vaginal rings and contraceptive patches. Intramuscular injection of progesterone hormone (available as Depo Provera) is also effective. It is injected every 12-13 weeks and is a good choice if you want to know how to make your period shorter. However, some risks are associated with its use as some women have reported complete absence of periods after using it for one year.
3. Lysteda
Lysteda is an effective way to shorten your period, especially when you don’t want to disturb your hormonal physiology. Lysteda works by increasing the clotting of blood and stopping the flow. This method works well if you have heavy bleeding during menstrual cycles. It needs to be taken during periods three times a day and it does not interact with any of the fertility procedures.
4. Natural Herbs
- Chaste Berry
Chaste berry is one of the renowned fruits to treat fertility issues since the ancient times. Both the fruits and the seeds are used as herbal medicine. Chaste berry helps in maintaining the prolactin levels which control the menstrual flow.
- Raspberry Tea
Raspberry tea can relieve menstrual cramps and decrease heavy menstrual flow.
- Yarrow
Yarrow helps in controlling the blood flow by contracting the vessels.
- Maca Root
Maca root is one of the essential herbs in treating irregular periods. It also maintains the normal functioning of ovaries.
5. Reusable Menstrual Products
Wondering how to make your period shorter by menstrual products? Sea sponges, reusable cloth pads and menstrual cups are good choices to make the period lighter.
6. Hydration
It is important to maintain hydration during the periods as the loss of water in body can trigger the release of a hormone called vasopressin. This hormone causes cramps during menstrual flow, so drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
7. Exercise
Regular exercise maintains a healthy pelvis which helps in shortening the period length, decreasing menstrual cramps and treating post menstrual syndrome. Moreover, overweight females are usually observed with heavy menstrual flow while females with less body fat report shorter periods. An active and non-sedentary lifestyle is one of the key factors to maintain healthy periods.
8. Orgasm
A large proportion of females have claimed that sex and masturbation have a significant effect in reducing the length of period. This is because orgasm releases endorphins which decreases the stress and also works as a natural painkiller.
Note
- In case of heavy bleeding, consult your doctor for appropriate treatment. A gynecologist may rule out the underlying problem causing the heavy flow.
- Female experiencing stress may also have crampy and painful periods. Removing stress factors can help in reducing the period length.
Other Women’s Experiences on How to Shorten Periods
Some women share their experiences on the ways they discovered to shorten their periods. Bear in mind that every woman is unique. What woks for the others may not work for you while learning how to make your period shorter.
I cut off my caffeine intake and it has made a marked reduction in my pain and it also reduced the blood flow. Caffeine causes fluctuation in hormonal levels which prolongs the period.
I use aspirin on the first two days of my period and somehow it reduces the length of my menstrual flow.
For two months I have maintained a diary of whatever is eaten and its effect on my menstrual flow. I noticed that chocolate products such as brownie or milk chocolate increase my menstrual flow.
I used contraceptive pills and my total length of period was reduced to only four days of menstrual flow while the cycle was shortened to 28 days from 32 days.
In my high school, I used to do biking with 60-80 miles per day with my friends, which has almost vanished my periods. But you may not do it without consulting with the gynecologist.